Rio Vista Elementary among several MDUSD schools to celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

To help educate students about the courageous, historic, and nation-changing “walk” of Ruby Bridges in November of 1960 to integrate schools, Rio Vista Elementary 4th and 5th graders walked to MDUSD's Black/African American Family Engagement Center in Bay Point on Thursday, Nov. 14th, to learn more about Bridges and her role in ending segregation in public schools. As a symbolic gesture, the students re-enacted her walk, then watched a short video about Bridges, and participated fun outdoor activities including jumping rope, throwing softballs and creating Ruby Bridges-themed chalk art on the blacktop. 

Rio Vista was one of several District schools to participate in the national Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, which is held on Nov. 14th to commemorate the anniversary of the day 6-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first African American child to integrate the formerly whites-only William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana. Schoolchildren around the country celebrate her accomplishment by walking to their schools, reading books and watching videos about Ruby Bridges, and talking about both historic and ongoing efforts to fight racism and discrimination.

The Rio Vista event was hosted by MDUSD's Focal Scholars Team, in partnership with 4th and 5th grade teachers and Principal Janis Heden. A special thanks goes out to the Oak Grove MS and Riverview MS PE departments and principals for lending their jump ropes and softballs for the celebration. Rio Vista and other MDUSD schools received Ruby Bridges flags, bracelets, stickers, and hats through the American Automobile Association. A Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office Deputy helped to escort the Bay Point group on their 1-mile round-trip walk. 

Fifth-grade teacher Jonathan Moses said the event was the culmination of previous lessons he has taught his students about state and federal laws and the history of segregation in the South, which the Supreme Court ruled was unconstitutional in 1954, but which persisted until U.S. federal marshals escorted Bridges to her school. Moses' students A.J. Eda and Aryiane Hill said they enjoyed learning about Ruby Bridges and participating in the walk and activities. A.J., who is Filipino, said he is happy that schools are integrated. "It's good so we can all be together with each other and we can get to know each other and find out about other races and cultures," he said. Aryiane (pictured above with flag) said she admires Ruby Bridges. "I think she was a brave, smart and awesome girl," Aryiane said.

The Focal Scholars Program consists of K-12 students from seven Focal Scholar schools within MDUSD, including Rio Vista Elementary. It is designed to monitor as well as assist students with their attendance, behavior, and academic endeavors to show growth in each area. Some of the students identified as Focal Scholars are unhoused youths, foster children, and more. Students receive free tutorial and counseling services as a benefit of being in this program.

Other MDUSD schools that participated in Ruby Bridges Walk to School events included: Gregory Gardens, Highlands, Mt. Diablo, Monte Gardens, Silverwood, Strandwood, Valhalla and Valle Verde elementary schools, as well as Sequoia and Valley View middle schools.