Published in the March 30 – April 12, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Jenna Mittleman
Jenna Mittleman
Tucked away in south San Jose, Los Paseos Elementary School is a thriving community. Currently serving kindergarten through sixth grade, the school in 2016-2017 will mark a new chapter as a transitional kindergarten class will be opened and fifth-grade students will evolve as leaders of the pack of Panthers (our school mascot). Los Paseos is part of the Morgan Hill Unified School District.
Our staff focuses on creating fertile learning environments. Transformations of learning spaces on campus have mimicked the design thinking mindset. Rather than having student backpacks stuffed into cubbies or hanging from the backs of chairs, “Hang Safe Hooks” were installed outside of every classroom. All students now have a safe and dry place to store their belongings. In some classrooms, well-used desks and table-tops have been given a much needed face-lift and have been painted over with dry erase “Idea Paint,” while other teachers have received fully funded projects through Donor’sChoose.Org.
Fifth-grade teacher, Michelle Grgich, recently posted a project titled “Operation Googify,” hoping to raise funds for standing desks and alternative seating to help students work independently and comfortably as she believes that student choice and comfort levels help to increase student output. This $944 proposed project was funded within a week and helped students build capacity to work together. Grgich’s students are now being exposed to a physical classroom environment which is reflective of workplaces such as Apple and Google.
Proud to have an expanded special education program on campus, Los Paseos students, staff and community members have rallied together with a common interest: ensuring that all students are provided an inclusive environment where everyone can have an opportunity to thrive and feel a common sense of belonging. What have we learned in our quest thus far?
Adopting a new personal lens is crucial to create inclusive environments. This is a process and not a program and authentic interactions are integral.
Every child has a story. It is imperative that we help create an environment where they feel the desire to share. All children need the support and confidence of their educational community. Often times, this is the main emotional resource for students outside of their family.
We embrace diversity. Homeless youth, foster youth, English language learners, low socio-economic status, and special education students contribute to our community of learners.
“Walk In Our Shoes,” a musical production, was invited to present to four to sixth graders at Los Paseos March 24. The California Mental Health Services Authority’s mission is to educate kids 9 to 13 years old to reduce stigma and discrimination about mental health challenges and mental wellness.
We are confident and courageous to engage in difficult, yet important conversations, and are passionate about accessing community resources for students who might benefit. Mental health challenges such as bi-polar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome and eating disorders were presented.
Fourth-grader Ethan Hahn said, “I enjoyed learning more about the feelings of other people and how it’s important to understand who they really are inside.”
As this campaign uses shoes and storytelling to convey information, nurture conversations, and develop empathy, I encourage everyone to visit www.walkinourshoes.org and help spread the word. Take heart that Los Paseos Panther students are gaining sensitivity, life skills and the resiliency needed to “pay it forward.” Today, my friends, I thank you for taking a walk in my shoes.
Jenna Mittleman is the principal of Los Paseos Elementary School. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.
