Dear Rocket Families,
This Monday, we have the day off to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. So often when we learn about history and the great leaders of the past, they feel so far removed from our current reality. This is the very time we need to remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s, “I Have a Dream” speech beyond his January birthday celebrations. He gave that speech on August 28, 1963, some 100 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation – and while most of the country was still practicing de facto Jim Crow segregation. That day, Dr. King climbed the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. and shared his vision of an America centered around economic equality and racial justice.
But let’s not forget – when he gave that speech, not all Americans had the right to vote. Women couldn’t open a bank account without a father or husband’s signature. Most children of color went to under-resourced segregated schools. So when you get a bit weary, remember Dr. King’s words: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
As parents and educators, guiding the next generation, we have a moral imperative to teach our children how to think critically, examine the facts, make decisions objectively, and be the conscience of our government leaders. It is hard work and no easy task with sensationalized news, targeted ads, and the echo chambers of social media.
As a staff, we continue to learn about ourselves as educators and members of our diverse community. For any who feel passionate about this work, I encourage you to join our PTA parent led Diversity & Equity Committee Meetings.
To all of our Rockets, I appreciate all of your efforts in this important work.
With Rocket Pride,
Dr. Hodge
* source- Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
LOOK WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
🚀 Monday, January 16
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
👩🚀 Tuesday, January 17
NO SCHOOL FOR Pupil Free Day
👨🚀 Wednesday, January 18
ROCKET RESTAURTANT FUND RAISER ALL DAY- PANDA EXPRESS!!!
12:20 pm - Student Council 🗳️
2:00 pm - Staff Meeting in Cafeteria
2:00 pm- The Student Store is OPEN!
6:30pm- Inclusion Committee Meeting with guest Mrs. Jerome( see flyer)
🌛 Thursday, January 19
Mrs. Abascal- Admin Designee
8 am-12 pm - PBIS Team Training with LACOE
⭐ Friday, January 20
9:00- 10:30 am- Coffee & Chat with Dr. Frand - Math4Parents Pt.1
El Rincon Elementary School
Ms. Kana Nakagawa, Assistant Principal
Email: amyhodge@ccusd.org
Website: elrincon.ccusd.org
Location: 11177 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA, USA
Phone: (310)842-4340
Facebook: facebook.com/elrinconrockets