Editor:
I was extremely pleased to hear the decision by Encinal and AUSD District staff to reinstate the Athletic Participation Agreement between Encinal and ACLC (and extend the agreement to other AUSD district charter schools) which was announced at the AUSD School Board meeting on August 28, 2012.
We are grateful to Kevin Gorham (Encinal Athletic Director) and Sean McPhetridge (AUSD Asst Superintendent) for working to make this happen. My son, and many other dedicated and talented ACLC athletes, really appreciate the chance to represent their sister school and contribute to the success of Encinal teams. The opportunity to participate in high school sports makes such a positive difference in so many kids’ lives, and this decision will truly benefit all of our kids.
Thank you to everyone who spoke out in favor of inclusive athletic participation in our public schools! This outcome helps restore the spirit of community in the Alameda school district.
Bara Waters
ACLC Parent
Editor's note: Bara Waters is the author of The Little Team That Could, about ACLC students who managed to field their own baseball team and reach the NCS playoffs, which appeared on Alameda Patch in June. For more about the Alameda Unified School District's stance on the issue of charter school students participating on sports teams, see Charter Students Could Join Encinal High Sports Teams on The Alamedan.
