Gay-Straight Alliance ahead of the curve at Bret Harte
Respect – one of Bret Harte's core values alongside "resilience" and "hard work" – is a word you will hear leaders of the school's Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) use again and again. "I joined the Gay-Straight Alliance because I feel like every student deserves a place to feel welcome and equal and respected," says 6th-grader Sylvia, a member of the GSA leadership team. (Sylvia is pictured at right with fellow GSA leaders Ruby and Sonia.)
The group, founded in 2012-13 with the help of 7th-grade English and History Teacher Phoebe Gilpinwright, meets once a week, with 15-25 students at eachmeeting. "So much happening in kids' lives at this age is complicated, and school can either be place of relief from that, or add to the pressure,” says Gilpinwright. "Students here thought the GSA could be a safe and positive space for students to talk about issues, discuss the different ways people identify, and focus on how to mitigate bullying."
One of the group's goals is to understand – and in some cases change – the vocabulary around gender identity and sexual orientation. For starters, they are working to erase the word "gay" as a term used to describe something students don't like. The group also recently made wristbands bearing the words "support," "love," and "unique," and created an educational flier using words like "strong, athletic, gay" to describe NBA player Jason Collins after he came out.
"We wanted to make the statement that Collins is all these things he’s expected to be as a male athlete – and he’s also gay," explains 6th-grader and GSA copresident Ruby.
Slowly but surely, Gilpinwright says, the group is making a difference. "A lot more students are aware now, and for many, just knowing there is a GSA on campus has helped them feel safer at school."
"I think it's sad that most middle schools don't have a group like this," says Ruby. "It's the 21st century and people still have trouble accepting people for who they are. But I'm really proud that we have one here, because if someone decides to come out at some point, they need to have had some influence in their life [like the GSA] that lets them know there are people who support them, lets them know they are not alone."
"Having a Gay-Straight Alliance is important because for a lot of people middle school is when they discover who they are or who they want to be," says 6th-grader and GSA co-president Sonia. "I hope that we pave the way for other middle schools, that it can be like a chain reaction."
"There’s a lot of prejudice out in the world," says Ruby, "and I think groups like ours can change this. That's one thing we’re here to do, to change these prejudices from the inside out."
From Mozart to Ellington to the Beatles
Bret Harte musicians honing their craft in the practice room and on stage
Walk the Bret Harte campus at almost any hour of the school day, and you’re bound to catch the strains of song drifting from Music Teacher Duane Worm’s room. It might be the roll of a drum kicking off a Count Basie number, or a trio of violins channeling Bach. Whatever the tune, students are always making music here.
And for 21 years, it’s been Worm teaching them. During his tenure, Worm has seen it all, from the "roller coaster" of state music funding to students who've gone to become professional traveling musicians. But one constant has been kids' passion for music. "Music is hands-on training," he explains, 'a kind of craftsmanship, and students are always looking for that."
To feed their enthusiasm, Worm hosts a range of ensembles including orchestra, strings, advanced band, and jazz band. (21 years ago, Worm founded Oakland’s first middle school jazz band here.) He teaches virtually every instrument, with students taking up cello, string bass, trombone, flute, saxophone, percussion, and more. They learn to play "every kind of style you can think of," from classical to jazz to pop (they are known to perform the occasional Beatles song).
"Mr. Worm has a way of teaching the basics, then depending on us you to work in it yourself and build independence," explains 6th-grade clarinetist Ariella. "He makes it interesting because he doesn't just do the cold hard facts. Instead, he always brings a good humor to his teaching."
8th-grade violinists Jessie and Tyler agree. "Mr. Worm is a great person," says Jessie. "He's really funny and as you get to know him you learn he’s really cool."
Mozart is among the composers whose pieces Bret Harte musicians perform publicly. Not only do the kids play at assemblies and other on-campus events, but they also travel to Oakland Tech, Skyline, and other venues. Playing out helps the kids build confidence and a sense of unity. During performances, Ariella says, "We find ourselves depending on each other, and it's a lot of fun sharing what we've learned with the audience. Mr. Worm sets it up so that we start out with a piece we're really good at, to build our confidence, then later we blow people away with a more intense piece."
Mr. Worm's students recognize the value of having opportunities to perform – and simply having music class at all. "Music is important because it can help you relax," says Tyler. "It's soothing and a good way to get your brain to start off or end the day. You can just be relaxed for a while and have fun for that time."
"I think all of the electives we have – like music, Spanish, leadership, journalism -- are very important," adds Ariella. "They're a way to get your mind thinking differently, compared to all our academic classes. They can really help us build our creativity and start thinking about what we’re going to do in the future."
Connect With Bret Harte!
In a state that spends roughly $3,000 less per student than the national average, public schools like Bret Harte must fundraise to continue offering outstanding programs like our arts electives. We hope you will consider a tax-deductible donation online at www.ousd.k12.ca.us/bretharte or by mail to: "OSF/Bret Harte," PO Box 27148, Oakland, CA 94602.
Interested in enrolling your child at Bret Harte? Please contact the Student Assignment Office at 510-273-1600. We also invite you to visit our campus! Call 510-531-6400 to set up a tour.
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