David Jerome
Correspondent

On Friday, Nov. 19, Idyllwild School faculty and students welcomed noted educator and activist Erin Gruwell to their classrooms. Gruwell is the founder of The Freedom Writers Foundation and the author of several books, the first of which became the inspiration for a major Hollywood film starring Hilary Swank.

The book, “The Freedom Writers Diary,” is a compilation of actual diary entries from her English classes at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach.

Gruwell began teaching there during the Rodney King riots.

Her students at Woodrow Wilson had been labeled “unteachable” and “at risk,” and at first there was no trust between teacher and students. Gruwell began to develop a curriculum and exercises to address the real needs of her students while developing literacy.

Books like “The Diary of Anne Frank” inform not only historical awareness, but promote introspection and plant the seeds of empathy. By encouraging students to speak about their own experiences, they come to understand the universality of the adversities they live with. Students learn they are not alone in their challenges. All 150 of the students in her program graduated, and many went on to college.

The program was meant for both students and teachers, to inform and motivate. By the end of the day, Gruwell promised to return to Idyllwild with members of her original class of Freedom Writers, but only if the students write them letters.

Gruwell’s visit was the culmination of efforts by Idyllwild School Resource Specialist Kristin Ross. Ross considers her a “hero” and has followed the work of the foundation for 20 years, drawing on its methods and materials to guide her own work.

She is a recent transplant to Idyllwild. “I love it. My mom had a place. I’ve been coming up for many years with my sisters. I’ve never lived in a small town before.

“The principal is forward thinking, wants to make changes. Inclusivity is a big part, making all students feel part of a community. With about 79 students in middle school, I can reach and know all of them. Phenomenal staff, very open to Erin coming up.” About Gruwell’s visit, she adds, “She was on my bucket list. This was truly and honor.”

Ross also underlined the involvement of other parts of the community in making Gruwell’s visit special; Nam at Mile High Restaurant provided a breakfast for the guests, and Lori and Frank at Ferro’s treated them to a special dinner. Also present at the workshop was local school board trustee Vic Scavarda.