March

Hayward Recognizes Our Commitment to Anti-Racism in Black History Month Proclamation

Last month, the City of Hayward has officially recognized our district's ongoing efforts to address anti-Blackness in education as part of their Black History Month Proclamation. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of our collective work to build a more just and inclusive educational environment for all students. It reflects the city's shared commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, fostering belonging, and ensuring that our policies, curricula, and practices are rooted in equity.

Our work in HUSD has been intentional in addressing anti-Blackness and uplifting Black student achievement. Through initiatives such as the N-word, Anti-Black, and Hate Speech Ban Policy, the development of Black Student Engagement Discussions, and the AB/AR Influencer Series: Honoring Our Humanity, we are making real strides in shifting mindsets, policies, and practices.

We are honored that the City of Hayward recognizes the impact of this work and stands with us in fostering a future where every student, especially our Black students, feels valued, seen, and empowered. Let this recognition serve as further motivation to continue pushing forward with courage, accountability, and action.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we are shaping a future that is boldly anti-racist, equity-driven, and humanity-affirming.

March is Women's History Month

March is a time to honor the legacy, achievements, and contributions of women throughout history and today. Women's History Month is not just about the past—it’s about celebrating the strength, resilience, and impact of women across all fields, while also reflecting on the ongoing fight for gender equality and empowerment.

How You Can Learn, Reflect, and Take Action This Month:

📚 Learn About Women Changemakers – Read about trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony, Maya Angelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai, and countless others. Discover women who have shaped history in politics, science, art, and activism.

🎥 Watch a Movie or Documentary – Films like Hidden Figures, On the Basis of Sex, Frida, and The Color Purple showcase powerful stories of women's strength, struggle, and achievement.

💡 Celebrate Women Innovators and Artists – Explore the impact of women musicians, inventors, athletes, and writers who have influenced culture, technology, and history.

🏫 Support Women’s Voices in Your School and Community – Attend events, participate in discussions, and engage in activities that promote women’s history and gender equality in your school and community.

📝 Take Action – Whether it’s writing about an inspiring woman, creating art that honors women’s contributions, or promoting inclusion at school or work, your voice and actions matter!

Staff Spotlight: Ethnic Studies Teacher Leaders & Locally Responsive Learning

We are proud to highlight the work of our Ethnic Studies teacher leaders, who have been instrumental in co-designing the Russell City Unit as part of their professional development. This collaborative effort has been central to building capacity for the official launch of our U.S. History Ethnic Studies courses this year. By centering local history and culturally responsive pedagogy, we are equipping our educators with the tools to engage students in meaningful, identity-affirming learning experiences.

I’m also excited to share that my article on our process to develop the U.S. History Ethnic Studies course—with a special focus on our Russell City Unit—has been published in the digital edition of Leadership Magazine!

📖 Read the article here: Locally Responsive Learning – Leadership Magazine

This recognition highlights HUSD’s commitment to equity, historical truth-telling, and culturally responsive curriculum, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our work at a broader level. It’s a testament to the dedication of our teachers and district leadership in ensuring that our students learn an inclusive and accurate history that reflects their communities.

A huge thank you to our Ethnic Studies teacher leaders for their commitment to this work and for helping to bring our vision of equity and justice to life in the classroom. Let’s continue to uplift and support each other as we create transformative learning spaces for our students!

Acknowledging Women's History Month in March!

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

AB/AR PD Series Part #3:  March 18th

We are concluding this year's AB/AR PD on Sustaining the N-Word and Hate Speech Ban with a session focused on implementation strategies, long-term accountability, and ensuring that our policies continue to reflect the needs and voices of our students, staff, and families. This session will provide space for reflection, collaborative planning, and sharing best practices to sustain this essential work beyond this school year. Let’s continue to stand firm in our commitment to fostering safe, affirming, and inclusive learning environments for all.

Supporting Our Families: Resources & Advocacy

We recognize that many of our families, especially those in mixed-status and immigrant communities, are facing uncertainty. One in five children in California live in mixed-status families, and it is critical that we ensure our schools remain safe and supportive spaces for all students.

In partnership with EdTrust-West, we highlight key protections and resources for undocumented and immigrant families in the Equity Report accessible here:

• Current laws that safeguard students and families

• Actions schools can take to provide a welcoming environment

• Community resources to help families stay informed and prepared

HUSD remains committed to protecting the rights of all students, regardless of immigration status. Our school board has reaffirmed that no student or family information related to immigration status will be shared without legal necessity, and ICE agents will not be allowed access to school grounds without explicit approval from district leadership.

We also offer family-focused resources, including:

• Know Your Rights guides (ACLU, ILRC)

• Family Preparedness Toolkit

• Legal and community support networks in Alameda County

For more details and links to these resources, please visit our district webpage or reach out to school site leadership. Together, we stand in solidarity to ensure every student and family feels safe, valued, and supported in our schools. 

Acknowledging Women's History Month in March!

March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and in our communities today. This month, we encourage families to engage in conversations and activities that celebrate the stories of trailblazing women who have shaped our world.

HUSD is committed to fostering gender equity and representation in our curriculum and school activities. Look out for family-friendly resources, book recommendations, and community events highlighting women’s impact across various fields. Let’s take this opportunity to uplift and inspire the next generation of leaders!