April

AB/AR Awareness

Prioritizing Safety Through Policy & Partnership

Ensuring safety in our schools and community is a shared responsibility—and it’s deeply connected to our district's stance against racial epithets and hate speech. We’re proud to share that we’ve concluded this year’s three-part professional development series focused on our newly adopted policy. These sessions brought together educators and site leaders to engage in courageous conversations and practical strategies for implementation.

Additionally, our Campus Safety Officers (CSOs) recently participated in their own specialized PD, tailored to the unique and vital role they play in maintaining safe, inclusive learning environments. The session was not only well-received, but also a meaningful step forward in building shared understanding and districtwide consistency.

As we move forward, we continue to center safety, dignity, and belonging for every student—and we are grateful for the CSOs and staff who are helping bring this policy to life every day.

AB/AR for Students

Student Spotlight: BASU Conference in Review

Honoring Our Roots, Elevating Our Future

On Monday, March 24, 2025, the HUSD Performing Arts Center was filled with pride, purpose, and student power at our B(A)SU Secondary Conference—Honoring Our Roots, Elevating Our Future. This event brought together middle and high school Black (African) Student Union (BASU) members and allies from across the district for a day of leadership development, cultural affirmation, and collective inspiration.

Hosted by HUSD’s AB/AR Initiative, in collaboration with the City of Hayward, Black Students of California United, Newsela, Cal State East Bay, and our own local BASUs, the event served as a launchpad for youth advocacy, creativity, and community building.

🎤 Special shout-out to our BASU student leaders who helped run the conference with professionalism, pride, and purpose—you led the way and modeled the power of student-led change. Your leadership made the day unforgettable.

Also..

This April, We Celebrate:

Arab-American Heritage Month – Honoring the rich culture, history, and contributions of Arab-American communities
Autism Awareness Month – Promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of neurodivergent students
National Month of Hope – Lifting up stories of healing, joy, and resilience.

Let’s keep building on the energy of this moment—student voice is not just welcome, it’s essential.

AB/AR for Staff

Staff Spotlight: Ethnic Studies in Action

As part of our district’s commitment to equity and antiracism, we continue to deepen our implementation of Ethnic Studies through ongoing professional learning and collaboration. Recently, educators gathered for a powerful Ethnic Studies Professional Development & Teacher Collaboration Session, where they explored culturally responsive curriculum, student engagement strategies, and the critical role of identity-affirming instruction in our classrooms.

👏🏽 Special shout-out to Gabriel De La Cruz and Daisy Cabus, who co-led the session with insight, intention, and heart. Their leadership helped create a meaningful space for reflection, dialogue, and growth among Ethnic Studies educators across HUSD.

These efforts are part of our broader vision to ensure Ethnic Studies is not only a course offering—but a practice of liberation, inclusion, and excellence that reaches every student.

📣 Upcoming Opportunity for Staff: You’re invited to join Dr. Lori A. Watson for Building Our Anti-Racist Capacity with Race-Work - Tuesday, April 22, 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Contact ccofield@husd.us for more details. This session is designed for all staff who want to build deeper capacity in leading, teaching, and living anti-racist practices—no matter your role.

Acknowledging Arab-Americans, Autism, and Hope in April!

Here are some resources to support you as you do with your students!

AB/AR for Families/Community

Sustaining Anti-Racist Action

At this year’s African American Family Conference—hosted at Bret Harte Middle School—families, educators, and community members came together for a powerful session titled “Sustaining Anti-Racist Action: Dismantling Anti-Blackness in School.” The conversation centered on real strategies for interrupting harm, honoring Black identity, and co-creating schools where every student is safe, valued, and empowered.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed to the dialogue and collective learning.

📸 Want to revisit the day?
View photos on Huie Dinwiddie’s website and help us continue uplifting Black excellence by supporting local Black-owned businesses, including:

Pop’s Deli – A longtime community favorite
Huie Dinwiddie Photography – Capturing moments that matter
Back 2 Nature – Holistic wellness and healing
DJ Tasi – For your next event: djtasi@djtasi.com.

When we celebrate culture, support local businesses, and stay in conversation, we strengthen the roots of community power.

🌍 This April, We Celebrate:

Arab-American Heritage Month – Honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab-American communities
Autism Awareness Month – Promoting understanding, inclusion, and neurodiversity in our schools and beyond
National Month of Hope – Uplifting stories of resilience, healing, and joy

Let’s continue to learn, love, and lead—together.

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