The Latest Connecting with Kyla, looking at the COVID Crisis, Response, and Resources

Thursday, March 26, 2020 Dear OUSD Community, As you likely know, our school closure has been extended through at least May 1. Although we want nothing more than for our students to be reunited with their teachers and school staff, the well-being of our community is our top priority. As May 1 approaches, we will…


The Digital Divide, Parent Access and How We Can More than Survive During the COVID Crisis

By Director Jumoke Hinton-Hodge Oakland’s reality is that families are struggling to meet their basic needs and now carry the additional burden of trying to guide their children’s education. Oakland parents are ready to work on behalf of their children, but now the district must authentically understand what it means to address equity and create…


A Look at EBIA’s Transition to Online Learning, but an Online Prom?

A guest post from Families in Action Spring 2020 is supposed to be a celebratory time for the East Bay Innovation Academy (EBIA) students, educators and community. The school’s founding students, who started in 7th grade when the school opened in 2014, are receiving their diplomas this year. They have been anticipating this for years,…


OUSD’s Grab and Go Free Meal Program Now in its Third Day As Need Expands

OUSD Press ReleaseOakland, CA – The Grab and Go free meal program for Oakland students is now in its third day and expects to continue growing exponentially. On day one of the program last Monday, March 16, OUSD Nutrition Services gave out about 25,000 meals to roughly 4,100 students. On Thursday, March 19, the second day…


Teaching in the Time of a Pandemic; A Leader’s Message to Staff

“Our family’s dinner conversation has shifted from silly and interesting stories about our school days, to answering my daughters’ questions about their grandpa, “Mama, will we ever get to see Baba again?” Our lives have changed so dramatically in a matter of days.” (This was a letter sent to staff looking at how we move…