Equity and Inclusion Newsletter
Summer Edition 2023
Connect, Collaborate, and Celebrate 2022-2023
Thank you so much for the work you have done during the 2022-2023 school year. We appreciate the connections, collaborations, and celebrations had between staff and the Equity and Inclusion Department to support our students, families, and communities.
As our department continues to evolve, here are some trivia questions about us:
1. By the end of the 2022-2023 school year, about how many total years has the E&I Department Staff been an employee of District 196?
a) 50 years
b) 100-150 years
c) 150-200 years
d) 200+ years
2. After this academic school year, two of the 16 Cultural Family Advocates will be leaving the department for new adventures. Who are those two CFAs? (Hint: Each one is from a different cultural team.)
Click here to check your answers.
Equity and Inclusion Staff
Extended biographies forthcoming on the Cultural Family Advocates website.
One District, Many Voices
Many Thanks
To ODMV leaders, AVHS staff and students, American Indian Education Staff, Cultural Family Advocates, ELD Department, Leaders of Color, Oak Ridge Elementary School, PTOs, performers, booth vendors, food vendors, and volunteers for your time, energy, and support with the districtwide "One District, Many Voices" event. Your contribution made the May 5, 2023 event possible!
CLICK ON THE VIDEO BELOW TO VIEW.
Connections, Collaborations, and Celebrations
We conclude the 2022-2023 school year with...
- 2023-2026 Achievement and Integration Plan - It has been approved by MDE! Look for how you can be involved in the plan.
- 503.3AR - The behavior and discipline policies have been updated and approved for the next school year.
- AMAZEWorks - They have provided anti-bias training to all 19 elementary schools. Next year, all secondary schools will receive the professional development.
- AVID - Welcome Tracy Corcoran to the AVID Team! The first AVID summer celebration occurred on May 31, 2023. Click here to read more and click here to view the gallery.
- Cultural Family Advocate Appreciation Week - They were recognized throughout the week of March 13, 2023 for their commitment to students, families, and staff.
- Cultural Presentation - The Somali, African and Middle Eastern CFAs presented "African and Middle Eastern Communities Overview" to some Special Education Staff. The Latino and Spanish-speaking CFAs and Black and African American CFAs will share their cultural presentations next year.
- Grow Your Own (GYO) - Adult Pathway Grant - E&I recently received this grant to fund 30 unlicensed district staff of color or a contracted substitute of color who has served the district over the last year to obtain an initial teaching license, click here for more information.
- One District, Many Voices - The districtwide event was made possible by our students, families, communities, and staff. Click here to view a recap.
- Religious Accommodations during Ramadan - Information was shared to District Learning Leaders and a letter template to staff was provided.
- Somali, African and Middle Eastern End-of-the-Year Celebration - The Somali, African and Middle Eastern CFAs hosted a gathering to celebrate the students with their families. Click this video to view.
- Teachers of Color Mentorship Program - E&I completed the first mentorship program. Read the latest newsletter, Teachers of Color Mentorship News, May/June.
The First AVID Summer Celebration
Over 200 AVID students, families, alumni, and staff gathered together for the first annual, AVID Summer Celebration on Wednesday, May 31 at Apple Valley High School. Apple Valley High School was the first site to have AVID in 2006. Since then, it has grown from a small cohort of 27 students in one school to over 10,000 in the 17 years of its existence spread across 8 schools in our district. Click here to learn more and click here to view the gallery.
Grow Your Own (GYO) - Adult Pathways Grant
One initiative from the Equity and Inclusion department, the district has received a $750,000 State grant to support the district’s efforts to diversify its teaching staff. Additional funding for this state program was allocated as a result of the legislative session that adjourned at the end of May, which resulted in our recent notification of approval. If you are an unlicensed district staff of color or a contracted substitute of color who has served the district over the last year, and would like to seek funding and support to obtain an initial teaching license, click here for more information.
EAC Members for 2023-2026
Equity Advisory Council
Missed a Newsletter?
Equity and Inclusion Newsletter
Click on the Spring Edition 2023.
Click on the Winter Edition 2022.
Commemorative Month Newsletter
Click on Pride Month.
Click on AAPI Heritage Month.
Click on Black History Month.
Click on Hispanic Heritage Month.
Teachers of Color Mentorship Program Newsletter
Click on Teachers of Color Mentorship News, May/June.
Click on Teachers of Color Mentorship News, April.
Click on Teachers of Color Mentorship News, March.
Previous Teachers of Color Mentorship News can be shared upon request.