Jan. 2024

AB/AR for All: Honoring our Humanity - 2024-2025 Theme

As we began the 2024-2025 academic year, we have focused on "AB/AR for All: Honoring our Humanity," emphasizing accessibility, belonging, and anti-racism. 

We are excited to share our progress in developing Draft Administrative Regulations to accompany the newly adopted Prohibition Against Hate Speech Policy. This effort has been guided by a collaborative process involving significant input from pilot programs, key educational partners, and diverse voices across the HUSD, including:

1. Pilot Programs and Feedback:

   • We initiated pilot programs at selected schools to test and refine strategies for implementing the policy effectively.

   • Feedback from students, staff, and families in these pilot programs has been instrumental in shaping the draft regulations.

2. Engagement with Key Partners:

   • HUSD EOC (Equity Oversight Committee): Reviewed and provided actionable recommendations.

   • Hayward NAACP: Shared insights on addressing systemic issues and fostering community trust.

   • Hayward Youth Advisory Council: Engaged students in meaningful discussions to ensure their voices are reflected in the policy.

   • Hayward Glad Tidings COGIC, ACOE, and Regional Districts: Collaborated on shared learning and best practices.

   • HUSD Family and Student-Focused Platforms: Including AASAI, DELAC, APICI, and BASUs, all contributed critical perspectives and suggestions.

3. Inclusive Input with our Educational Partners:

   • Input from all HUSD staff, PNM/APNM, LLA, and Elementary and Secondary Student Representative Groups at seven schools ensured diverse representation.

Check it out at the end of the month during our next AB/AR PD!

Did You Know January is Poverty & Mental Wellness Month?

This month, we’re taking time to acknowledge the challenges of poverty and its impact on mental health while fostering conversations about how we can support one another in creating a compassionate and inclusive community.

Here are some ways you can learn, reflect, and take action during Poverty & Mental Wellness Month:

• Watch a documentary or read stories about resilience and overcoming adversity. Learn about the experiences of individuals or families facing poverty and how they have navigated mental health challenges.

• Talk to friends and family about what you’ve learned. Sharing knowledge helps build understanding and encourages others to think about how they can contribute to positive change.

• Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Taking care of your own mental health is a powerful way to show kindness to yourself and others.

• Research local resources that support people in need. Learn about food banks, shelters, and mental health organizations in your area and how they assist families.

• Support organizations or initiatives that address poverty and mental health. Donate, volunteer, or spread awareness about the importance of these causes.

• Reflect on the importance of empathy and community. Consider ways you can help create a supportive environment at school and beyond, such as being kind, offering support to peers, or participating in school activities focused on mental wellness.

• Advocate for awareness and solutions. Educate yourself about policies and initiatives that address poverty and mental health, and find ways to support them in your school or community.

Your actions, no matter how small, can make a difference in the lives of those around you. Let’s work together to build a more caring and supportive community this January and beyond!

Fostering Inclusivity: Engaging Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Families in Our District's New N-Word+ Ban Policy 

In a recent presentation to HUSD's APICI family initiative, we focused on the powerful role families play in fostering inclusive environments and interrupting harmful and disrespectful language. Together, we explored how exposure to hate speech not only causes immediate harm but can lead to chronic stress, which affects students’ cognitive functioning, academic performance, and overall well-being. We also discussed community cultural wealth—the strengths and resources families bring to help interrupt harmful language and build a culture of respect and belonging.  Some tips included - addressing harmful language EVERY time; modeling respect, inclusivity, and the importance of eliminating hate speech; addressing both the victim and the perpetrator; and highlighting the rich histories, traditions, and contributions of Black, AANHPI, and other underrepresented communities to instill pride and understanding 

• If you haven’t yet had the chance, please take a moment to share your thoughts, as this will help inform the development of our Administrative Regulations to accompany the policy. 

Acknowledging Poverty & Mental Wellness Month in January

As part of our commitment to inclusivity and well-being, we are dedicating January to acknowledging the intersection of poverty and mental wellness. This month, we aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing poverty and to foster a community that supports mental wellness for all.

Families can engage at home by:

• Reading books or articles that explore stories of resilience and strategies for coping with adversity.

• Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques as a family to promote mental wellness.

• Exploring local resources and organizations that provide support for mental health and financial stability.

• Having open conversations with children about empathy, kindness, and the importance of supporting those in need.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to create a compassionate and supportive community. Together, we can make sure every child feels safe, valued, and able to shine at school. Your support means so much in helping us build an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our students and families.