In my second real job, I had a manager, Jayne, who took the time to mentor me about the industry’s role. One of the things she taught me, I continue to use in future jobs is to “close the loop” instead of leaving any parties hanging. Everyone should know the outcome of the situation, issue, or problem. Last school term, I wrote about our local Muslim school experience and why we decided to enroll her into a nearby charter school. But I never “closed the loop” on that experience.
Even though there were small hiccups, overall, switching schools was best for Hafsa and our family. As parents, we felt Hafsa received a good education from qualified teachers who “taught the test” and explored the students’ curiosities with much project-based learning. One of the main issues I had with the Muslim school was the school did not have enough teachers to work with students on different levels. Not every student learns the same, and some may be better in some subjects than others. Hafsa is stronger in Math and English but not as strong in Science. This school had the resources to implement three different blocks/levels: above learner, average learner, and extra help learner. Of course, they also had the wherewithal not to label the classes to cause teasing and bullying within the student population. The blocks allowed her to get extra Math and English work but strengthen her Science skills, which challenged and kept her from being bored.
One of the main reasons I was interested in this school was its diverse student population, teachers, and administration. I did not want Hafsa to spend most of her education, K-8th grade, where she was frequently one of the only Black girls in the class. This school has families from over 35 countries and speak over 20 different languages. I was impressed that two of the three Deans are Black women, 2 Black male teachers, and numerous other Black teachers and administration staff members. Being a part of a diverse student population will have a positive impact on Hafsa and her peers.
This past school year, there were four other Muslim students in Hafsa’s 5th-grade class. As parents, we were able to work with the administration to designate a plan and place for our Muslim students to pray. The administration let the teachers know the students had permission to leave for prayer. The school’s handbook allows for all religious head-coverings and does not stipulate they have to be a specific color to match the uniform. A few days before Ramadan started, the Music teacher volunteered to make her classroom a food-free zone for all Muslim students to go to during lunch. The students are given the option of going to her room or sitting with their classmates during lunch. Eid al-Fitr was the week of EOGs (End of Grade) standardized testing, but the 5th-grade teachers made sure not to schedule the exam on Eid day. Alhamdulillah, Hafsa was able to attend Eid prayer and celebrations. And, of course, it was an excused absence.
When I volunteered at the school, I noticed the lack of noise. Almost every teacher on that floor, which was about 10, had their doors open and taught without disturbing the other classes. There was no yelling or shouting from the teachers or the students. The teachers knew how to manage their classrooms. Also, which scored big points from me and Hafsa, the girl’s bathroom and hallways were clean and free of the trash.
Everything was not gravy. One of Hafsa’s teachers left the school at the beginning of the 3rd Quarter due to some personal issues with the administration. There was some drama surrounding her departure as she emailed select parents, including us, to express her grievances. Hafsa had a substitute teacher for about five weeks until a permanent teacher was hired and trained. I was concerned that the long term substitutes would be disruptive to their learning, especially with EOGs around the corner. The substitutes provided mostly busywork with hardly any new instructions as the previous teacher left abruptly. The new permanent teacher had a completely different teaching style than the previous one, but she was an experienced teacher. Her children attended the school, which made me feel like she believed in the school and what they are trying to accomplish. This new teacher was also a Muslim. Indeed, Allah is the best of planners.
The only other issue was not with the school but with one of the parents. One of the parents in the carpool lane had a 3% bumper sticker and an assault rifle stick family. The 3% group is listed as a hate group by SPLC (Southen Poverty Law Center) and was on the wrong side at Charlottesville demonstrations. I was angry, frustrated, and ultimately scared for Hafsa and the other children. I reached out to the Principal and administration to make them aware as these parents could be combative or disruptive to parents and students. The Principal immediately responded to my email with his apologies and concerns. He reiterated the school has a no-gun policy and how they not only appreciate but welcome diversity. He also shared my concerns with the administration. Given the school could not police parents’ involvement in hate groups, there was nothing else he could legally do.
We know our experience in Muslim schools vs. public charter schools may not be the norm. But I wanted to share our story as an example of a positive outcome. As parents, you have to do what you think is best for your child. We did. We re-enrolled her in the school for her 6th grade. She starts in a few days, God Willing.
As students began another school year, we pray all of them will have a successful year. Oh Allah, please protect them, keep them mentally and physically safe. May they get the best from their environment and leave the rest. Please protect them from being bullied and being a bully. In a difficult situation, please give them the courage to walk away and disengage. But if necessary, please give them the strength to handle it. Oh Allah, please give them success in this life and the next. Oh Allah, please protect them from laziness. Oh Allah, please let them remember you in all of their actions. Ameen.
