I am excited to announce that I have accepted the role of Restorative Practices and PBIS Facilitator with the Crestwood School District. This wasn’t an easy decision, but the opportunity to serve my alma mater and advance the causes I care so deeply about isn’t one that presents itself everyday. For me, Restorative Practices and Restorative Justice isn’t just an occupation, it’s a movement that I hope to see expanded in every school.
Stout Middle School is unlike any building I’ve ever worked at. The community at stout is truly amazing and will always come together to help one of their own. While I will miss walking the halls of Stout Middle School during the day, I am consoled in knowing that the magic this village comes together to create on stage will continue. Lisa, Vanessa, and I will continue to serve our theater community at Stout Middle School with Stout Theatre, as well as continue our work with Dearborn Youth Theatre.
That being said, I’d like to take a moment to reaffirm my gratitude to this village. Watching this community grow and thrive over the last six years has been surreal. I am indebted to the drama mamas and papas …and aunts and uncles and cousins and friends— who show up and come through to support our thespians and to support one another when times get tough. I will forever cherish the memories we have all created on and off stage. From the little things like Zack and Rayann claiming the stage after rehearsal and dancing their hearts out to the barrage of calls and texts from all our mamas and papas at the end of rehearsal. I am grateful for the community of support and all the laughs and tears that come with six years of toiling away to build an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it takes a village. We’ve created magic in this space for the last six years and we will continue to create magic once again. Having spoken with Principal Mr. Oke, the goal is to return back to Stout’s stage when it’s safe enough, given the current global pandemic.
Once again, thank you for all your love, support, and teachings over these years.
Rashid Baydoun
