Educational Equity and Access
November Newsletter - Rockwood School District
November Newsletter
Is it November already??? It is amazing how fast time goes once school starts. The fall weather, turning of the leaves, and the smell of apple cider and pumpkin spice all let us know that Fall is here! The month of November is a great time to remember to be thankful for all of our blessings. The EEA department is so thankful to get to work alongside and with so many amazing people and to support the best kids on earth in the Rockwood School District. We hope you enjoy our November newsletter with happenings around the district, great pictures, a puppet show sighting and a celebration of October's Hispanic Heritage month on the newest Rockwood Connects Podcast. We would love to hear from you. Let us know if you have a story, idea, or photos to share. On behalf of my assistant Emily Walshaw and myself, Happy Fall everyone!
Hosted by Dr. Cassandra Suggs and Emily Walshaw, each podcast episode inspires to engage, educate, and entertain. On this episode, we interview a staff member and her mother about their experience in Rockwood for the last 40 years. We also have a candid conversation with a Rockwood parent. Both conversation are about Hispanic Heritage and celebrating their uniqueness.
Character Education Elementary Puppet Shows
Dr. Cassandra Suggs and Emily Walshaw, as the duo of the Department of Educational Equity and Access have been and will continue to visit elementary schools across the district presenting character ed. focused puppet shows. The puppet show "tour" started at Chesterfield Elementary during the month of October and had the opportunity to meet with the Kindergarten and 1st grade students where the topic of friendship was discussed.
Check out this photo album for more pictures from the show.
Here is an article posted by the Rockwood Communications Department; "Puppet Shows Provide Lessons of Kindness, Belonging for Rockwood Students"
We have received wonderful feedback;
"I loved it! The students were all smiling and the staff was loving it!! Keep these coming! It was great to see you in our school."
"This was GREAT! I love your involvement within our schools and it is so good to feel connected to you and the department. Thank you for all that you do! Your visibility means so much to our students and staff!"
We look forward to continuing our elementary school visits and putting on the puppet shows!
Rockwood Continues with Dignity and Belonging Work
A select cohort of schools continue their training on Dignity and Belonging. One Westridge Elementary teacher took back to the classroom what was discussed during a collaborative opportunity during the training. Universal language is a key component to this work, and by using common language to process classroom and school situations, a 5th grade class was completing some phenomenal work through class conversations, creating diagrams, and read aloud discussions.
EEA, "We Find a Way" ⭐
The latest recipient of our EEA "We Find a Way" grant was the 6th grade team at Wildwood Middle School. We were able to assist in funding additional transportation that was needed so all students could attend their 6th grade field trip.
Best Buddies in Rockwood
Did you know, the month of October was Disability History and Awareness Month? "Rockwood South PE Class Encourages Students to Form Connections Through Fitness."
Read more about the Best Buddies physical education class at Rockwood South Middle School here.
St. Louis Mosaic Project
Resources
- Hispanic Leadership Institute for high school students
- Vintendo for Africa a resource for your immigrant students and if you need cultural presentations
- Here is a resource on how Teachers Can Talk About Hard Things With Students
- Share these events with your student's families: Hispanic Adalante Gala, Asian Chamber Gala, Vintendo for African Gala, Ubunthu Gala, and all Ethic Chambers Family friendly mixer
- Here are some steps for creating welcoming and inclusive school environments by Re-Imagining Migration
- Assistance with language barriers
Watch the video here to hear about their impact over the last 10 years!
Equity Ambassadors
During the month of October, our district Equity Ambassadors met for the first time this school year. Every school building in Rockwood has a representative in addition to some district-wide staff. There were discussions centered around our "why". What is our purpose and why is this work we are doing to create opportunity and equal access for all students so important? Great conversations were had all around. Our Equity Ambassadors will also take part in a two-day training, in conjunction with our 6 school cohort, to further the discussion around Sense of Belonging and Dignity.
Attention Wildwood & Surrounding Area Parents;
The City of Wildwood Parks & Rec department has begun the discussion and looking into the possibility of a new adaptive playground being built in the Wildwood community. One of the council members has asked for a group of parents who have children who would benefit from this type of addition to come together. A Zoom meeting will be held on November 6th, 8th, 10th, or 11th. A specific date has not been set as they are waiting to decide based on the number of parent/guardian interest and availability. If you would like to be part of this discussion, please contact Chelsea at cbelyew@yahoo.com Please include your name and what day works best for you to meet virtually.
Trunk-or-Treat
PreK-12 Supervisor of Mental and Emotional Health, Jacklyn Floyd and her son Austin participated in Trunk or Treat last month. It's always nice to see our staff enjoying family time!
"Rockwood Schools Celebrate the Season with Trunk or Treats, Fall Festivals"
Fun was had all around the district with trunk-or-treats galore, fall festivals, and so much more!
EEA on ParentSquare
Did you know the Department of Educational Equity and Access has a public group in ParentSquare?
Parents, guardians, staff members, and students have the option to join public groups in ParentSquare.
To join our group on ParentSquare, follow these 3 simple steps:
- From the home screen on ParentSquare, click "Groups" in the left sidebar under the "Participate" section.
- Look for "Public" groups with the people icon.
- 3. Click "Join Group" next to the group that interests you.