School staff and families build bridges, break bread

If the phrase “Beloved Community” doesn’t define the school you attend, teach at, or send your children to each day, there’s work to be done. 

More than 60 staff and family members spent last Thursday doing that work together, gathered around folding tables in the Jefferson Elementary gym.

They were led by Nicole Jenkins-Rosenkrantz, Spokane Public Schools’ director of community relations and diversity training, and Erin Lipsker, the district’s restorative practices and mediation program manager. The duo held a training with staff in October and one for parents in November, culminating in last week’s session that included both groups and a shared meal hosted by Feast World Kitchen.

The workshops have revolved around that concept of Beloved Community, in which all are cared for in the absence of poverty, hunger, and hate – an idea championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

But moving past the nationwide unrest witnessed over the past few years can only be done if we all show up for hard conversations and work together toward repair, Nicole said.

“Cultural conflict can be uncomfortable to discuss, and it’s natural to want to avoid topics that make us uneasy,” she said. “This training is focused on normalizing the conversation and providing pathways to building authentic relationships.”

While Jefferson is the first school to take part in this training, Nicole said six more schools will have the opportunity in the coming months thanks to a grant from Better Health Together. 

“The more schools that participate, the more connections are made and the more positive impact we hope it has on our community,” she said.

Erin said the work is deeply personal as a biracial woman who was raised in Spokane and now has children at Jefferson.

“I know firsthand how hard it can be to function in the often racially divided world we live in,” she said. “It makes it even harder when the people around you don't have the language or the tools to help you navigate the feelings and realities caused by racial harm and ignorance."

Providing a space to honestly talk through these issues and problem solve over a shared meal helps participants see each other’s humanity more clearly, she said.

Fifth grade teacher Diana Janachek said she too has experienced racism and microaggression within school environments in the past.

“I am also raising children of color and, while I’ve experienced racism myself, it hits deeper when my own children experience it,” she said. “I am grateful and even relieved that the work we are doing with Beloved Community creates space for staff and families to come together to discuss anti-racism, because not all schools and districts are onboard with equity.” 

In her view, achieving the district’s motto of “excellence for everyone through equity” will require buy-in from the entire community.

“Creating opportunities to get out of comfort zones together creates courage for people to speak up and start sharing,” she said. “With more courageous conversations, I think we will be few steps closer to fighting racism.” 

 Jefferson parent Mark Finney agreed that while it might seem “safer” to avoid contentious issues like racism for fear of rousing conflict, it’s vital to address it overtly and frequently.  

“We all know that Eastern Washington and neighboring North Idaho have a significant history and ongoing presence of white supremacist activity and ideology,” he said. “I’m grateful that SPS is a great partner with my wife and me in helping raise our kids to be the best contributors to the future of our community that they can be.”

Principal Brent Perdue said that while it’s been heartening to see the bridge building between staff and parents, he sees it as the beginning of a journey to lift all Jefferson students.

“I hope that this helps propel us forward as a school and as a community in this work,” he said. “Equity for all truly means all. With parents as partners, helping support their own children and their neighbors’ children, we can get there by building one bridge at a time.”

Learn more at spokaneschools.org/dfce.