Visiting Our Schools: What I Saw at Back to School Night
Over the past week you may have spotted me at your school's back to school night, flyers in hand and eager to meet you. I had the privilege of visiting three schools across our district: Herman Intermediate and AdVenture on August 27th, Frost Elementary on August 31st, Del Roble Elementary on September 1st, and Parkview Elementary on September 3rd.
Each visit reminded me why I decided to run for this seat.
What I noticed
At Herman, the AdVenture program's murals immediately grabbed my attention. Math equations, science experiments, and artistic expression painted across the walls, beautiful, intentional, and clearly a source of pride for students and staff. It shows what a school can look like when its identity is reflected in its environment.
At Parkview, several of those same kinds of murals are in disrepair. Faded, chipped, and in need of fresh paint and care. Parkview is where I volunteer and where I know firsthand how much the community loves this school. Our students deserve an environment that reflects that love.
The playgrounds told a similar story. Del Roble's kindergarten playground looked new and even had a shade sail to protect little ones from the sun, a simple but thoughtful touch. Frost's playground is newer and offers a lot of diverse play areas, which is wonderful. But it lacks shade. Parkview's main playground is outdated and does not serve the full range of students who use it, from first through sixth grade. The kindergarten playground at Parkview is age appropriate but aging, and neither playground offers any shade protection for our kids on hot days.
These are not complaints. They are observations. And they are exactly the kind of thing a school board member should be paying attention to.
What I heard
The parents and families I met at every school were wonderful, friendly, and engaged. I left each campus more motivated than when I arrived. Your questions, your pride in your schools, and yes, your concerns, are exactly what I need to hear as I prepare to represent you.
Why it matters
Fairness in resources means every student in this district, whether they attend Herman, Frost, Del Roble, or Parkview, deserves a safe, inspiring, and well-maintained environment. Shade sails. Fresh murals. Playgrounds that serve every age. These are not luxuries. They are basics, and every school in our district should have them.
I am just getting started. There are more schools to visit, more families to meet, and more to learn. If you saw me at your school and did not get a chance to talk, I would love to hear from you.
This is your district. Let's make sure every school in it reflects that.
Sophie Freestone Candidate, Oak Grove School Board, Trustee Area 3
