Important Transportation Update for Fruitland Elementary Students on Attendance Waivers

Dear Families of Students on Attendance Waivers,
 
We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding student transportation for those attending Fruitland Elementary on an approved in-district or out-of-district attendance waiver.
 
Effective February 18, 2025, a temporary transportation plan will be implemented to address traffic congestion on Fruitland Avenue during peak drop-off and pick-up times. This plan is part of our ongoing efforts to improve safety and prepare for the construction of a new school parking lot and bus loop, which is funded by the 2024 Capital Levy.
 
All in-district and out-of-district waiver students will be transported between the Kessler Center and Fruitland Elementary School beginning February 18. The Kessler Center is located at 1501 39th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98373.
 
Families will need to drop their child(ren) off at the Kessler Center in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon according to the following schedule. For planning purposes, please note the approximate times. Families will be notified of exact pick-up and drop-off times by February 3.

• Mondays: Drop-off by 8:30 a.m., pick-up at 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday - Friday: Drop-off by 7:30 a.m., pick-up at 3:30 p.m.

A school bus will transport students from the Kessler Campus to Fruitland Elementary School in the morning and return students from Fruitland Elementary School in the afternoon back to the Kessler Center Campus. Puyallup School District staff will be at the Kessler Campus to supervise students in the morning and afternoon.

Questions and Additional Resources

We invite you to join us for a virtual open house on Thursday, January 23, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., where district staff will provide additional information, answer questions via a live chat, and offer clarification.

Please use the following Zoom link to participate: https://puyallupsd.zoom.us/j/85137777661. For those unable to attend, this session will be recorded and shared in subsequent communications.
 
This temporary transportation change is aimed at enhancing traffic flow and ensuring the safety of our students during peak times. We understand that this adjustment may require modifications to your daily routines, and we truly appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to improve the overall experience for our school community.
 
Please note that this change will be in effect for the remainder of the current school year. Our goal is to resume normal student drop-off and pick-up procedures at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, as the construction of the new parking lot and bus loop areas is expected to be completed by then.
 
For further details, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions webpage. Specific transportation schedules will be provided in the coming weeks.
 
Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and partnership in making Fruitland Elementary a safer and more efficient environment for our students and community.
 
Dr. Vincent Pecchia
 Assistant Superintendent
 Operations and School Support