UPDATE: Traffic Safety at JLS - Critical Safety Information for Families

IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Hoover Elementary Parking Lot and Drive will be CLOSED from March 25th 2024. 

JLS Families are asked to use the Mitchell Park Library Drop Off Zone, or park their cars in side streets and walk the last block to JLS.

JLS Students are encouraged to WALK, RIDE or ROLL to and from school whenever possible to reduce congestion.

 

Dear JLS Families, 
 

Please take five minutes to read this important message regarding Traffic Safety at JLS. We appreciate your cooperation, attention and feedback on this important issue. 

The JLS Construction Project has commenced and will continue until late 2025. This is a three-stage project to construct a brand new Administration Building, Library and Wellness Center. 

There is NO ACCESS to the Waverley Driveway or Parking Lot during school hours, and 30 minutes before and after the start and and finish of school. The driveway and parking lot are restricted to JLS Staff and Authorized vehicles ONLY.

All JLS families are asked to review their commute to school and make changes to help students arrive safely and on time, to reduce the impact of traffic congestion around the school.
 

All students are encouraged to Walk or Roll to School if possible, rain or shine! 

 

Avoid East Meadow Drive. This area is now a signposted 3 Minute Loading Zone. There is no parking in this zone between 8 am and 5 pm. Help keep both JLS and Fairmeadow students safe by avoiding this area. Police will be patrolling to enforce safe driving. Use extreme caution when crossing the bike lane or opening car doors. Look twice to check for bikes!

NEVER
- Run red lights
- Stop on crosswalks
- Make U-turns or turn right on red lights in school zones
- Drive in the bike lane or use the bike lane to pass other cars
- Use your phone while driving

These are all illegal and put both cyclists and pedestrians in danger!

Bike to School 
Students who arrive by bike may lock their bikes in any bike cage that is convenient for them! Encourage bike safety by ensuring your student has a properly fitted helmet, high-vis clothing and working lights front (white) and back (red).  
Review the road rules with them and help them practice their commute by riding with them outside of school hours.
Students on bikes should safely cross East Meadow during the "pedestrian scramble" phase of the lights at either Cowper St or Waverley St, with the aid of the crossing guard on duty, and not with car traffic. 
 
Walk to School 
Students who arrive on foot should take care to cross at the traffic lights and follow the directions of the crossing guards. If you need to drive, allow extra time and encourage your student to walk the last block. There is more space to drop off or meet your student on El Verano Ave, Cowper St, South Court, or in the Circles. 
You can park and wait for your student at Mitchell Park.
Students can safely cross East Meadow during the "pedestrian scramble" phases of Cowper St and Waverley St, and should never run across the road between the crossings.

The heaviest congestion occurs around 8:15 am. We can all help by doing our best to arrive early and avoid the area! 
 
FAQ 
 
1. Can I enter the driveway to pick up or drop off my student during school hours? (For example for a health appointment, illness or injury?) 
 

Yes, subject to these conditions, and only at the discretion of the school staff.
     1. The driveway is not actively blocked by construction vehicles
     2. The arranged time is more than 30 minutes BEFORE or AFTER school drop off or pickup. For example, you will be unable to enter the driveway at 3:00 pm on a Tuesday, because it is less than 30 minutes before the 3:15 pm dismissal.
Call the Attendance Office (650) 856-5179 before you arrive.

2. What about after-school activities and events at JLS?
 

It's still recommended to walk, bike or park at Mitchell Park. 
The parking lot and driveway are open to the public for use after 3:45 pm. 
Allow time for staff vehicles and school buses to exit the parking lot and reduce congestion. 

3. What if it rains/storms/is too hot? 
 

There are no exceptions for the weather. Encourage your student to dress appropriately for the weather. If you must drive, avoid East Meadow Drive and use the Mitchell Park Library drop-off location, or park your car in a nearby side street and encourage students to walk the last block. 

4. What about parent volunteers during the school day?
 

Unfortunately, there is no parking available for parent volunteers on campus. You need to use Mitchell Park or park in the local streets (park legally according to street signage).
If you have been asked to enter the driveway and parking lot for a specific reason by a staff member, call the Front Office (650 856-5188) before you arrive. 

5. (UPDATED MARCH 22) What happens when the Hoover Elementary construction project starts (est March/April 2024)? 
 

The Hoover Elementary Construction starts on Monday March 25th. 
The parking lot and driveway loop will be closed to parent traffic. Use Mitchell Park or park in a side street. 

6. What action can families take to help with road safety around the school?
 

• Be an upstanding member of our community and take extra care when driving around schools.

• Teach to your kids about how to walk and bike on the road safely. Walk and ride with them on the Safe Route To School. The California DMV has a great website for Cyclist Safety.

• Demonstrate caution and courtesy.

• Remember that children lack the risk assessment skills of adults. Allow them extra space and time, and assume that they are going to make mistakes. A few minutes delay is always going to be a better outcome than a collision.  

• Report any public safety hazards to the City using PaloAlto311. 
  You can report potholes, low-hanging or broken branches, paint on the road, broken or obstructed signage, leaking pipes or broken pavements. If it needs fixing, tell the City!

• Report dangerous drivers, accidents and near-misses to the Palo Alto Police Department.

• Attend meetings held to discuss school traffic safety to show your support and voice your concerns

Questions, Feedback and Complaints 
 
Use the PAUSD "Let's Talk" to share your concerns, report any safety incidents or share your feedback.

[Friday, Mar 22 at 2:49 PM]
IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Hoover Elementary Parking Lot and Drive will be CLOSED from March 25th 2024. 

JLS Families are asked to use the Mitchell Park Library Drop Off Zone, or park their cars in side streets and walk the last block to JLS.

JLS Students are encouraged to WALK, RIDE or ROLL to and from school whenever possible to reduce congestion.