“Talking About Race with Our Children" to Occur January 8

Dr. Carroll W. Blake will lead Westwood Public Schools’ (WPS) Parent Programming event “Talking About Race with Our Children” on January 8 at 7pm in Westwood High School’s Little Theater. This event is part of WPS’ district improvement strategy goal of a “healthy and supported community,” part 3.2 “Implement programs and instructional practices that recognize and support the needs of students and families in an increasingly diverse community.” Dr. Blake will also host follow up discussions on January 23 and February 11 at 7pm in the High School’s District Administration Professional Development Room. This event is suitable for parents of children from preschool to grade twelve.

Dr. Blake serves as the Lead Executive Coach for Boston Public School’s Male Educators of Color (MEoC) program. He also was principal of middle schools in both Roxbury, MA and Wellesley, MA. For the previous sixteen years, he held the position of Lincoln Public School’s METCO director.

Per Massachusetts’ Department of Education, Westwood High School is 86.2% white. Prior to winter break, students of color spoke to WPS teachers about their experiences in the Westwood Public School system as part of a professional development day focused on race.

Principal Sean Bevens reported finding a desk with “racist symbols and drawings” at Westwood High School to the town police in November. In April 2017, swastika graffiti was found at Westwood High School.