Dear Oakland Community,
One of the truly unique and foundational elements of our democracy is that every two, four, six, and/or eight years citizens are given a chance to vote for leaders they want to represent them going forward. As it relates to the President of the United States, our country has repeatedly gone through this transfer of power between Democrat and Republican Parties in a fashion that is distinct from other countries throughout modern history. While the election process nationally and even locally can be intense, often seeing neighbors taking strong opposing views on candidates or issues, it is of utmost importance after the votes have been cast and the results revealed that we come together as a community focused on our collective interests for progress and fulfillment. I am stressing the need for us to begin this process today. I know it may not be easy for some; however, it is so important for us to rise above differences and focus on growth, healing, and improvement.
Following this election, I believe we have reason for tremendous optimism here in Oakland. We have seen our school board members, James Harris, Jumoke Hinton-Hodge, Jody London, and Roseanne Torres win reelection. This means that voters approve of and want us to continue our collective work to improve our schools, uplifting equity and increasing student achievement as called for in the Pathway to Excellence. Additionally, thanks to the generosity of Oakland voters, Measure G1 passed overwhelmingly. We will now be able to add to the historic salary increases achieved over the past two years for our school-based educators and enhance investments in our public middle schools. Thanks to so many who worked on this initiative and the leadership of our Board President James Harris and Vice President Nina Senn, Oakland middle schools will be better positioned to offer the well-rounded education our students deserve. The commitment to become the premier urban school district continues!
On the national front, please know that history has shown us that we are a strong nation of people. It’s during times of stress and turmoil where we must resolve to be our best selves. We must embrace the rules of our democracy and at the same time reflect upon what got us here. For my own children who were questioning how the presidential election could turn out as it did, my message to them is: “It will be okay and we will learn from this. This is our system. In order to impact it, you must get an education and be the best you so that you can make a difference.” I also stressed the importance of them being respectful of people who have differing views than they do.
I say to you that we should now come together as a community and do our part to ensure our children are as our vision says they should be: “caring, fully-informed critical thinkers.” I’m counting on us all to come together to reflect, to heal, to educate, and to lead so that we model the type of behavior we expect our leaders to emulate both locally and nationally. Whether you’re a student, parent, community member, teacher, or staff member it is important that we do our part to process the results.
Let’s take pride in being from a community who believes in public education and the potential of all children. As I shared in the State of the Schools address, we must come together as One Oakland!
Respectfully,
Antwan Wilson
Superintendent
Article: What do we Tell the Children?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-should-we-tell-the-children_us_5822aa90e4b0334571e0a30b?
Article: The Day After
http://www.tolerance.org/blog/day-after
We are a strong community, focused on children, and committed to exemplifying global awareness and respect for others.
Respectfully,
Sherry Segura, Ph.D.
Principal
Hillcrest K-8
