Bipeds of Brookland: Bobby Caballero

Bipeds of Brookland: Bobby Caballero

Bobby Caballero came with his family from Cuba to Los Angeles as a baby. He moved to DC to study at Howard University. Mr. Bobby is the Director of Student Support at  Elsie Whitlow Stokes Public Charter School in Brookland which “prepares 350 culturally diverse elementary school students in the District of Columbia to be leaders, scholars and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice.”

“Washington Post rated us as one of the most diverse schools in DC.”  Stokes has Spanish immersion and French immersion classes for Pre-K through 5th grade. “We have a partner school in Martinique and a partner school in Panama. They start with e-mail pals. They communicate and then get to meet eventually.” Every fifth grader has the opportunity to go for a one-week International Study Tour to Martinique or Panama. He says, “funding is never the reason that a student wouldn’t go.”  The Stokes Community Campaign helps to raise needed funds for the trip.

“We are truly a family. When you become part of the Stokes Community you become family. And it's really like your family has been extended by 350 other families, and staff. “

Mr. Bobby  says he just sold his house in NW and moved over here to NE. “I love living in Brookland because in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve really gotten to know my neighbors. Some of our parents live around the corner and I see family walking the kids to school. It’s like an extended family of kids from 3 or 4 different families walking together.”  He would also like to inform neighbors that ‘Taste of Stokes’ is this Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 - 12:30. “It’s a community event where we have local vendors and restaurants coming here and showcasing their food. We’ll have face painting and we’ll have the Fire Engine 17.”  

Bipeds of Brookland: A weekly series introducing the people who make Brookland their home, one step at a time.
Article and photo by Tom Sabella.