Working Towards a Common Goal

Dear Editor:

Thank you for your coverage of last Thursday’s (February 16) Board of Education meeting. One addition and one clarification to your articles are in order. ("Samohi Parents Demand Action" and "First Farewells to School Leaders."

First, the number of students directly involved in racial provocations on the Samohi campus is very small. However, these provocations seed mistrust, suspicion and animosity among many more students.

The school and district have undertaken a range of initiatives to reduce tensions among students and to build trust and understanding among students and between students and staff. While most of our students respond to these initiatives, the problem is that the hardened provocateurs are deaf to them.

Consequently, I have asked staff to report to the Board and the community on the systematic approach to prevention, intervention, and discipline that we use in dealing with recalcitrant offenders. We must work to improve this component of our overall efforts to create an optimal environment for learning.

Second, what I proposed at the Board meeting was an interracial parents’ group to work together, on an ongoing basis, on issues that affect Samohi. Although a conversation devoted to getting to the roots of the mistrust that drive their children apart may be helpful, in my own experience the best way to break down racial barriers and dispel stereotypes is for people to work side by side toward a common goal.

As one example, this parents’ group could help to organize small multiracial groups of trained parents to visit the campus every day during lunch. Such “parents’ eyes on the campus” programs are used by other schools. An additional bonus is that this parents’ group would model interracial collaboration and cooperation for our students.

Sincerely,

José Escarce
Member, SMMUSD Board of Education