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Reaching out to Latinos Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Front to back, MariaSandra Deras, Irene Aviles and Jos� Rodriquez say the atmosphere at Eagle Point High School has improved for Latinos since new programs were implemented this year. Teachers and staff are involved in seminars to help them understand cultural differences, and students are participating more in classes, clubs and theater activities that help them with expression as well as academics. Eagle Point High students agree the atmosphere is more welcoming because of efforts to understand cultural differences By DAMIAN MANN After racially charged incidents erupted between Latino and Anglo students last spring, the Eagle Point School District took the offensive. To combat the problem, school officials reached out to the Latino community for help, then began programs to create an environment that quells discrimination and welcomes diversity. By all accounts, these efforts are paying off. Latino students agree that tensions have eased markedly, finding the atmosphere on campus more welcoming. The school administration reports no instances of racially offensive graffiti so far this year. "I think we're fortunate that we've addressed some of these problems early," said Superintendent Bill Jones. "We got a bit of a wake-up call." The wake-up call came at the end of last school year, when high school officials found themselves with a campus rife with rumors and threats against Latinos. The tension culminated in a racially sparked fight that led to disciplinary actions against several students. Inflammatory statements directed against Latinos that were scrawled on campus walls added to the atmosphere of discrimination, forcing local police to step up patrols in case of potential outbreaks. When no further fights erupted by school year's end, officials breathed a sigh of relief. And they sprang into action to ensure the same thing didn't happen this year. In August, 94 teachers and other staff members began seven months of seminars to help them understand and be more sensitive to cultural differences. New programs working directly with students were begun through the Jackson Education Service District to encourage more awareness of the Latino culture. They join the Latin Theater, established last year at Eagle Point Junior High School to encourage cultural expression. And a new club offers one-on-one academic help to encourage students to stay in school and graduate. School officials say some of the most successful programs are also the simplest. After meeting with the Latino community last year, the school now translates written materials into Spanish and an automatic message machine alerts parents in Spanish if students are absent. Many of the problems between Latinos and Anglos stemmed from cultural fears and a community that until recently has not been exposed to a large Latino population, said EPHS Principal Mari Brabbin. "This has been total culture shock for everyone around," she said. Some of the problems resulted from misperceptions and miscommunications, particularly about what constitutes discrimination or racism. A Latina girl recently accused an Anglo boy of racism, but Brabbin said it turned out to be more a case of inappropriate behavior directed at a girl. While most students get along, Brabbin acknowledges that there remains a minority of students who object to cultural differences. Some people, she said, "are taught not to like the color of someone's skin." Her staff is getting a crash course on cultural differences that will help them understand a growing Latino population that now accounts for 132 of the total 1,275 students at the high school. Citing an example of the things staff has learned, Brabbin said that praising a student in class is considered an honor by Anglos, but for a Latino it would be embarrassing. Teachers are encouraged to give these students praise in writing or by calling their parents at home. Physical space, the distance someone generally stands in relation to someone else, is usually closer among Latinos than Anglos. "We need to work out a comfort zone," she said. While Anglos are more apt to question authority, Latinos generally respect those in charge, which means they also don't necessarily voice their disapproval. On the other hand, Brabbin said, "We talk about not only the differences in the cultures, but the ways that we have a certain sameness - things that they all share." High school Assistant Principal Lynn Eccleston said there has been a concerted effort to deal with racial issues. "More and more Latino kids are staying here," she said. "They are moving through the school system and graduating. We even have one kid who is the junior student class president." While the high school has borne the brunt of racial tension, the problem doesn't start there, said Pam Lucas, ESD coordinator for migrant education and English as a second language. "It's real clear that this is not just a school issue. It's a community issue," she said. Similar problems have erupted in other communities when a different group of people moves into a community. "It's a very normal part of the process when the population shifts in a school," she said. Superintendent Jones said he plans to add more bilingual teachers in the future and continue to raise sensitivity about cultural issues. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Students say 'It takes two' to solve problems With Eagle Point High School offering more programs and more diversity training, Latino students are noticing the difference. Senior MariaSandra Deras said, "Last year we had lots of problems. We felt we didn't have as much attention." One of the first Latino cheerleaders at the high school, MariaSandra said she hasn't personally felt the effects of racism at the high school, though some of her friends have complained. She was bothered by graffiti last year written on school lockers threatening Latino students. A number of programs, including sending home translated materials to parents, have changed the atmosphere. "It makes them (parents) feel more like the students are getting attention," said MariaSandra, 17, of White City. Programs such as "El Teatro Latino" (Latin theater), of which she is a member, are especially welcome. "It shows that they (school leaders) want to be more involved in things." Born in Mexico, Maria-Sandra hasn't always felt a part of the American culture. "Before (when she was younger), they used to tell me you didn't belong here," she said. Although the school had problems in the past, MariaSandra believes things are improving, but it will require the cooperation of everyone. "It takes two," she said. "It takes the school and it takes the students." Sophomore Jos� Rodriquez has seen a definite improvement, particularly with the lack of graffiti this year and the improved attitudes of other students. "Guys (Anglos) will actually talk to you," he said. "They treat you as a person, not as a color." He is working with other students on the Blue House Project, a student effort to remodel a house. At first, he felt a little intimidated by one of his co-workers, a big Anglo teenager. "Right off the bat, he started talking," said the 16-year-old White City teenager. "From then on, we've had a good relationship." Senior Irene Aviles said, "I really never noticed much discrimination." A lot of the problem, she said, came from misunderstandings and miscommunications. For instance, she said, a student would claim discrimination if he received an F from a teacher. "They are just misunderstanding the word," said the 17-year-old from White City. However, Irene does think the school has been more considerate toward parents by translating things. Sophomore Taja Padilla, who says she is three-quarters Latino but looks Anglo, decided to join "El Teatro Latino" to learn Spanish and to become friends with Latinos. Last year, some Anglos were concerned when they saw Latinos grouped together. "They think they're a big gang." But the Anglos are getting more used to having the Latinos on campus, she believes. Although she has not been the subject of racist remarks, Taja feels the terrorist attacks on the United States have contributed to better relations. "I think it has improved a bit since Sept. 11," said the Shady Cove teenager. "Everyone realizes they need to treat each other with respect." She is hoping that programs like "El Teatro Latino" help Latinos express themselves, she said. "I look forward to becoming friends with these people." 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