Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Fall 2024 Newsletter

A Message from Toya Spencer

As I reflect on my time in Worthington Schools; it feels as though the time has flown by. As the old saying goes “ time flies when you’re having fun.” Ok, to be honest..not every day has been fun; but every day I have been blessed with the opportunity to show kindness, amplify our mission of “empowering a community of learners who will change the world” and encourage all of us in our school community to strive to ensure that every student is seen, heard and valued.

Thanks for a great four years in Worthington Schools!

Ms. Toya READS

Ms. Toya READS Program creates a Leader, Thinker, Friend Series

The Ms. Toya READS Program began in 2020, after receiving an anonymous donation of children’s books. Since its inception, the program has celebrated the diversity that thrives in our school community. Each month, as we’ve recognized holidays, cultural and heritage months; videos of Ms.Toya reading a book that highlighted those observances were shown in our pre-K and elementary classrooms.

For the 2024-25 school year, the focus has shifted to the district’s emphasis on the Portrait of a Learner. In the monthly videos, students will hear Ms. Toya read books that describe what it means to be a Leader, Friend and Thinker. Each book title was thoughtfully selected to ensure alignment with the characteristics of the portrait as well as maintaining the celebration of the rich diversity present in our school community.

And in usual fashion, each student was given a bookmark and bracelet to keep the characteristics of Leader, Friend and Thinker top of mind.

Ms. Toya READS bookmarks and bracelets

Mr. Brandstaetter’s students wearing bracelets

DEI Champions

The 2024-25 school year marks four years of the DEI Champions leading in their school buildings. As the “extensions of the DEI Director”, they are tasked with: 1) engaging in their own professional growth & learning 2) facilitating training in their building 3) communicating district DEI initiatives and resources and 4) partnering with their building principal.

Bluffsview 5th Grade Wellness Retreat

The Bluffsview 5th Grade Wellness Retreat was an exploration of self care sessions designed to equip students with resources and strategies to tackle common, age appropriate challenges. Ms. Toya had the privilege of leading a session on helping students understand how to embrace who they are and grow their self esteem; while also accepting the differences of others. Students read the poem, Accepting One Another and created colorful ceramic tiles that represented the uniqueness of who they are.

DEI Champions Work Session with Principals

To further strengthen the partnership between our principals and their DEI Champions, we held our first-ever “Principal Collaboration” meeting in October. It was a great opportunity to review the past years of positive impact, work on their Building DEI Plans and exchange ideas.

A Special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Video Coming Soon!

Ms. Toya is working on a new video about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a few fifth grade students from Worthington Park, Grandy and Bluffsview! This special video will debut on January 20th at the City of Worthington MLK Community Celebration. Stay tuned!

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