At the May 17 meeting, Rotary members in attendance and guests enjoyed the interesting presentation from the speaker, Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, LUSD, Director of Equity.
Before the presentation, there was discussion of a community fund raising project, that a representative explained, from Plaza Mexico, Kiana Velasco, Marketing & Community Relations, at the May 10 meeting. Community Fundraising tickets were distributed to all the members present. These are sales tickets from Snow Factory, for ice cream, priced at $5.99 each. More information and coordination will follow.
There was also more informal discussion about meeting with the candidates to become Rotary members, so that that they fully understand what Rotary is, and what are the responsibilities in becoming a member. It was noted that the list of six candidates would become part of the 6pm meeting group, with reduced membership costs, and with an expectation of attending regularly only the 6pm meetings. (Note: there was brief mention of a required annual installation dinner, at which the candidates for membership would be installed by the Rotary District President or her representative. Daniel noted that this date needs to be confirmed ASAP, due to his scheduling of the speakers for the weekly meetings.)
Rotary Secretary Maria Quinonez (Lulu) mentioned again at this meeting, that there is a deadline coming for the Lynwood Rotary to commit to again being a sponsor, at a cost of $1,000., for the Relay for Life by the American Cancer Society. As last year, the 24-Hour event will be in South Gate Park on Fri and Sat, Jul 20 & Jul 21 Lulu said that the deadline to be a sponsor is in Jun.
The speaker was Dr. Patricia Brent- Sanco, LUSD, Director of Equity. She brought with her six LUSD staff. Five of whom consist of the Equity Services Team. (In addition, Juan Barroso, LUSD, Secondary Education, attended, who has previously led a youth Rotary program at LHS, (and who, it is hoped, can help organize again a Rotary youth group at LMS and/or one of the high schools.) (Also, of note, Shirley, a member of the Equity Team, has been President of the Compton Rotary Club.) The speaker noted that the functions performed by the Equity Team have been going on within LUSD for several years, but the creation of the Team came about in 2016.
In the Power Point Presentation, were detailed lists of the purposes and function of the Equity Team. “We believe it important to provide opportunities for every student to fearlessly achieve their own personal and professional goals.” The targeted groups are African American students, English Learner Students, Foster Youth, Homeless Students and students who identify as LGBTG. Also, Asian Pacific Islander Students are included.
Parents of course of all these groups are important to reach and serve in helping their own children as LUSD students. To be effective, the Equity Team must use data to define, establish and implement culturally proficient practices throughout the organization, in this case, LUSD.
The presentation included a detailed list of Highlights accomplished. Several are mentioned herein. After school programs that service students K-12 at each school site in LUSD. Summer Literacy Night for over 300 families -- Over 2,650 books were given to students to increase their home libraries. A $3.1 Million Dollar partnership of in-kind services with the American Honda Foundation and the Great Eight for a STEM Pipeline. Gudiel Crosthwaite, LUSD Superintendent (and Lynwood Rotary member) mentioned a program called B.R.I.D.G.E. “Theatre Project’s mission is to educate, inspire, and connect young people around the globe through intensive theatre education programs … through the creation and exchange of original plays and theatrical productions.” Last year a play showcased by Abbott ES students was performed in Rwanda. This summer students from Chavez MS will have a play they wrote performed in Rwanda. Two students will travel to Rwanda with the cost funded by the US Embassy there. (The parents will need to seek separate contributions, for their costs.)
See the cover page to the weekly update for more information on Youth act planned activities.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club