Fletcher Elementary School not only has a new principal this year, Walt Samick, but is also in the midst of building a new gymnasium and classrooms. In 2005, voters approved a $59 million series of capital projects that include additions to several instructional facilities and renovations at most instructional facilities. The district is in its final stage of this capital project, with the addition and renovations at Fletcher Elementary School.
''We would like parents and students to be aware of construction, which is in process at the beginning of the school year,'' Samick said. ''The school will be under construction through the spring of 2012. While the construction is exciting for Fletcher Elementary School, we must maintain a safe environment for all who use the Fletcher campus. We are pleased to have new bus dropoff and pickup site is located on Myrtle Street, curbed sidewalk next to the playground. To prevent any potential traffic issues, please do not park in this area at any time.''
The current parking lot at Fletcher Elementary School has very limited space available for visitor parking. Delays and congestion will continue to be an issue at dismissal time, especially with the on-going construction. Walking your child home is encouraged whenever possible. Fletcher School staff anticipates the south parking lot (behind the school) will be available on the opening day of school. For parents who need to pickup their students at dismissal, and who must drive, Fletcher Elementary School has instituted the following:
Article Photos
Pictured is a rear view of Fletcher Elementary School’s construction project. A new gymnasium and classrooms are being built at the school.
Please pay close attention to all traffic signs and adhere to them at all times. Those who violate posted regulations jeopardize the safety of the students.
Kindergarten students will be dismissed from the cafeteria at 2:55 p.m. each day (11:25 a.m. on half-days). The parent/guardian, or their designated individual, will need to enter the school at the main entrance and pickup their child in the cafeteria. We will not have the looped section of the parking lot back until October 2011. Kindergarten parents will need to park in the main lot and walk the sidewalk to the main office entrance.
Students in grades 1-4 will be dismissed at 3 p.m. as follows: Students in grades 1 to 4 will be dismissed from the doors on the original front of the building (facing Cole Avenue). Students in grades 1 and 4 will exit from the exit near the cafeteria, (closest to Whitehill). Students in grades 2 and 3 will exit from the upper doors, (closer to Myrtle Street).
If you have children at different grade levels, the older student(s) should use the same exit as the youngest child in the family and all your children may then be picked up at the same location.
We have a crossing guard positioned at the traffic light located at the intersection of Cole and Jewell to assist parents and students in crossing Cole Avenue. Please utilize the crossing guard when crossing Cole Avenue and stress the importance of using the crossing guard to your children.
Please be courteous to our Fletcher neighbors that still need to exit driveways. We are appreciative of all their understanding amidst all the construction.
''We are hopeful these measures will help improve the congestion in the parking lot at dismissal making it safer and more convenient for children and their parents,'' Samick said. ''We appreciate the patience of parents and the local community while we finish our on-going construction projects.''