Kids On 12th

I was a young, Jewish kid in a small, conservative, Christian town. The science teacher posted Bible verses on the blackboard each day, the popular high school football games were blessed by a priest, and the history teacher taught World War Two without one mention of the Holocaust or the Jewish people.

In the refusal to teach every student, my teachers singled me out — as if they had stood me in front of the class as an example of someone to be dismissed. If that actually makes sense: to be both singled out and dismissed at the same time. My history was unimportant and unworthy of being taught in school. By avoiding my history, they didn't avoid discomfort — they created a lifetime of it.

Of course, this isn't a complete comparison to growing up Black in America. But it is relatable. My skin is still pale. And as much as I feel different because I grew up different, I can blend in — and I know that blending comes with certain privileges that others are not afforded.

What my experience has taught me is how vitally important it is to teach history accurately and completely. Denying the horrors of our complex history only serves to perpetuate a lack of understanding. That lack of understanding leads to fear of differences, and fear leads to hate. Hate, as we know, leads us to repeat the horrors.

So, how do we teach young children about human history without causing fear or shame? The same way we teach everything — with honesty and open dialogue within the positive relationships of a community where they feel safe.

The only defense we have against history repeating is knowledge and understanding of the experiences of our ancestors — why they made their decisions, what hardships they faced, and what choices they could have made for better, more humane outcomes. Our only defense is to teach our children so they can be wiser, kinder, and stronger. So they can create balance with care rather than fear.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom and humanity is not simply declared — it must be delivered. It took two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation for enslaved people in Texas to learn they were free. That delay was not accidental. It was a choice — made by those who benefited from keeping others in the dark. The lesson Juneteenth carries is one we cannot afford to set aside: that the withholding of truth is itself an act of harm.

I wish you all a Juneteenth filled with the celebration of a freedom that was only made possible through an understanding of the past, a clear-eyed recognition of the challenges of our present, and a deep commitment to educating our children for the benefit of everyone's future.

I promise to create an environment within Kids On 12th where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and form friendships filled with laughter. Each child will be loved, respected, and accepted as the unique individual they are, and will be greeted every day by a diverse family of teachers and friends.

We can nurture the beauty in the world we know is possible for them — and for the generations that will come after them.

Love to all,
Tr. Sharon

☀️ Camp for our school age (5-11) group began today and we have important updates on remaining space for the following weeks:

Week of 6/15 - ❌ FULL
Week of 6/22 - ❌ FULL
Week of 6/29 - ⚠️ 8 spaces remaining
Week of 7/6 - ‼️ 3 spaces remaining
Week of 7/13 - ‼️ 5 spaces remaining
Week of 7/20 - ‼️ 5 spaces remaining
Week of 7/27 - ⚠️ 6 spaces remaining
Week of 8/3 - ⚠️ 6 spaces remaining
Week of 8/10 - ⚠️ 10 spaces remaining

If you haven’t registered for summer camp yet, do it now before we’re FULL! 🎉

➡️ https://ko12.org/summer-camp

Teacher treats for the final day of the school year! We're ready for camp!