June Newsletter
Wrapping up an Extraordinary School Year!
End of School Year
Congratulations on reaching the end of another school year! As you reflect upon the past months, remember the countless lives you've touched, the minds you've shaped, and the knowledge you've imparted. Your dedication, passion, and resilience have made a lasting impact on our students and staff, nurturing their growth and inspiring their dreams. As you say goodbye to this school year, take pride in your accomplishments, knowing that you have made a profound difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.
Thank you for your remarkable commitment. Here's to a joyous celebration of a successful year!
June is Pride Month
As June arrives, so does Pride Month! It's a moment when we come together to honor the beautiful tapestry of identities, love, and acceptance that makes our world a better place. At MESD, we believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
This month, we encourage each and every one of you to engage in open and respectful dialogue. Let's make an extra effort to listen, learn, and understand the experiences of our LGBTQ+ colleagues. By educating ourselves and engaging in meaningful conversations, we can build bridges of understanding and acceptance that transcend all barriers.
Remember, fostering an inclusive workplace doesn't stop when a Month Celebration ends. Let's carry the spirit of celebration and acceptance with us throughout the year. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, celebrated, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Highlights from Nurses Day!
On May 10th, we had an incredible In-Service Day dedicated to honoring our amazing school nurses who go above and beyond every day to keep our students healthy and safe!
From the early morning hours, our school nurses were treated to a day filled with fun activities and well-deserved appreciation. The enthusiasm and energy were infectious as everyone came together to show our gratitude for their invaluable contributions.
Superintendent Coakley kicked off the day with a heartfelt message, where he expressed his admiration and gratitude for the tireless dedication of our school nurses. He also took the opportunity to honor the school nurses that accompanied him during his years of instruction, ensuring his well-being and providing comfort during times of need.
Following the emotional message, the atmosphere shifted to a festive celebration of teamwork and camaraderie. MESD staff organized a range of exciting activities, including interactive sessions. Laughter and smiles filled the room as our nurses showcased their skills, participated in activities, and learned new strategies to enhance their already exceptional care.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without delicious food! Our nurses were treated to a scrumptious lunch, with an array of mouthwatering options to satisfy every palate. It was a much-deserved opportunity to relax, mingle, and savor the camaraderie that unites our exceptional school nursing team.
As the day drew to a close, our nurses left with hearts full of appreciation and a renewed sense of purpose. Their commitment to our students' health and well-being shines bright every day, and today's festivities were just a small token of our immense gratitude. We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated professionals caring for our district.
We can’t wait to do it again next year!
In Case You Missed It: See It & Be It
On May 1st, MESD and Multnomah Educators Rising (MER) presented their mini docu-series: “See It & Be It.” This proved to be an incredibly well-attended, fun-filled, and animated event that left attendees buzzing with excitement. From the moment the doors to the Hollywood Theater opened, a vibrant energy permeated the air as students, educators, families, friends, and individuals of all ages flooded in, eagerly exploring the space and connecting with each other. Laughter and cheers echoed through the crowds as they heard the stories and conversations of BIPOC educators.
The event's success was palpable, fostering a sense of unity and joy among attendees who shared an unforgettable day of celebration. The stories presented will inspire the next generation of diverse educators.
In case you missed the event, here is a MER slideshow with highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP0vreFISXU
Here’s a quick video snippet from the event: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hi_BliZYHwI
You can also view the entire docu-series, including the feature videos of Dr. Paul Coakley, Etema Banks, Jorge Meza, and Nichole Watson, plus all of the “Teacher’s Lounge” segments.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth is an annual celebration that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the resilience, struggle, and triumph of African Americans and the ongoing fight for freedom, equality, and justice. It is a time to reflect on the progress made, honor the contributions of African Americans to society, and continue the work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
As part of our strategic plan, MESD is committed to taking a systemic approach toward equity through creative, responsive, educational, health and technology services for all students regardless of race, ZIP code, ability, identity, or country of origin. This Juneteenth, let us reflect on the progress we have made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. Through empathy, understanding, and a collective effort, we can break down barriers, challenge systemic injustice, and build a future where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
Last year, the MESD entered into an agreement with the AFSCME and MEA unions that Juneteenth (June 19th) will be a paid holiday moving forward. This additional paid holiday applies to staff who would normally be scheduled to work on June 19th. This year, the holiday will be observed on Monday, June 19th. All district buildings and offices will be closed. For access to your union contract and the Juneteenth addendum, please visit our Labor Relations website.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day
June 27 is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, a day dedicated to fostering understanding, empathy, and support for those who carry the invisible burden of traumatic experiences. PTSD is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. This condition can manifest in various ways, it knows no boundaries and does not discriminate.
To honor PTSD Awareness Day, here are three meaningful actions individuals can take:
- Educate yourself: Knowledge is a powerful tool in dismantling stigma and fostering empathy. Take the time to educate yourself about PTSD—its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
- Share the knowledge: engage in conversations that promote understanding.
- Practice self-care: Take the time to prioritize your own mental well-being and support the mental health of those around you. Engage in self-care activities that promote stress reduction, relaxation, and emotional well-being. By taking care of yourself and fostering a supportive environment, you create a ripple effect of positive change that can benefit individuals impacted by PTSD.
Remember, even small actions can have a significant impact, honor PTSD Awareness Day and contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive society for all.
Technology Ticketing System Upgrade
New Professional Development Platform
CTA has contracted with Southern Oregon ESD to offer PDNetworks, a professional development event and tracking software specifically designed for education. PDNetworks allows users to create and promote events, assign seats and waitlists, collect and track payments, give and track PDUs, track attendance, and send automatic reminders. Attendees can view and register for events and available training, review events on a dashboard, and certified staff can track PDU’s. We will share more information about this software in the fall.
Upcoming Events
This 4-part Trauma Informed Supervision series is for newer, mid-level managers, supervisors, or anyone interested in developing a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, supervision practice.
No dude en contactarnos con cualquier pregunta que tenga. Puede contactarnos enviando un correo electrónico a gladys@raicesdebienestar.org o por mensaje de texto al 971-471-9100.
Share Your News with MESD!
Thank you to the MESD staff, who share their stories with us for this edition!
We want to continue sharing your stories, and happenings across our district. To submit a photo(s) for consideration, please email commsteam@mesd.k12.or.us. Please send in all submissions by the 20th if you would like the content in the next month's newsletter.
Anti-Racist Resources for MESD Employees
We want to remind you of this website where you can find anti-racist resources for educators, administrators, and staff to engage in their equity journeys. Resources include books, short films, presentations, and much more. The goal is to support and celebrate diversity in our staff, students, and community!
MESD is Hiring!
Know anyone who would be a good fit for an MESD career?
Take a look at our current opportunities at multnomahesd.org/jobs!