Partnerships with Local Schools

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Way Finders partnership with municipal school because

William N. DeBerry Elementary School

Safe Routes to School

Since signing up as a Safe Routes to School participant in 2018, Way Finders has supported DeBerry’s Let’s Walk Wednesdays-- a pilot walking school bus which involved parents, teachers, and Springfield College students walking children to school during the 2018-2019 school year.

Based on results of a school wide parent survey and walk audit results, MassDOT developed maps highlighting safe walking routes to DeBerry.

Way Finders worked with DeBerry to launch a before school walking club in September 2019. The Walking Club meets every Monday and Friday when school is in session from 8:10- 8:30. Students gather on the Monroe Street side of the school at 8 am and walk in the DeBerry field or on the sidewalk adjacent to the school with parents, school staff, and Springfield Public School Volunteers. During inclement weather (rain, snow, sleet, extreme cold), the children walk inside the school building.

Bright Nights

In partnership with Old Hill Neighborhood Council, and Mason Square C3 Police, Way Finders engages with families and supports the annual free tour of Bright Nights, a nationally recognized holiday lights display for DeBerry families.

Healthy Living Workshops

Healthy Living Workshops were launched in October 2016. Held at DeBerry School, and co-facilitated by Way Finders and Public Health Institute of Western Mass, eight interactive workshops engaged families on topics including; healthy eating, exercise and fitness, asthma, oral health, vision health, and public safety.

Elias Brookings Elementary School

Walking Club

Way Finders supports a Walking Club at Brookings School, led by two Resident Health Advocates, on Monday and Friday mornings before school, children and parent volunteers walk inside or outside depending on the weather.

H.B. Lawrence Elementary School

Lawrence After-school Program

The Afterschool program at Lawrence Elementary School occurs Thursdays afterschool with the goal of motivating students to improve academic performance by building positive relationships with supportive adults. The program is free and open to Lawrence School students, parents, and teachers. The afterschool program is coordinated by Hampden County Sheriff Department’s Rafael Santos and Lawrence Elementary School’s Parent Engagement Coordinator with the support of Way Finders’ Americorps VISTA member.