Little Keswick School
General Information, Procedures & Policies
Little Keswick School
500 Little Keswick Lane
Keswick, VA 22947
434-295-0457
Claudia Hildebrand, Office Manager
The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The office is generally locked for lunch between 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. For after -hours you can call the supervisor on duty at 434-953-6221.
The Monroe Dorm - 434-295-0457 ext 29
The Madison Dorm – 434-295-0457 ext 49
The Jefferson Dorm – 434-295-0457 ext 47
The Yellow House – 434-0295-0457 ext 39
When parents are making reservations with you and the drop-off or pickup is before/after- hours ask them what dorm the student is in. Generally, any time after 7pm there are staff in the dorm. Ask if the student is traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (UAM/UM) and if this has been prepaid with the airline.
When making reservations, additional time is needed for UM to get through security. Please set pickup time to allow enough time for student/driver to be processed and clear security.
Driver information with Driver name, Cell and Address must be sent to parent/school prior to pickup/dropoff at the airport since they must give this information in advance to Airlines for UM.
Driver Information given must match picture ID.
**Some Airlines are now requiring the driver’s information to be given when the flight reservation is initially made or they will not confirm the reservation. Otherwise, for domestic flights, send driver information at least 3 days prior, international flights at least 5 days prior.
(Typically drivers are not assigned until 24 hours prior, but for Little Keswick Students, driver information must be given in advance. If assigned and driver changes, must let parents know immediately to give updated information to airlines. If the information is not updated, airlines will not release a student to the driver. (Driver information must match Airlines records.) If the information doesn’t match, driver/office must contact parent so they can update information with airlines. ONLY THE PARENT HAS The AUTHORIZATION TO UPDATE.
When assigning drivers, be aware drivers with UM must stay with the student until the flight is airborne.
(** Note: Flight may be delayed, sit on a runway or may have to deplane for a variety of reasons but the driver must remain at departure gate until aircraft is airborne. Gate agent has to tell you that flight has departed and is airborne. Do not leave this up to your discretion. Check with gate agent)
The driver is NOT to purchase any food/items for students without parent/school prior authorization since may have allergens/restrictions we may not be aware. A student typically will have their own monies and directives from parents/school regarding their purchases.
Many of the students’ families are high profile and want to keep children from the public radar. Do not discuss family dynamics, school attendance, medical issues, etc.
Procedures for Pickup and transport of Students FROM Little Keswick School
Unless otherwise stated, driver will meet student @ Little Keswick Office
LKS Staff will provide the driver with the flight itinerary and a data form containing parental information. The packet may also contain cash/check for UM (unaccompanied minor) and bag check-in charge. (Should also contain student identification and medication if applicable). Look over contents and direct any questions you may have to a staff member.
Call airline to check flight status.
If asked by a student to make a snack/food stop suggest they wait and get something at the airport because of time constraints.
At the airport, go to the respective airline ticket counter for student check-in and driver gate pass. If you learn flight has been canceled, call the parent/parents as listed on parental info form. Arrangements or changes to existing flight plan must be made by them. Otherwise, continue with the check-in process. Provide agent with the parental data info. On rare occasion, the driver may be asked to complete the UM form. Once check-in is complete and you have been issued a gate pass, proceed through security to the departure gate. Advise gate agent that you have a UM for this flight.
If there is an unusually long flight delay, contact parent/parents. Also, call BRET office and advise. (On occasion, if flight has unusually long delay, parent may ask driver to bring student BACK to school and then parent may reschedule flight)
Driver must remain at departure gate until aircraft is airborne. If uncertain about the aircraft status, check with the gate agent. Planes often push away from the gate only to remain on the ground for long periods of time out of the driver’s vision. Once the aircraft has taken off, call the parent/parents to let them know.
Drivers should not engage in personal conversations with students or ask questions regarding their attendance at LKS. Subjects regarding family dynamics or medical issues are OFF Limits.
Procedures for Airport Pickup and transport of Students TO Little Keswick School
Drivers are to meet the arriving student at the gate. Allow enough time to get a gate pass. Picture ID required; valid driver’s license is acceptable.
The student will be escorted from the plane by airline personnel who will ask to see ID before releasing the student to you.
Call parent/parents as listed on your run sheet. Ask a parent if they would like to speak to their son. Note on your run sheet name of the person you spoke with and time of the call.
Returning students, especially late afternoon arrivals, usually request a stop for food as the dining hall may be closed when you arrive at LKS. (Often parents make that request when calling). You may meet another classmate arriving at the same time on another flight who will want to join up. Coordinate with the Driver and Office.
Call parent/parents upon arrival at LKS. Once again ask if they want to speak with their son. Note the parent you spoke with and the time.
If the office is open, take arriving student there to be checked in. Otherwise, the student is taken to the respective dorm. Ask the student to have the dorm counselor come out to acknowledge their return. Should student body be in the dining hall or some other school building, make the drop there. As previously stated, request a counselor come out and speak with you. Note counselors name on the run sheet.