Idle Free Schools

Recommended Schedule

Ideally, an idling reduction campaign should be instituted over the entire school year, relying on
proven social marketing techniques to change the behavior of parents who currently idle their
vehicles at the school. Here is a recommended schedule:

Early to Mid September:

Pre-Campaign Observations:

•	Conduct first set of observations before
announcing the campaign.

•	Tools: How to Conduct Observations,
Sample Observation Form.

Late September:

Introduce Campaign:

•	Introduce campaign to the school/PTA.

•	Determine if and how students will be
involved.

•	Incorporate air quality and air pollution
concepts into classroom teachings.

•	Tools: Idle Free Schools Presentation,
Making it a Student Project, Clean
Teachers Guide.

October:

Get the Word Out:

•	Publish and distribute idling policies.

•	Distribute letters, pledge sheets, etc.

•	Begin school-wide competition for
which class collects the most pledges.

•	Publish articles in school newsletter

•	Tools: Sample Idling Policies, Sample
Letters, Pledge Forms, Idle Free Schools
Flyer, Clean School Bus Brochure, and
Sample Language for the Newsletter.

November:

Hang No Idle Signs Around School

•	Tools: Hanging 'No Idle Zone' Signs

January:

Mid-Campaign Observations:

•	Optional

March:

Driver Contact Event:

•	Tools: How to Conduct the Driver
Contact Event

April:

Post-Campaign Observations:

•	See your success!

Complete Pledge Contest:

•	Determine which class collected the
most pledges. If possible, provide a
prize (e.g., pizza or ice cream party)

Continuing Activities (each year):

•	Continue to teach students air quality
and air pollution concepts.

•	Include periodic reminders about the
school's no idling policy.

•	Hold one driver contact per year.

Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free!

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