BLM activities in dcps

[Anonymous]

Are all DCPS schools doing black lives matters activities this week? Just got. Price that our elem is. I suppprt the movement but have no idea how they are framing or teaching this subject. Especially to young kids. My white already fears the police as “bad guys” based on what she hears at school even though we have taught her to seek out of officer if she is lost or needs help in an emergency. Curious why kinda of activities other schools have planned.

[Anonymous]

I think you mean Black History Month.

[Anonymous]

No some schools are specifically doing a week of action related to BLM. https://www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/black-lives-matter-week-action/

[Anonymous]

This is the second year out charter has participated and I am thrilled about it.

[Anonymous]

I don't DCPS is doing anything unified but is leaving it up to individual schools. My elementary is focusing on positive themes--black heroes, black stories (individuals and as a group), the role of power--who has it, why, how, and how are they using it, etc. It does feel more of a Black History Month thing but I appreciate the effort. I also think it's a hard message to communicate to elementary aged kids. It's a fine line but I'm glad to be on the side of doing something rather than nothing.

[Anonymous]

Yes our DCPS is doing a whole week specifcaltnof BLM. But no mention of the specific types of activities or approach for young kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the second year out charter has participated and I am thrilled about it.

Same here, ITDS.

[Anonymous]

Elementary school black children are old enough to have to hear 'the talk' about how to behave around police, how the same behavior if done by their white friends may have very different consequences. And why some communities feel the police are on their side, and why some do not.

I'm glad schools are addressing this.

[Anonymous]

Most of the resources for little kids focus on things like empathy and family. Reading books, etc.

[Anonymous]

I’m thrilled my Stuart-Hobson kids will be taking part in the BLM week of action with DeRay McKesson.

[Anonymous]

I wish my kids were learning more/anything about the actual civil rights movement instead of doing this BLM week. For example, I had to teach my kids about the Montgomery bus boycott - they didn't learn about it in school. I personally support the BLM movement but it has embraced some causes that are more controversial and where I don't necessarily think a public school should be taking sides (such as what is going on with Israel/the Palestinians).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish my kids were learning more/anything about the actual civil rights movement instead of doing this BLM week. For example, I had to teach my kids about the Montgomery bus boycott - they didn't learn about it in school. I personally support the BLM movement but it has embraced some causes that are more controversial and where I don't necessarily think a public school should be taking sides (such as what is going on with Israel/the Palestinians).

Both are critical. The civil rights movement (as you are conceiving of it, I think) is part of American history and should be part of your child's history and maybe social studies curriculum. Black Lives Matter is about injustice today. Despite the civil rights movement, reconstruction, the end of slavery, a black president, and other historical "achievements", there are myriad ways that black people experience injustice daily in today's America.

From my kids' school (Inspired):
"The goal of the Black Lives Matter Week of Action in Schools is to spark an ongoing movement of critical reflection and honest conversations in school communities for people of all ages to engage with critical issues of social justice. It is our duty as educators and community members to civically engage students and build their empathy, collaboration, and agency so they are able to thrive. Students must learn to examine, address, and grapple with issues of racism and discrimination that persist in their lives and communities."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the second year out charter has participated and I am thrilled about it.

Same here, ITDS.

You go, ITDS, with your low percentage of at-risk kids!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are all DCPS schools doing black lives matters activities this week? Just got. Price that our elem is. I suppprt the movement but have no idea how they are framing or teaching this subject. Especially to young kids. My white already fears the police as “bad guys” based on what she hears at school even though we have taught her to seek out of officer if she is lost or needs help in an emergency. Curious why kinda of activities other schools have planned.

Our school does not, fortunately.

We keep honoring African heritage in multiple ways, but we don't let divisive politics interfere with our kids' education and future.

[Anonymous]

I haven't heard that our school is doing anything BLM-related, although they are certainly having curriculum and events related to Black History Month.

If you want to know what your child's class/school is doing, you should contact the teacher and administration and ask.