Getting To School

About half of our Fletcher students, bike to school and many walk! If you live too far away to walk or bike, consider walking part-way from a nearby neighborhood to avoid traffic congestion on Arastradero Road.

Use the Safe Routes to School Walk and Roll map to select a good route and read the safety tips. You may download the map here and printed copies are available in the Fletcher office. Major student entry points for walking and biking include:

• Arastradero Road
• Donald Drive
• Los Altos-Palo Alto Bike Path
• Bike path connecting to Terman Park (back of school)

Fletcher Campus Bicycling Rules

Bike riding on campus is restricted to the bike lanes. Bikes may not be ridden anywhere else on campus, including campus sidewalks, walkways, hallways, lawns, eating areas, or parking lots between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. while school is in session.

Lock your bike in one of the three bike cages. We recommend that students use metal U-shaped locks for the best security. Cable locks are easy to cut and therefore are not deterrents to bike thieves. The cages are locked during school hours but remain unlocked after school and many students stay on campus for after-school activities.

The school is not responsible for the theft of bikes. Thefts should be reported to the Palo Alto Police Department, 329-2413. Having your bicycle registered will help track stolen/abandoned bikes back to you. You may bring your bike to any Palo Alto Fire Station from 4-5 pm any day of the week for registration.

Rollerblades, Skateboards & Scooters

Rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters are not to be ridden on campus at any time when the school is in use. Students on rollerblades are to remove them immediately upon arrival, store them in their lockers and not put them on again until ready to leave campus. Students on skateboards or scooters must pick them up, carry them, and lock them in the secure locking station located in the bike cage, as soon as they are on school property. The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of rollerblades, skateboards or scooters.

Wear a helmet when you ride a skateboard or scooter on public streets or sidewalks. It's the law.

Tips for Helmet Fitting

There is often congestion on Arastradero, Terman Drive, Donald Drive, and the school driveway at peak hours. Plan time for your school commute so you won't feel rushed, enabling you to share the road safely. Please follow these safety guidelines to ensure the safety of all students.

• Slow down and use extra caution in school zones and along commute routes! Signal your turns and yield to pedestrians.
• Carpool with a neighbor to reduce congestion around the school
• Allow time to avoid the last-minute rush
• Obey adult crossing guards
• Obey the "No Right Turn on Red" signs posted at designated school intersections to allow students to cross safely
• Don't make U-turns and other unsafe maneuvers that put other road users at risk.
• When dropping off or picking up your student, follow school guidelines and always ensure that he/she exits or enters the car from the curb side.
• Never double park, block access ramps or stop where prohibited.
• Avoid texting, phone calls and other distractions when driving.

Parking and Drop-off Procedures

School Parking Lot

Our Fletcher Middle School parking lot is small; traffic congestion and back-up are challenges. We need parent and visitor help to ensure student safety and help maintain a steady flow during drop-off and pick-up times.

• Parents dropping off and picking up students should come into the parking lot and follow the signs to the designated 'Student Drop off and Pick up" location located on the side of the parking lot.
• The parking lot is one-way driving.
• Students are not to be dropped off in the front of the school, as this creates backup traffic
• Do not park or stop in the driveway to drop off or pick up students before and after school.
• Using these staff parking spots to quickly pull in and drop off students creates hazards and bottlenecks, endangering and inconveniencing others.
• Using the Bowman School parking lot is NEVER an option, please avoid.
• It is illegal to make a right-hand turn out of the Fletcher Middle School driveway onto Arastradero Road under the following conditions:
• When the traffic light is RED and when students are present, morning or afternoon, or anytime during school hours.
• Dropping your student off nearby and walking part of the way to school is a great way to avoid Arastradero and the Fletcher parking lot congestion AND get some exercise! Please do not drop students off on Arastradero Road; it is a high traffic, main thorough fair and is not a good location for drop off.
• Walking routes from neighborhoods near campus can be found on the Walk and Roll Map.
• Take the 1/2-mile challenge by dropping off a half mile away so your student can start the day with healthy exercise.