The club is going strong and the students are now more motivated than ever. Not only have our students connected and strengthened the bond that they have with one another, but after attending three off campus events, they've also had the opportunity to network and connect with other BSU members in the Sequoia Union High School District, as well as in Northern California.
After attending some of these events, the students were so inspired by the entertainment, that they decided that they wanted to add a new flavor to Woodside by starting a Step Team. This club charter was recently approved and I'm sure that you'll now see the students around campus "stomping the yard" :-).
Update on BSU events attended and activities performed:
October 16th- "Ms. Staves Appreciation Day"
BSU students and Woodside staff gathered together to celebrate the recognition of Ms. Staves by the California League of High Schools as being eligible to receive the regional "Educator of the Year" award. Statments were shared regarding the impact that Ms. Staves has had on students individually and on Woodside campus. The BSU presented Ms. Staves with an award and gift card, as a small token of our appreciation.
October 29th- Historically Black College and University Fair at City College of San Francisco
Approx. 20 of our seniors, juniors, and leaders attended this event with Sequoia and Carlmonts BSU's. There were approximately 30 historically black colleges & universities present and over 25 Bay Area High Schools that attended this event.
November 3 & 4th - Obama Button Fundraiser
Students sold Barack Obama buttons during brunch and lunch on both days. This event raised $200 for our BSU.
November 5th- Obama Victory Celebration and Toast
The BSU welcomed all students and staff to a lunch time celebration and toast for President-Elect Barack Obama. Approximately 80 students and staff ate pizza and toasted to a cup of cider. Students and staff shared feelings regarding what this historic victory meant to them. This was a very emotional and exciting event.
November 6th- District African American Parent/Student night at College Track in East Palo Alto
This event was a huge success. We had over 150 people present at this meeting that represented Woodside, Carlmont, Sequoia, Menlo-Atherton, and Redwood High School. This event included a High School Student Panel that answered questions on their experience in the SUHSD, a college step team, and workshops for students and parents. The Parent workshop covered how to read a transcript, graduation requirements, CAHSEE info, A through G requirements, which was presented by Francisco Negri and I(Sharlett Downing), while Taja Henderson(Sequoia) presented info regarding Communicado. Student Workshop included a Motivational Speaker and a Panel of Stanford college students that grew up in East Palo Alto. Our superintendent Pat Gemma and a few board members also were present for this event.
November 15th- United Black Student Union of California(U.B.S.U.C.) Northern Region Conference at UC Berkeley
As our students dressed for success, we united with other Black Student Unions in Northern California at UC Berkeley. Students attended workshops on Leadership, Self-Image, Politics, Relationships, and even learned how to Caucus!!! Approx. 20 of Woodside's BSU members attended this event with Sequoia and Carlmont. Students were ready at 7am on a Saturday to attend!!
November 20th- Jazz Composer Marcus Shelby visited our BSU
Students met in the Performing Arts Center with Jazz composer Marcus Shelby to have a dialogue regarding Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and music during slavery with the purpose of raising students historical consciousness. After the discussion, students had the opportunity to sing songs on stage with Mr. Shelby while he played the piano.
December 15th- End of the year/Christmas Party
Students and staff were welcomed to celebrate the Christmas holiday and the New Year with the BSU. Raffle prizes including gift certificates, movies, and "open only on Christmas" gifts were distributed.
January 15th, 2009- Dr Martin Luther King Jr. 80th Birthday Celebration and Pre-Presidential Inauguration Party-
Students and staff celebrated the Birthday of Dr. MLK Jr. and reflected on Dr. King's vision by watching the "I have a Dream" speech and discussed what the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama means to them. Cake and ice cream were also served.
January 16th to January 21st-
Ms. Downing traveled to Washington, DC to witness the Inauguration of the first African American President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama.
March 20-22nd
U.B.S.U.C State Conference in Ontario, CA
Upcoming Events:
May "TBA"- Day of Fun- Great America
May 31st- District African American Baccalaureate service
Please note: The BSU no longer will meet on the bi-weekly basis. Due to student demand, the Woodside BSU now meets every Thursday! We're extremely excited about this group of students and the direction that the BSU is going this school year!!
Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions!
Francisco & Sharlett - BSU Advisors |
