Welcome back to school, everyone!
Hey everyone,
Kenny, Director of Outreach here.
As the new school year begins, I’m filled with anticipation and excitement. There’s something special about the energy that comes with the start of a new academic year—the fresh faces, the renewed commitment from school staff, and the sense of possibility that permeates the air.
It’s a time when communities come together, and I’m grateful to be part of that journey with Higher Ground. Each year, I’m reminded of the importance of our mission, and I’m more determined than ever to ensure that every student feels valued, respected, and supported.
What I’m looking forward to in the year ahead
This year, I’m most excited about the growth and connection that will happen within our communities. At the start of every school year, I make it a point to visit all our sites, introduce myself to new students and faculty, and reconnect with familiar faces. These initial visits set the tone for the year and allow me to gauge the vibe and needs of each school. Over the coming months, I look forward to seeing how these communities grow and how we, as an organization, can support that growth.
A big part of my role is fostering inclusivity in every space I enter. Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of everything we do at Higher Ground. I’m committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, feels seen and heard, as well as our community partners, faculty, and staff in the school we are located in. As I walk through the halls of our schools, I’m always looking for ways to create environments where students, facutly, and staff, of all races, backgrounds, and experiences can thrive. This year, I’m particularly excited to see how we can deepen our commitment to inclusion, making sure that every student knows they belong.
Inclusion, to me, goes beyond ensuring diverse representation in our schools. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels safe to express their true selves. It’s about breaking down the barriers that might prevent a student from feeling like they are part of their school community. Whether it’s ensuring that our programs reach all corners of our community or making sure that every voice is heard in our decision-making processes, inclusion is the heartbeat of our work.
Learnings from my first year at Higher Ground
One of the key aspects of my work has been building bridges between different communities.
Whether it’s through committee meetings or one-on-one interactions, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when we bring people together. For instance, our involvement in the opening of new spaces at Utterback Middle School was a significant moment. The creation of these spaces, designed to support African American Student Services, was a testament to our commitment to inclusion. The event brought together people from all walks of life—students, faculty, community leaders, and benefactors. It was a powerful reminder that when we create spaces that welcome everyone, we strengthen the fabric of our community.
Empathy has been a crucial part of my approach during this first year. In every interaction, I strive to understand where people are coming from, what their needs are, and how we can best support them. Empathy is about more than just understanding someone’s situation; it’s about connecting with them on a human level. I’ve learned that when you approach people with empathy, you open the door to deeper, more meaningful relationships. At times simply sharing the issues people are facing, has to be met with empathy.
This has been particularly important in my work with families and students who might feel marginalized or overlooked.
My focus for the 2024-2025 school year
This year, my focus is on deepening the relationships we’ve built and expanding our presence into new areas.
We’re starting a new site at Roberts-Naylor K-8, a school on Tucson’s east side; an area where Higher Ground’s presence and introduction is long overdue. I’ve spent over 13 years in this community, and I’m eager to bring the resources and support of Higher Ground to a place I know so well. It’s going to be a year of building trust, understanding needs, and laying the foundation for long-term impact.
In addition to this, we’re committed to ensuring that our efforts of inclusion are more than just talk—they’re action. It’s crucial that every student feels that they are a part of something bigger, and that their unique experiences and perspectives are valued. This includes not only creating safe spaces for underrepresented students but also ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, feels welcome. In Tucson, we’re fortunate to have a diverse community where inclusivity is woven into the fabric of our schools. However, there’s always more work to be done. This year, we're focused on breaking down any remaining barriers and ensuring that every student knows they have a place in our community.
Empathy will be at the forefront of my efforts this year. I believe that empathy is the key to unlocking true inclusion. When we approach others with empathy, we are better equipped to understand their struggles, their fears, and their hopes. This understanding allows us to create programs and initiatives that truly meet their needs. For example, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to listen to students and families as they share their experiences. These stories guide our work and help us build systems that are more responsive and compassionate.
I remember a particular conversation with a parent who, at first, was hesitant to share personal information with me. They had experienced many situations where their voice wasn’t heard, where their concerns were dismissed. But by approaching them with empathy, by taking the time to listen and understand their perspectives,(essentially they said they didn't trust me, and I needed to gain their trust before we'd move along in the process.) I was able to build a bridge of trust. This trust is essential for our work because it allows us to connect with families on a deeper level and provide the support they truly need.
Where I’ll Be in the next few months
In the coming months, you’ll find me at various community events and conferences, continuing the work of building connections and fostering inclusion
On August 22, I’ll be in Chandler for the Our City Chandler Networking Breakfast.
In September, I’ll be at the Resilience Summit on the 5th and 6th at Casino Del Sol
Later in the month, I’ll be at the Youth in Peace Conference on September 20th at Pima College West Campus.
At these events, I’m always eager to engage in conversations about how we can do better—how we can ensure that every child feels included, supported, and empowered. I invite anyone who shares this vision to join us, to collaborate, and to be a part of this ongoing journey. Together, we can create a future where every student not only has access to the resources they need but also feels a deep sense of belonging in their school and community.
In other words, be sure to come say hello.
As I look ahead, I’m filled with hope. Hope that our efforts in inclusion and empathy will lead to stronger, more connected communities. Hope that every student will feel empowered to reach their full potential. And hope that, together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the young people we serve, the communities they live in, and the neighborhoods we grow in. I’m excited to see what this year holds and to continue this important work with all of you.
See you soon.
Kenny
Director of Outreach and District Partnerships
AI assisted the organization and structure of this content