News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. I No. 4 - February 17, 2006
Julie Chavez Rodriguez spent time with students, staff and visitors during her visit on February 2 to the southwest side Madison school. Showing the interpersonal skills of both her grandfather, Cesar Chavez, and her father, Arturo S. Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Workers of America, she easily asked and answered questions and talked with dozens of persons in her one hour visit.
Chavez Rodriguez also encouraged many of the students she talked with. To one 5th grade student who indicated doubt about attending college, she said to remember the frequent words of Cesar Chavez, "Yes, it can be done."
Students led Julie Chavez Rodriguez on a tour of the school during which she met many students and staff members.
She is the Programs Director for the Los Angeles-based Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. She was in Madison as one of the featured speakers at the State Superintendent's Institute on Service-Learning and Citizenship.
In her short visit to the school named after her grandfather, Julie Chavez Rodriguez spent the most time with 3rd and 4th grade members of the Student Council. She dialogued with the students about service learning and why it's important.
There was plenty of time for student questions. Many were about her grandfather, the late founder and leader of the United Farm Workers. Many questions were about Chavez Rodriguez. The students reacted the most when Chavez Rodriguez answered a question about her favorite food: "Sushi." "Ooooooooo," said the students.
While Chavez Rodriguez interacted with the students in the school's LMC, others listened in. They included (back left) Lucia Nunez, Director of the Madison Department of Civil Rights, Madison Board of Education member Juan Jose Lopez (4th from left) and (far right) Chavez School Principal Howard Fried.
Chavez Rodriguez graciously allowed news interviews during her short visit. Here, she's interviewed by two local TV journalists directly in front of the large painting of her grandfather, Cesar Chavez, which is located in the school's cafeteria/assembly room.
To read the report in the next day's newspaper, click here.
Near the conclusion of the visit, principal Howard Fried presented a Chavez School hat to Chavez Rodriguez, which she promptly put on and wore for the remainder of the stay.
Last Updated: Thu Apr 13 14:17:54 2006
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