DEIA Newsletter

This year, the Division of DEIA will be producing a podcast, hosted by DEIA Specialists Anthony Beckett, Everette Callaway, and Camille Jones. Throughout this podcast we will explore what Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility is and what it is not. We will feature a variety of guests and unique perspectives; from content experts, to school and community leaders, and the powerful voices of our students throughout LCPS. We want to also shout out DEIA specialist Camille Jones, who designed the logo for our division.

Our podcast is presented as part of The LCPS Podcast, available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music.

TThe Equity Lead Meetings have common structures of checking in, as well as time for updates, learning, discussion, and questions. The agenda is driven by and responsive to the group and the specific needs of the planning district. Our December meeting focused on updated guidance for Culturally Responsive Celebrations and Representations, as well as resources for school-based Equity Committees. Equity Leads also completed a midyear assessment of their progress. Due to winter weather, our next meeting will be on February 6, 2025.

As part of our ongoing effort to celebrate and support schools, we are embarking on our first Equity Walks! These are informal voluntary walkthroughs, aligned with VDOE Performance Standard 6: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Equitable Practice. Interested schools can email their DEIA contact to start the process. Schools will determine their focus areas as well as how the data will be used at the school. Our first walkthroughs will take place in February 2025. Reach out if you’re interested!

For the 24-25 school year, DEIA has assigned a member of our team to each geographical planning district in LCPS. Each DEIA Contact will facilitate both elementary and secondary Equity Lead meetings and provide support, so that conversations can be more directed to your school-wide equity focus and specific needs. The initial school visit took place throughout September and we have held the first Equity Lead meetings, in October and November.

• Here’s how the Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility have been and will continue supporting teachers and administrators throughout the winter!

  
  

  Henrietta Lacks Elementary Dedication Ceremony

  • On December 16, members of the DEIA team were pleased to attend the dedication of Loudoun County’s first and only primary school! The family of Henrietta Lacks was in attendance, and students shared a presentation of their learning about Ms. Lacks and how her HeLa cells have been used in research and life-saving medical treatments. The Hovatter HoneyBeats were joined by Henrietta Lacks students in singing their alma matter, “Im’ma Be.” Visitors were also treated to tours of the building led by second grade students, who spoke about why their school was special to them and their pride in being Honeybees. Great care was taken throughout the day to center students and honor the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, and we loved being there!

Opening remarks were given by Dr. Spence, who spoke about the importance of coming together across our differences: “Diversity is our strength, and diversity is our reality. Look around the room, we all come from different places, different backgrounds, different mommies and daddies, different cultures and yet here we are together in a room. Diversity is who we are.” Other speakers included MSAAC Chair Mrs. Errin Kunkel and Assistant Superintendent for DEIA Dr. Latisha Ellis-Williams who both shared about the importance of community work and the thriving partnership between MSAAC and the Division of DEIA.

Mr. Everette Callaway, DEIA Specialist, expressed gratitude for and excitement about the many students who shared their artistic talents for the evening. Mr. Callaway led the charge to inspire students from around the county to think about how people are better when we come together.

Students were at the center of the event, with over fifty submissions of artwork, essays, and poetry that expressed their vision of why our community is “Better Together.” We were also joined by the Honeybees of Henrietta Lacks Elementary, who shared their research and beautiful books about the life and impact of Henrietta Lacks. These young artists, essayists, writers, poets, photographers, and community historians expressed optimism about who they and their peers are and how they will contribute to our collective future. They all received certificates of appreciation for their work and talents.

The evening was a joyful celebration of the ways in which people from all backgrounds come together as a community in Loudoun County. Those who attended left with our cups and bellies full, laughter of students in our ears, and a lightness in our hearts. Thank you to all who were able to come or contribute to this wonderful project of unity and diversity.

• Observing Culturally Responsive Practices

• Presented to Elementary Deans, this session focused on ways to recognize culturally responsive practices in action.

• Culturally Sustaining Instruction in Elementary Reading and Writing

• This learning is a continuation of support as elementary teachers navigate the new HMH Into Reading curriculum through a culturally sustaining lens.

• Culturally Responsive Instruction in Math

• This session provided strategies for math instruction that is culturally responsive.

• Student Engagement and Culturally Sustaining Practices

• This session Social Sciences and Global Studies engaged SALTs and Department Chairs with examples and inspiration for culturally sustaining practices in SSGS classrooms.

• Leading with Empathy

• This learning will support Student Activities and Engagement Coordinators in keeping students at the center of practice.

Our division continues to visit schools across the county as we support Equity Leads and administrators in meeting their equity goals for the year. At mid-year, our visits often include invitations to special events and celebrations, and we are only too happy to attend! These visits include goal-setting conversations, equity committee support, invitations to special events, informal drop-ins, directed school support and more!

As always, the DEIA team is deeply invested in our school communities, and would love to be invited to your school for collaboration, celebrations, and of course, seeing our students in action.

DEIA is continuing our partnership with the Sterling Community Center by sharing opportunities for collaboration and support with Eastern Loudoun Schools.

In December, DEIA was pleased to contribute dozens of toys to Sterling’s Spread the Joy Winter program! This program invited community sponsors to “Adopt-a-Family” to bring smiles and gifts to families in need. Per a community center representative, Spread the Joy successfully registered 75 families, providing assistance to a total of 123 children and 69 parents/guardians. Many of these children were registered from Title I schools and nearby schools, including Park View High School, Dominion High School, William O. Robey High School, Potomac High School, River Bend Middle School, Seneca Middle School, Sterling Middle School, Potowmack Elementary, Sully Elementary, Forest Grove Elementary, Sugarland Elementary, Sterling Elementary, Meadowland Elementary, Horizon Elementary, Countryside Elementary, Guilford Elementary, and Lucketts Elementary School in Leesburg. Many LCPS students from Dominion High School, Potomac Falls High School, Seneca Ridge and other area schools volunteered to make the day extra special with visits from Santa and Trolls!

For information on how schools can connect with the Sterling Community Center, email Laura.Freeman@lcps.org

The following are just some of the cultural and religious observances for the months of January and February. We recognize that it is not possible to include every observation and celebration here. We encourage schools to know their communities and to highlight those observances that are important to staff, students and families. Resources listed are not maintained or monitored by LCPS.

Lunar New Year 2025 is “The Year of the Snake.” Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, called “Chinese New Year,” and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. While the official dates encompassing the holiday vary by culture, those celebrating consider it the time of the year to reunite with immediate and extended family. A tradition on this holiday is the giving of red envelopes to children or family members, typically filled with money, as a way to wish good fortune to loved ones.

Website: National Geographic Lunar New Year

The Association for the Life of African American Life and History, an organization founded by Carter G. Woodson, determines a Black History Month theme each year. This years’ theme of 2025 is “African Americans and Labor.” The annual observance in February began with Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was known as the “Father of Black History.” Dr. Woodson was born in Virginia, and was a Harvard-educated scholar and educator who was dedicated to celebrating Black history and achievements. Because he believed that young African Americans were not being taught enough of their own history, he began the tradition with Negro History and Literature Week in 1924. This tradition was expanded to Black History Month and has been recognized and celebrated in schools and organizations during the month of February since 1976, when Gerald Ford issued a proclamation honoring Black History Month. The Division of Equity in LCPS encourages students, staff, and families to join us in our continued celebration of Black history, celebrations, and joy, during the month of February and throughout the year.

We celebrate the many political, economic, cultural achievements and contributions made by Black Americans and we commit to celebrating the identities of our students and welcome their experiences as assets in the classroom community throughout the year. Black History Month is an opportunity to learn about our students, families and the assets they bring to our classrooms. Educators can plan for content that provides “access to stories that do not see the Black experience as one rooted only in oppression and enslavement,” but also in celebration, pride, and Black Joy. Explore the history of the Kingdom of Kush and other African Empires. Read poems from Amanda Gorman and Langston Hughes, add Afrobeats to the soundtrack of your classroom, and explore African American artists like Kehinde Wiley and movements like Afrofuturism. Invite Black leaders in STEM as virtual guest speakers. Reach out to local community groups who can come into your class and share rich culture and “the history of the present.” February is but one month, and we can sustain this commitment to inclusion all year long.

The following resources are being shared as a support for learning and teaching about Black History Month.

• Association for the Study of African American Life and History: Black History 2025 Theme

• 2025 Black History Month Theme Executive Summary

• Celebrate Black History Month 2025, National Museum of African American History & Culture

• Edutopia Article: Look Beyond the Struggle

• History.com: Black History Month

Ramadan is a sacred time in the Muslim calendar, in which it is believed that the Holy Quran was sent from heaven. The last ten days of Ramadan are considered the most holy. The 27th day of Ramadan is called Layat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, in which there are prayers late into the night.

Fast Facts:

• In 2025, Ramadan will be approximately February 28 - March 30

• The month of Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, when Muslims come together in prayer. Common traditions include getting new clothes, feasting together, and the gifting of presents or money.

The DEIA office has worked with community members, the ADAMS center, and LCPS students to create a resource document for building principals to share with staff some key ways to support students during this time of fasting and reflection. This is the document from 2024, as a new one is in development for this year.

Lightridge High School created and shared these helpful practices for supporting students during Ramadan. While not all schools may have a reflection room, we encourage schools to create spaces for students to gather during this time.

Schools are encouraged to engage students and communities in celebrating the cultural dates and events that reflect the school’s families and community. We invite schools to share how (and what) they are celebrating this January and February by sending an email to the Division of Equity email!

The following are some of the cultural and religious observances for the months of February and March. We recognize that it is not possible to include every observation and celebration here. We encourage schools to know their communities and to highlight those observances that are important to staff, students and families. Resources listed are not maintained or monitored by LCPS.

January

• January 27 - Holocaust Day of Remembrance

• January 29 - Lunar New Year

February

• Black History Month

• February 3-7 National School Counseling Week

• February 20 World Day of Social Justice

• February 28, Evening - Ramadan Begins

• February 2 - Groundhog Day

• February 2 - Vasant Panchami (Hindu)

• February 11 - International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

• February 12 - Lantern Festival

• February 12-13 - Tu Bishvat

• February 20 World Day of Social Justice

• February 26 - Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)

March (preview of next month!)

• National Women’s History Month

• Celebrate Diversity Month

• National Reading Month

• American Red Cross Month

• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

• Music in our Schools Month

• March 1 Zero Discrimination Day

• March 1 - 19 Baha'i 19 Day Fast

• March 8 International Women’s Day

• March 13-14 Purim

• March 14 - Holi

• March 14 Holla Mohalla (Sikh)

• March 17 St. Patrick’s Day

• March 18 Global Recycling Day

• March 20 Nowruz

• March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN)

• March 30 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

• March 31 Cesar Chavez Day

• March 31 International Transgender Day of Visibility

34th Annual 2025 Martin Luther King March & Celebration - Leesburg (Link)

Monday, January 20, 2025

This year’s annual MLK March begins at 10:00 AM at the Loudoun County Courthouse (18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA) and ends at Douglass Community Center (407 E. Market St, Leesburg, VA). In addition to the symbolic march, there are also opportunities for volunteer work, HBCU Panel and Children’s activities, and more. Full schedule and information can be found at www.mlkleesburg.org

MLK Day of Service 2025 - ALDIE (Link)

Monday, January 20, 2025, Time Slots available 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park Nature Center, 22831 Hanson Park DR, Aldie, VA 20105

Join the Hanson Park Nature Center for a day of civil service. There will be volunteer opportunities for all ages. Those under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteer projects include trail maintenance, disc golf course maintenance, wineberry removal, trash pickup, inventory organization, and garden prep. At the Nature Center you will be able to choose which volunteer project you would like to complete. Please email HansonPark@loudoun.gov if you are bringing a group of 10 or more.

Stone Bridge BSU and AAH Class Present: Sip, Eat & Paint Night!

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Click Here to RSVP

Join artist-historian Gertrude Evans as she guides you through a step-by-step painting process to create your own “Great Migration” painting in honor of the 2025 Black History Month theme: African Americans and Labor. This special event is co-presented by the Stone Bridge Black Student Union and African American History Class. There will also be a special presentation led by the finer ladies of Zeta PHi Beta, Inc., Phi upsilon Zeta Chapter. Non-Stone Bridge guests are asked to provide a $5 donation to help cover the cost of canvases and refreshments.

Professional Learning Opportunities and Resources:

This year, the Division of DEIA has moved toward a more personalized professional learning approach for schools, through collaboration and thought-partnership with school administrators and Equity Leads within school clusters and planning districts. We support and develop professional learning alongside schools, aligned with specific interests, needs, and goals. Feel free to reach out to us to be thought partners and to work alongside and collaborate with you.

Resources for Building Culture and Community

LCPS centers equity as one of its foundational core values. For our community, equity means being committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive, affirming, and respectful environment for each student and staff member that fosters success, growth, and academic rigor. The cultivation of this environment requires us to reject and condemn the use of hate speech, racial slurs, antisemitism, and any action or behavior that discriminates based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, socio-economic status, religion, ability, or other cultural identities or expression. Such noninclusive speech, behavior, and actions do not reflect who we are as a learning community.

We embrace and value the unique identities, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and needs of each student and employee. Celebrating our diversity is important and helps define us as a school division.

Demonstrating the courage to address inequities and remove barriers represents an integral part of our collective effort towards excellence in education. Equity is the vehicle that leads to greater access, opportunity, and equality, so that each student is empowered to make meaningful contributions to the world.