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Students read autoethnographies at ethnic-studies showcase
Summary
Students in the district's first-year ethnic-studies class read personal autoethnographies about identity, family and community, with teachers presenting recorded work from Arcadia and McKinleyville High Schools.
Students in the district's ethnic-studies class presented autoethnographies and reflections at the board meeting, highlighting identity, family history and cultural practices.
Anayeli Ausa (S6), who introduced the ethnic-studies team, said the group includes several teachers and that four students would share final projects; two read their pieces live while two submitted recordings. Russell Gaskell (S7), a Spanish and ethnic-studies teacher, said "we have four students who are available and willing to come forth and present tonight" and explained the class structure and final products.
Student Leland Lake (S8) read about his Native American identity, describing cultural practices — "I've been processing acorns for as long as I can remember" — and the importance of river and salmon in his family life. Student Brielle Lopez (S10) shared how ethnic-studies increased her awareness of Hmong history and family refugee experiences: "This class sparked my curiosity... I never knew much about the Hmong people until the ethnic studies course, which I'm grateful to know now." Board members praised the students for their candor and expressed appreciation for the program's work connecting students to community and identity.
