Morning Drop-Off

The Drop-Off Safety Plan was designed by Washington parents — together with Washington staff, the City of Berkeley, and Safe Routes to School — to help make mornings a little less hectic and a lot safer for our Washington community.

Help us keep our kids safe by reading the Morning Drop-Off Safety Plan, reviewing the Morning Commuter Map, and pledging to BEE SAFE during morning drop-offs at Washington.

Safety Plan

McKinley Rolling Drop-Off Zone

  • Traffic improvements were made to the area in front of the McKinley gate so cars can make a complete U-Turn and safely pull into the Rolling Drop-Off Zone. No more three point turns!

  • In the Rolling Drop-Off Zone, parent volunteers will open doors and help kids out of the car. Drivers, please stay in your car.

  • Prepare kids to BEE READY! That means hugs-at-home, backpacks ready, and be prepared to exit on the sidewalk (right) side of the street.

  • Rolling Drop-Off is perfect for parents with younger children who may need a little help getting out of the car.

  • Drop-off and pick-up is not allowed on the south end of McKinley Ave. Drivers are encouraged to use the Rolling Drop-Off Zone, MLK Drop-Off Zone, or park in the neighborhood and walk to school.

MLK Drop-Off Area

  • Volunteers will not be opening car doors or helping kids out along MLK. Students are expected to exit on their own.

  • Pull as far forward as possible on MLK to allow all cars to access the drop-off lane.

  • Prepare kids to BEE READY! That means hugs-at-home, backpacks ready, and be prepared to exit on the sidewalk (right) side of the street.

  • Parents with older kids, who are able to get out of the car on their own, are encouraged to use the MLK Drop-Off area.

  • Be courteous of other parents. Don’t check your phone, email, or Twitter in the drop-off area.

Bike Zone

  • The best and safest way to drop kids off in the morning is to enter McKinley from Channing Way, which is a designated city bike route.

  • If you enter McKinley from Bancroft, dismount at the corner and walk along the sidewalk, cross through the gated barrier area, and enter the school yard.

  • Please do not bike through the Rolling Drop-Off Zone.

Have a question, comment, or want to volunteer?

Please email the PTA at wapta.president@gmail.com.