"The Big Questions" Column #2

What are these speed bumps doing at the entrance of our parking lot? 

The pair of speed bumps installed in the DJDS parking lot a few months ago are doing exactly what they were intended to do: slow down vehicles and improve safety. “The bumps were added to slow down traffic through the gate and parking lot,” said David Grenoble, Director of Security at DJDS. “The entry gate is on an automated system and closes after 30 seconds of no traffic. The gate is currently 3-0 against vehicles trying to speed through as it’s closing. The gate is heavy and mechanical—it doesn’t stop on a dime—and three vehicles have already collided with it.” Grenoble explained that the first bump slows vehicles entering the lot, while the second discourages drivers from trying to “beat the gate.” “This was done to prevent further damage to the gate and vehicles, and to help ensure the safety of pedestrians in the parking lot,” he said. He added that there are no plans to remove the bumps, as they are working as intended and have already improved safety for both pedestrians and drivers. 

Why do the Upper Division parking spaces look like a colorful mosaic? 

Many high schools across the country have senior parking traditions, and this year, DJDS proudly joined them. Student Council pushed to make it happen, and for the first time ever, seniors were able to paint their own parking spaces. Introduced by Communications Director Cooper Coughlan, the idea came to fruition over the summer and saw more than half of the senior class paint a parking space, ranging from custom golf holes, car-themed finish lines, messages, and more. Construction and trees? 

What is this tree farm-like structure next to the farmette? 

Walking past the Farmette, you may have seen the burst of greenery and new sculptures across the way. That’s the DJDS fruit orchard. It all started in 2012, when DJDS won an apple orchard from the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. Over the years, more fruit varieties were added, and the orchard became a quiet, leafy corner of campus. This September, the orchard got another upgrade. Philanthropist Michael Staenberg added fruit-shaped sculptures: a pear, a cherry, and an apple. Parent Dan Brooks helped plant additional trees, and with guidance from Board member Joshua Rubenstein, nearly 30 new trees were added. “[These updates] have turned it into a beautiful area of campus that people will want to visit and spend time in,” said Head of School Avi Halzel.