May 2021

Anti-bias and Anti-racism in HUSD is not just a professional development training, it is an approach to education in general

Pride Awareness and LGBTQ+ SOLIDARITY edition

ONGOING ACTION

Hayden is currently a Student Leadership Antiracism Movement (SLAM) member; Gay-Straight Alliance Club Member; and recently co-presented at a school board meeting with his mom to advocate for LGBTQ rights and issues in our district. And he is currently designing a Pride mural. He said, “You can find out how to make changes. You can stand up for kids and kids’ voice. I like being a voice for those who may not have one yet. I think, if not me, then who?”

Mom has been and/or is currently involved in the PTA; SSC; ELAC; Tea with the AP; Coffee with the Principal; Parent Support Group; and School Usage Design Team. She commented, “I like to be involved. In all these meetings it teaches me something and I use that to be a better parent and help my community.”

Vigilant Self-Awareness

Hayden feels that being a part of the SLAM program has also helped increase his sense of self and empowered him to use his voice even more.

“I have grown a lot more. If you would have asked me a year ago if I would be doing all this I would have called myself crazy. I have voice in my projects now. I hang out more in school and with my friends and my mom. I have more maturity and an understanding of the world and who I am.”

Increasing Knowledge

"I was thinking, why didn't we have pride month at school, and why was no one involved?" Like I asked my mom once if she realized that we have 16% of the homeless kids in the world that are LGBTQ and are not accepted by their families! I want to be someone who can help and say here’s a way you can get support.”

-Hayden

Holding Each Other Accountable

“I couldn’t be any prouder of Hayden. He is such a sweet, smart, kind, caring, respectful child to me as his mom and to his sister who has special needs. He is almost like a friend checking on others - he is always checking on others and seeing how they are and if he can help. He says ‘I can listen, how can I help?’ He is more than smart, he truly cares about others.”

-Ana

Affirming Our Students

“Hayden is who he is not just because of me, but because of the influence of his teachers and staff that have helped me see who he is. There are so many great teachers and staff and programs in this district. For example, Mr. Bess has helped him explore his voice and opinions. Mr. Bergquist has been so caring and welcoming and creates a safe space for LGBTQ students. Superintendent Wayne, Bridget Spencer, and Sandra Escobedo have been so helpful to make sure I have access to resources for my kids both for Special Education and general education. And outside of HUSD, Mr. Kwong and Dr. Chen have included Hayden in talent shows and plays, which Hayden wants to bring back to Bret Hart Middle School.”

-Ana

Acknowledging the Larger Context

Hayden has learned more about the Latinx experience through the Puente Program and they credit Ms. Johnson with having a culturally responsive program that has empowered Hayden. Hayden has shared some of his learning by sharing these texts from Puente with his mom

*The Circuit

*Enrique’s Journey

*The Outsiders

Hayden has also been an advocate for the Black Lives Matter Movement helping get signatures on petitions to address police brutality and injustice. And Hayden has created art to show support for Black History Month at his school.

Hayden recalls when someone offered him a LGBTQ flag. He says, “How about you give that to someone who doesn’t have one since I already do. And more than that, I have a supportive family who accepts me and maybe that flag can help someone who doesn’t have a mom like me. I have an accepting mom and others may not. If someone is struggling in the closet, maybe this would help them.”

Checking in With the Students and Families

Ana says, “Every day, we do things as a family to check in on each other. And Hayden gets to pick. We may sing, play the ukulele, listen to music and different styles because Hayden has introduced me to so many different types of music. We watch videos and sometimes Hayden draws while we talk. He reads stories to me. And before bed, we each ask each other what the best and worst parts were from our days and we include Sabrina so everyone gets their time to share. There are no limitations here. I make time for both because Sabrina’s special needs means I have to give her more time mostly in the first part of the day, so I make sure to give Hayden time later in the day just with me and we also all do things together.”

Through the Stonebrae ELAC, both Hayden and his mom collected over 1000 books to support early literacy after seeing a student in need with a parent that could not afford a book for their child. And they worked with 6th grade parents and the Schaefer Park PTA to raise over $10,000 for the 6th grade promotion and they personally stuffed goodie bags for each graduate.

“I also want to shout out Ms Sargent for her parent support group at Bret Hart. Being a part of this group has helped me gain friendships, have connections, get advice, and just have a happy place for some adult time.”

-Ana