Qorsho Hassan and Becca Buck compiled a first-of-its-kind collection of Somali songs, chants, and games from students and parents at Gideon Pond Elementary School.
St. Paul Public Schools administrators explained that the budget cuts stemmed from declining enrollment, prekindergarten funding formulas, and fewer kindergarten students than expected. But to parents, teachers, and students, those calculations didn’t account for the value of their school’s only Black teacher, Shevie Brooks.
Students and fellow teachers praised Michael Houston for creating a welcoming classroom environment, making math relevant to students, and focusing on mental health.