Dear families,

This week I had the privilege of spending a full day with 3rd Grade. According to our tradition, when we visit classrooms we always speak in the language of instruction. Upon entering an English class, I started to ask a student, "¿Qué estamos aprendiendo hoy?" and suddenly I realized I had forgotten to switch my linguistic channel. "Oh sorry. I forgot we were in English class!"

Without pausing, the student replied to me saying: "Sra. Brito, no hay problema. Estamos en una escuela bilingue, y aqui se puede hablar en español o en inglés, porque todos te abrazan y entienden." Translated this means: "Ms. Brito, no problem. We are in a bilingual school, and here you can speak in Spanish or in English, because everyone embraces and understands you."

You have no idea how much my heart needed to hear those words from Mia. Tears started to well up in my eyes, and I thanked her with a huge hug. This is what linguistic liberation looks like, and what so many of us growing up in monolingual settings as immigrant children were denied. Hearing her say that renewed my joy and commitment in being OA's lead learner, especially as our community navigates this difficult historical moment.

I share this personal story with you because it gives me hope that the next generation will build a more just world, informed by their experience in these walls. Our Tigres have a global vision, belonging to two worlds, two languages, and one community where we "embrace" every part of our young people. We are grateful for the families that sign up for this mission, and advocate for ALL our children every day.

With gratitude,

Carolina Brito, Principal

Here we are celebrating "brigadeiros brasileiros" at the last Cooking Club meeting. Thanks to Mrs. Reza, Mr. Solano, Mrs. Melgarejo, Mr. Benjamin, and Mrs. Moriconi, I got to share a piece of my mom's kitchen with your kids! 2nd Grade Team, you all have tremendous vocation and dedication. Thank you!