our visit of James Baldwin Elementary school, Northgate, Seattle.

October 28, 2023

Today we had the opportunity to visit James Baldwin Elementary School, Northgate, located in the neighborhood. It is named after James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) who was an American writer. He garnered acclaim for his work across several forms, including essays, novels, plays, and poems. His first novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain, was published in 1953; decades later, Time magazine included the novel on its list of the 100 best English-language novels released from 1923 to 2005. His first essay collection, Notes of a Native Son, was published in 1955.Baldwin's work fictionalizes fundamental personal questions and dilemmas amid complex social and psychological pressures. Themes of masculinity, sexuality, race, and class intertwine to create intricate narratives that run parallel with some of the major political movements toward social change in mid-twentieth century America, such as the civil rights movement and the gay liberation movement. Baldwin's protagonists are often but not exclusively African American, and gay and bisexual men frequently feature prominently in his literature. These characters often face internal and external obstacles in their search for social and self-acceptance. Such dynamics are prominent in Baldwin's second novel, Giovanni's Room, which was written in 1956, well before the gay liberation movement.

His reputation has endured since his death and his work has been adapted for the screen to great acclaim. An unfinished manuscript, Remember This House, was expanded and adapted for cinema as the documentary film I Am Not Your Negro (2016), which was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards. One of his novels, If Beale Street Could Talk, was adapted into the Academy Award– winning film of the same name in 2018, directed and produced by Barry Jenkins.

In addition to writing, Baldwin was also a well-known public figure and orator, especially during the civil rights movement in the United States.

Another specialty of the school is that children have to take admission in their own neighborhood school. While this ensures the safety of the children, it also makes the parents responsible to remain connected with the administration, activities and daily routine of the school. In fact, the economic and intellectual prosperity of any locality is determined by the quality of the schools in that area.

We were looking at this school for the last several years. The staff here had also organized a movement last year to improve it. I also went to support him, since then I had developed a close relationship with this school. And today after getting the appointment from the school, my wife Krishana Kanta and I reached the school on time to visit. We were welcomed by Nicole Sood from the school management and then we met Guillermo Carvajal, the Family Support Worker who stayed with us for about an hour and took us through every major part and faculty of this institution.

About 650 students can get education in this school spread over 95,000 square feet area. It is managed by the District Council and local citizens who run it with their financial support i.e. levy. Presently, its grand, beautiful and attractive building has been completed on September 23, 2023 and it has now started. Work on another play ground is in progress which will be completed by February-2024.

Observed the Kinder Garden and classes from creche to fifth class of this school built on two floors. Every classroom was equipped with modern educational equipment and facilities. Especially the places of their extracurricular activities were very attractive. In case of accidental accidents of children, nursing homes and nurses, libraries equipped with reading material of their level, play rooms, dining rooms, washing areas and clean toilets are highly appreciated. After passing a test, every child is given breakfast and lunch in the school itself and which consists of fruits, vegetables and other nutritious food. Similarly, the school also provides books and other materials. There is no uniform in the school because the management believes that children and their parents should have freedom in wearing clothes. The work of cooking and distributing food is also done by parents on voluntary basis. The responsibility of cleanliness also lies with the students and staff. There is no other special cleaning staff. The salary/honorarium of the staff is determined on the basis of income. There is no difference in the salary of male and female staff. The entire arrangement is with public cooperation. The amount of income increases and decreases and so does the honorarium. About 93 lakh dollars have been spent in building this new building. This time the estimated target of receipt is 10 lakh dollars, out of which 6 lakh dollars have been received so far.

There are morning and periodic assemblies in the school but there are no religious prayers nor are any religious festivals celebrated. On this he says that children from many countries, religions and languages study in his school, hence he does not want the influence of any faith on anyone. Religious belief is everyone's personal matter and it is not appropriate to use it in public.

"The Mission of the school":

James Baldwin Elementary is a community of students, families, and staff that:

Provides a welcoming environment that is safe, respectful, positive, and focused on academic achievement.

Embraces respect for all cultures and strives to build relationships where all children succeed.

Implements a rigorous, integrated curriculum where all students are challenged and supported

Their Vision:

The James Baldwin community is a team of parents, staff and students determined to challenge students to be all that they can be in a positive, nurturing learning environment. We strive to give our students the tools they will need to become intelligent, thoughtful, and compassionate citizens of the world. With high expectations and a clear vision with everyone working together, we as a community will make success a reality.

The school principal, Nicole Silver, is a generous and cheerful woman. We also informed them about the activities of Hali Apna School, Panipat, being run by our Mata Sita Rani Seva Sanstha at Nirmala Deshpande Sansthan and presented a beautiful artwork made by our class 6th girl students, a tricolor colored camisole and a book Authentic Yoga. Presented to her which she gladly accepted. She is keen to visit India and see our historical heritage, grand culture and colorful festivals. On behalf of all of you, we also invited her to visit India.