This week, we take the opportunity to highlight our partnership with Lodestar, A Lighthouse Community Public School, whose core values are Love, Community, Integrity, Agency, and Social Justice.
Lodestar is located in the Sobrante Park neighborhood in deep East Oakland, and serves grades K-10. Lodestar provides rigorous instruction and love along with high-order thinking and problem solving skills to give students the autonomy to center their own learning and set the foundation for being changemakers in the world. When schools evolve and root themselves into the community, it builds public trust and long-lasting relationships are created. Lodestar's genuine commitment to their core values has led to their dynamic partnership with community organization Sobrante Park Resident Action Council (RAC). Lodestar and Sobrante Park RAC partnership strengthens the community, connects families to resources, hosts family friendly events, and collaboratively advocates for what is best for students. Lodestar is committed to sharing community interest while promoting a safe and thriving community.
– “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley
Lodestar and the Sobrante Park RAC has focused on a safe passage to and from school for all students and families as well as embedding the school and its staff into the community in which it serves. As a result, Lodestar has worked in partnership to host and/or participate in community events on the weekend. Rich Harrison, Lighthouse Community Public School (LCPS) CEO, shares that “the willingness to work with the community enables a relationship of understanding to develop. Working together for the betterment of the community.”
Lodestar is located in the Sobrante Park neighborhood in deep East Oakland, and serves grades K-10. Lodestar provides rigorous instruction and love along with high-order thinking and problem solving skills to give students the autonomy to center their own learning and set the foundation for being changemakers in the world. When schools evolve and root themselves into the community, it builds public trust and long-lasting relationships are created. Lodestar's genuine commitment to their core values has led to their dynamic partnership with community organization Sobrante Park Resident Action Council (RAC). Lodestar and Sobrante Park RAC partnership strengthens the community, connects families to resources, hosts family friendly events, and collaboratively advocates for what is best for students. Lodestar is committed to sharing community interest while promoting a safe and thriving community.
– “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley
Lodestar and the Sobrante Park RAC has focused on a safe passage to and from school for all students and families as well as embedding the school and its staff into the community in which it serves. As a result, Lodestar has worked in partnership to host and/or participate in community events on the weekend. Rich Harrison, Lighthouse Community Public School (LCPS) CEO, shares that “the willingness to work with the community enables a relationship of understanding to develop. Working together for the betterment of the community.”
Check out some of the Lodestar and the Sobrante Park RAC community events this school year
Monthly Community Clean Ups: Staff members and families have participated in community cleanups surrounding Lodestar to work alongside Oakland City Council Member Treva Reid, the Sobrante Park RAC, and local business leaders! Students, families, and staff have been pitching in, and supporting the important work of advocating for our East Oakland community to address illegal dumping, blight services, and neighborhood beautification efforts!
Please check out pictures below of Rich Harrison, Lodestar staff and parents participating in community clean ups.
Rich Harrison - Anti graffiti warrior covering graffiti along the entrance to the community:
Rich Harrison - Anti graffiti warrior covering graffiti along the entrance to the community:
Community members, staff, and families picking up trash:
Trunk or Treat: Lodestar collaborated with the Sobrante Park RAC and other community organizations to hold a Harvest Festival Trunk or Treat on Lodestar's campus. Over 1,000 people participated including City and County staff.
- Children including non-Lodestar students and families participated in a "trunk or treat" in the Lodestar parking lot!
- There were a lot of cool Costumes, and a costume parade every hour!
- There were a variety of booths and giveaways set up by local community members and organizations - including the Oakland As, Alameda County Dental Society, Roots Community Health, and more!
- A live DJ!
- Equipment and vehicles of the Oakland Fire Department and Alameda County Health Emergency Team in which kids got to check out.
Treva Reid, City of Oakland District 7 Council Member with Making Moves Motorcycle Club:
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Dr. Thompson (OUSD School Board Member District 7) with
Tunisia Adams (Lodestars’ Families in Action Parent Leader):
Tunisia Adams (Lodestars’ Families in Action Parent Leader):
Lodestar will have other opportunities to partner with the community and support neighborhood efforts to help: work in collaboration with their community, listen to their needs, follow their lead, and connect families to resources, and overall, do what’s best for all students and families.
Shoutout to Rich Harrison (LCPS CEO), Erin Wesseldine (LCPS Director of Special Education), Zeyda Garcia (Lodestar Lead Counselor), and my mom, Sylvia Brooks (Secretary of Sobrante Park RAC) for helping me highlight the amazing way in which Lodestar is working in partnership with the community to make sure all students are welcomed, cared for, included, seen, safe, supported, and can thrive!
Shoutout to Rich Harrison (LCPS CEO), Erin Wesseldine (LCPS Director of Special Education), Zeyda Garcia (Lodestar Lead Counselor), and my mom, Sylvia Brooks (Secretary of Sobrante Park RAC) for helping me highlight the amazing way in which Lodestar is working in partnership with the community to make sure all students are welcomed, cared for, included, seen, safe, supported, and can thrive!
“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller
Blog Post Written By: Devina Brooks, Director of School Partnerships
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