For the past 2 years, I have seen the staff, especially the yard duty. treat the kids in a manner in which I find very disrespectful. I have witnessed them putting their hands on the students, yelling at the students, name calling, and violating their civil rights. It is quite disturbing. Most parents believe the hype and support that teachers and staff at the school are experts of their children but I do not.
It is truly funny how the double standards work. If a staff member is very firm, direct and aggressive with children; they are very good at their job. When a Black parent is involved and engaged; reaches out to teacher, very assertive and direct; although no physical threats made; we are violent, aggressive bullies.
There is a real disconnect at this school. It is staffed with mostly middle aged white females with a couple of white male employees. This school lacks diversity and cultural awareness. They don't have a single black teacher, yard duty, teacher's assistant, lunch person, resource person, etc,. They have very few Hispanics, Middle Eastern, Asians, and American Indian employees as well.
It is very important to have diversity and cultural awareness as it will allow you to better engage and connect with all your students.
I am there for recess and lunch everyday. A group of Black girls swarm me and want to engage with me whenever I am there because I am someone with whom they can identify.
It's time for San Juan to make some changes... yeah the parent engagement committee and bridging the gap campaign is okay, but the real way to bridge the gap and bring hope back into the community and schools is to be more diversified.
Race and culture is and will always be a huge problem in our society and in our schools. read more