Have you ever felt like you haven’t been seen recently? Have any new ideas on how to improve the newly built Doherty Memorial High School crossed your mind? Do you believe you have strong opinions on several problems at our school? If you do, let’s break it down into some thought provoking questions.
Creating a Safer and More Efficient Environment for Everyone
What does a safe school environment look like in your eyes? Does it include safety precautions like Emergency Drills or Staff Presence? Or what about Specific Transition Times or Digital Safety? If you’re concerned that Doherty does not have these, then you should feel relieved that Doherty does in fact have these precautions!
But how do you feel about other topics like a well thought out Building Security System, and Traffic and Pedestrian Safety? Unfortunately, Doherty has been negatively impacted on these matters as of lately, and students and staff members feel the need to speak on this.
Are You Feeling like You’re the Only One?
Here’s some opinions on these matters from actual DMHS staff members and students!
“Yes, I care a lot for the school security because some people don’t feel secure in school, like me and you. I think that they should have at least 1 police officer just for the students’ protection and security.” – Jeshmary Vasquez Ryan (Student)
“I think that security is always nice and always should be a positive thing. While our school is definitely safe (thanks to all of the new security upgrades with the new school), it wouldn’t be bad to add even more safety; but I also think we are in good shape at the moment. I can’t say too much else on this since I’m not properly educated either of the facts! The same goes with traffic and pedestrian safety! There could be some signs added but I need to be properly educated on something to really speak about it! But I do think that pedestrian safety is a big thing that we need to enforce.” – Eijra Xhengo (Student)
“I feel like the security of the school it’s good enough. Just being more cautious is better since someone might manage to break in. About traffic pedestrians, I also feel that we are fine because most people leave school before 3, meaning it’s still light outside and people can clearly see you.” – Alejandro Garcia Minaya (Student)
“Some people are irresponsible when using the crosswalks and people drive the wrong way when they drop off their kids; they go in the bus lane instead.” – Esari Martinez Leon (Student)
“I don’t know much about how secure the building is, but I do feel safe that Mr. Staley is in charge. I know that he does everything by the book and has already implemented a system to keep us as safe as possible. In the past, I thought metal detectors would be good to have, but they would cause more problems than solutions. The lines of students would be very long causing many to be late to class.” – Araceli Esqueda (Teacher)
“I feel that we need a better building security system and more awareness on traffic and pedestrian safety.” – Giana Porcaro (Student)
“I feel like a well thought out security system would be good for us students/staff safety.” – Andrew Ochoa Chang (Student)
“I think Doherty has handled the topics mentioned very well.” – Milary Mahones (Student)
“I feel like the traffic and pedestrian safety isn’t set up well for our school. It is always a struggle to walk home safely because of all the cars crammed around you also trying to get home.” – Nylah Todd (Student)
“As a senior who drives to school everyday, I find the Doherty traffic is disgusting and chaotic. My peers have the same problem getting into school. On bad days I will be ready to make the turn at 7:07 and get into the school parking lot at 7:17 where I find parents blocking the student parking dropping off their kids in the middle of an already narrow path. There is no one regulating the traffic so it makes left turns into the school extremely difficult and time consuming especially when Doherty is on a main road. There are commuters who are not only going to school but work as well. This creates tension on the road and people who are in a rush ready to speed off. Additionally, some parents drop their kids in the middle of the road, creating unnecessarily hazardous situations, where students have to cross the entryway, putting their child at risk. People do not consider there are a lot of new drivers in the area with bad reaction time.” – Kayla Kieko (Student)
Knowing this, how did your perspective on how things can improve here at Doherty Memorial High School change? Did it stay the same? Why?

Let’s Play a Game of Would You Rather…
Would you rather…
Have police, cross guards, traffic signals, and building security at all open school hours outside on school grounds to ensure there’s a safe and orderly environment for students and staff members
Or
Would you rather…
Have no staff members / security outside supervising suspicious behavior, giant flocks of students jaywalking disregarding crosswalks, and constantly being concerned about who’s in or out of the school building?
Here’s an easier way to think about it. Having the proper traffic enforcement to adhere to and a police officer outside on school property creates a more comfortable and stable environment for everybody here at DMHS. When safety is in place, students feel more prone to continue their education while not having to worry about basic essentials that every school needs.