Parent Volunteers Needed for New Leadership Team
The state of Oregon is changing how schools create their annual plan, so we are forming a new Leadership Team that will be making decisions about programming, professional development, and the budget. The committee will also oversee other committees. Staff members from different areas will be serving on the committee, but we are also looking for parents and student representatives. Our first meeting is next Thursday 4/11 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Library. Future meeting dates and times will be determined by the group. Please contact Principal Ellwood at kellwood@pps.net if you are interested, or just come to the meeting.
RHMS Racial Equity Learning Community
The RHMS Racial Equity Learning Community is an initiative of the Parents Interested in Equity Committee. The learning community will explore how race functions in our society and in the school setting, and reflect on our own experiences, values, and social responsibility. Attendees are encouraged to read/view/listen the selected discussion topic before each meeting. All members of the RHMS community are welcome to participate including: parents, guardians, teachers, and other adults who are involved in the lives of Roseway Heights students. Our goal is to build community through learning and reflecting together. The initial discussion topics are focused on White people becoming more aware of the white dominance in our culture and institutions. Future topics will be chosen by participants and they will steer the direction of the group. It is our hope that the learning community will grow to reflect the diversity of the RHMS.
Upcoming Meetings/Discussion Topics:
Listen to to the podcast BOLD: Conversations About Race (Episode 2), focusing on the conversation with author and activist Paul Kivel. The conversation with Paul starts at approximately 8:24 min into the podcast and goes to minute 48 of the podcast. The podcast starts with a the poem called “ID Check” from son Ariel Luckey, Paul Kivel’s son. The podcast ends with a report on a @blmlosangeles led #boycott24 action at 24 Hour Fitness on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, where #albertramondorsey was killed by LAPD in October. https://soundcloud.com/user-682532119/bold-e02/s-aINrH
Paul Kivel’s most recent book is: Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice. More about Paul and his work can be found on his website: http://paulkivel.com/
Read the book Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving.
“Waking Up White is a wake-up call for white people who want to consciously contribute to racial justice rather than unconsciously perpetuate patterns of racism. With honest and humility, Debby Irving shares her own story of transformation - a journey of opening herself to learning about the realities of racism and the unintended impacts of white privilege. By confronting her own fears and mistakes, she gleans many useful lessons and tips that can help move others from confusion and avoidance to constructive engagement, authentic connection, and courageous action.” Terry Keleher, Thought Leadership and Practice Specialist, Race Forward
This book has many examples relevant to a school community, is a very engaging read, and has good study questions at then end of each chapter. Ms. Ellwood is ordering some copies of the book to lend out to those who need a copy. A notice will be sent to the group when the books arrive at the school and are available for check-out. More about Debby Irving and her work can be found on her website at: http://www.debbyirving.com/
Volunteers Needed for Friday's Dance
Miss Gwaltney would appreciate a few volunteers to help with the Theatre Program's first fundraiser: an ice cream bar on Friday, April 5th, 2:30-4pm. Please let her know if you can help out.
8th Grade Promotion
Due to the School Board's decision to extend the school year, our 8th grade Promotion originally scheduled for Thursday, June 6th has been moved to the evening of Tuesday, June 11th beginning at 6 p.m. More information about end of the year activities for eighth graders is being mailed home later this week.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Monday, 4/8 @ 6:30 p.m., Library Evening Principal's Coffee, Topic: Social Media
Tuesday, 4/9 @ 6:30 p.m., Library Equity Event: Conversations about Race podcast and discussion
Thursday, 4/11 @ 4:00 p.m., Library Leadership Team meeting
Friday, 4/12 @ 9:00 a.m., Room 109 Morning Principal's Coffee, Topic: Social Media
Monday, 4/15 @ 6:30 p.m., Library PTA Meeting
Thursday, 4/25 @ 5:30 p.m., Gym 5th Grade Information Night
Tuesday, 4/29 @ 4:00 p.m., Library School Climate Committee (review of disciplinary data and planning for next year)
