[img]2975|right|||no_popup[/img]Sailing requires the courage to explore, dream and discover, and the students of Lin Howe Elementary School are doing just that.
As the strong winds propel their ship forward, the Vikings are adjusting their sails, leaving the harbor and navigating toward a new destination … the Lin Howe Sailing to Success College and Career Program.
“This is designed to expose and encourage our K-5 families to a college-going culture,” said Dr. Kim Indelicato, the Lin Howe principal. “We are striving to ensure all students have equal access to the tools and resources needed to be successful.”
As early as kindergarten, students will learn the expectation is to take full advantage of opportunities that will help them through elementary school, transition to middle school, high school and completion of a college and/or career training program.
After attending the “Latinas and First Generation College Graduates” breakout session at the Women and Leadership conference, sponsored by the Assn. of California School Administrators, Dr. Indelicato and I were reminded of the reality that they needed to raise the awareness for their students as well.
They were inspired by the stories of young Latina college graduates who were faced with overwhelming obstacles, but overcame them through a powerful support system.
They cited lack of income, lack of resources and the mere fact that college was not an option ever discussed in the home. Their support system was comprised of caring teachers, counselors and the community.
Dr. Indelicato and I shared what we had just experienced with Rebecca Williams, also a Lin Howe parent and CCUSD employee, who was attending another session.
Ms. Williams and I looked at each other as if to say, “Are you thinking what I am thinking?”
“We talked for hours,” Ms. Williams said. “The enthusiasm was on a high. LaShon and I were thinking about trying to implement something like this awhile ago at Lin Howe. This would be great for all students. It’s all about timing. We have so many great programs at Linwood Howe, this would be just the icing on the cake.”
We cannot attend something as monumental as this and not do anything with it.
[img]2974|left|||no_popup[/img]Passionate and determined to turn their vision into a reality, the three of us met for countless hours developing the Sailing to Success Program, which included planning fifth-grade college field trips for all elementary schools in the School District, writing letters to various colleges seeking donations for pennants for the teachers to display on their classroom doors, involving the Lin Howe students in making banners and designing college gear T-shirts, designing mural concepts, discussing hosting parent’s night for parents of first generation college students and much more.
The fruits of their labor kicked off on last Monday at the morning assembly. The launch of the Lin Howe Sailing to Success College and Career Program was in the air, and it was contagious.
Enthusiasm and support from the students, community and parents was amazing. The students dressed in their favorite college gear and/or colors.
The teachers led the way through a student-formed victory tunnel while waving their favorite college pennant in the air.
Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells greeted the students and shared her experience about attending UCLA, studying abroad and having the opportunity to do what you love. In her case, being mayor of her hometown, a city she loves.
Supt. Dave LaRose sealed the day by encouraging the Vikings to Sail to their Success.
“That ship that you are sailing on – you’re the captain,” Mr. LaRose said. You’re steering.”
He challenged students with this Q & A:
“Do you know what the most important factor is in whether you do or do not succeed in school and beyond? It is you – and believing you can!”
Mr. LaRose led the students in a Kid at Hope pledge:
I am a Kid at Hope.
I am talented, smart and capable of success.
I have dreams for the future.
I will climb to reach those goals and dreams every day.
All Vikings are capable of success. No exceptions.
Ms. Rayford is a Lin Howe School parent and an executive assistant in the School District’s – Human Resources Dept.
