Dear Assistant Superintendent Simon,

Somos una familia. We are one family. This is a saying used and known among Washington staff for years, and a description that has been felt by the community your staff has served. Those same families are now writing to you, as deeply concerned parents regarding the changes that the SLUSD administration has made about the elementary basketball program.

We want to be very clear that we are deeply disappointed in this decision and the direction it represents. Reducing an inclusive program that has served well over 150 students to one that will exclude the majority and only serve 80 students significantly limits opportunities for children across the district.

This concern is especially serious for Title I schools like Washington Elementary, where school-based programs are often the only accessible extracurricular opportunities for many students. Families who cannot afford private leagues, club sports, or transportation to outside programs rely on district-supported activities. Limiting participation so drastically disproportionately affects students who already face the most barriers.

Elementary basketball has been more than a sport — it has been an important community-building activity with numerous benefits. It provided students with structured opportunities to learn teamwork, perseverance, discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship in a safe and supportive environment. These are foundational skills for student development and long-term success, and they should not be reserved for a small, select group of children.  

We are also concerned about the exclusion of 1st and 2nd graders entirely and the possibility that participation may be limited only to students enrolled in the Boys & Girls Club. Exclusion of the majority goes against the district's move toward an inclusive environment for all. Eliminating the basketball program further narrows access and moves away from SLUSD’s mission statement, which states commitment to a focus on "authentic, reciprocal partnerships with educators, families, and students and a persistent focus on eradicating institutional biases that have rendered historically inequitable outcomes", and the district's focus "on equity to ensure all students have the opportunity to be healthy, engaged, and successful."

As a district, we must prioritize students and their development — academically, socially, and emotionally. Programs that foster belonging, confidence, and healthy activity should be expanded, not reduced. We have been fortunate enough to see the positive impact that the basketball program has had on our children in their learning environment. There has been increased interest in school, pride in their community, and a huge boost in self-confidence. Our children have made more positive connections with their peers, and have built healthy relationships with a variety of adults, which further built their social-emotional foundation and support system. This program which you have chosen to remove has not only brought our children together, but has brought our families together, resulting in a closer San Leandro community. This program helped our community thrive. Somos una familia.

We strongly urge the district to reconsider this plan and work collaboratively with schools, families, and community partners to preserve an inclusive elementary basketball program that serves as many students as possible.

Thank you for taking parent feedback into serious consideration. We hope SLUSD will choose a path that reflects its values and commitment to all students.

Sincerely,