Spring 2025 Family DEI Newsletter

In our previous newsletter, we discussed the power of social networks and the importance of building connections within our immediate circles. Now, we shift to the concept of "Global Citizen," which emphasizes that both local and global relationships are crucial for growth and positive impact, with a focus on internal awareness and responsibility. While social networks stress the value of building strong, supportive connections within communities, global citizenship broadens this by encouraging individuals to recognize their role in a larger, interconnected world. Together, both concepts underscore the power of networks—whether local or global—in fostering personal growth and contributing to collective progress.

A global citizen is someone who recognizes their role as part of a larger world community, extending beyond local, national, or regional identities. They understand the interconnectedness of social, economic, environmental, and political issues and actively contribute to making positive change. By embracing sustainability, human rights, social justice, and cultural understanding, global citizens respect diversity and promote cooperation across borders.

As we live in an increasingly interconnected world, it is more important than ever to expand our perspectives beyond our immediate networks and engage with global communities. This issue delves into the significance of global citizenship and how embracing diverse cultures, values, and challenges can help us create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

• Cultural Awareness: Children develop respect for diversity and a broader understanding of global issues.
• Critical Thinking: They learn to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.
• Communication Skills: Exposure to different cultures enhances communication and collaboration.
• Workforce Readiness: Global knowledge gives them an edge in future job markets.
• Responsibility: They develop a sense of responsibility toward global causes and empathy for others.
• Self-Confidence: Understanding the world boosts their confidence and resilience.
• Tolerance: They learn to break stereotypes, fostering inclusion and reducing prejudice.

Becoming a global citizen helps children grow into well-rounded, empathetic, and adaptable individuals who are prepared to navigate and contribute to a rapidly changing world.

Raising a global citizen means helping your child see beyond their immediate surroundings and understand the bigger picture. It’s about nurturing a sense of responsibility for the world—considering not just their own community, but the well-being of the planet and people far and wide. By fostering empathy and awareness, we guide our children to become adults who actively contribute to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.

• Teach About Global Issues: Introduce your child to important global challenges like climate change and poverty, and encourage them to think critically about potential solutions.
• Encourage Cultural Awareness: Expose them to different cultures, languages, and traditions. Celebrate diversity through activities like trying new foods, exploring art, and reading diverse books.
• Instill Empathy: Lead by example with kindness and compassion. Volunteer as a family to show firsthand the power of helping others.
• Promote Environmental Responsibility: Teach sustainable habits like recycling and conserving energy, and set an example by living those practices every day.
• Encourage Critical Thinking: Foster curiosity by encouraging questions and challenging stereotypes. This will help broaden their perspective and open their minds.
• Promote Global Connections: Use technology to connect with people around the world and inspire them to learn new languages and engage with diverse perspectives.
• Support Their Passions for Change: Help them get involved with causes they care about, from environmental sustainability to social justice movements.

HOW TO RAISE YOUR KIDS AS GLOBAL CITIZENS

9 PARENTAL STRATEGIES FOR NURTURING WELL-ADJUSTED GLOBAL CITIZENS

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available, including local charities, events, environmental projects, and more! Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, give back, connect with others, and build skills. Whether students are interested in community outreach, animal care, or supporting the arts, there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved!

• Thomas Crane Public Library

• Quincy Family Resource Center

• Interfaith Social Services

• South Cove Manor at Quincy Point

• Quincy Animal Shelter

• Quincy Art Association

• Big Brother Big Sister

Explore a wide range of student opportunities from STEM, math, biology, and health science internships to history, language, and IT/engineering programs, there's something for everyone. Take advantage of pre-college experiences, academic enrichment, and scholarships, or dive into online courses to expand skills and knowledge. These opportunities are designed to help students grow, gain hands-on experience, and set themselves up for future success!

Click the image below to explore more:

"Summer slide" refers to the loss of academic skills students experience during the summer break when not actively engaged in learning. Without regular school-related activities, students may forget what they learned, making it harder to catch up when school resumes. We’ve gathered helpful resources for students and parents to explore and engage in activities that can prevent summer slide and keep skills sharp during the break.

• Resources for Families and Programs During School Closures

• Prepare for Success in the Upcoming School Year

• What will you explore today?

• Hands-On Science Learning

• Summer resources for primary - Challenge your students’ STEM skills

• Summer Learning Programs & Resources

• Girls Who Code Summer Programs

• Fun and Free Summer Learning Resources

• Preventing summer learning loss: Strategies for teachers and parents

• Summer Resources For Parents 1

• Summer Resources For Parents 2

Wanted to share an update about an incredible new partnership we began this year with the organization, Raising Multicultural Kids (RMK). RMK worked with us to provide 3 different programs throughout the district, some in elementary schools, a couple of middle schools, and with high school students from both high schools.

We plan to hold a Parent Academy to share more about RMK's work in May and celebrate our TEACH participants who will also share a presentation about their experiences. If you are interested in attending, please email: Kim Connolly at kimconnolly@quincypublicschools.com.

• Diversity in Classroom Leadership and Literature (DCLL) - Snug Harbor, Merrymount, Lincoln Hancock, Beechwood Knoll- With support from various grant funding sources, we were able to implement the DCLL program in select grade levels at these schools. As part of the program, students engaged with highly trained Diversity Leaders who read inclusive books and facilitated activities designed to explore a range of identities, including cultural, racial, family structure, ability, and more. These interactive sessions quickly became something students looked forward to, offering a fun and engaging way to ask questions and deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives. Both students and teachers benefited from the opportunity to learn together in a safe, and positive environment that fostered empathy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of human diversity.
• I Love Me - South West, Point Webster- The I Love Me program was piloted at two of these middle schools and was led by Jacquie Williams, former model. This was a unique opportunity for students to engage in a highly interactive experience that emphasizes "self-love", confidence, self-empowerment and the respectful appreciation and acceptance of others. Students gained awareness of how advertising, culture and social media contribute to what we believe is beautiful or acceptable; they were empowered to take more control over how they spend their time (who they are around, what they read, hear or watch); they were supported to be able to identify healthy and unhealthy relationships; and they discussed the importance of good habits, hygiene, health, personal development.
• Transforming Education and Creating Hope (TEACH) - Quincy and North Quincy High School- TEACH was also a pilot program launched this year with 21 students from both high schools. Students engaged in 40 hours of training as Diversity Leaders learning about good mentoring practices, lesson planning, classroom management, engaging reading techniques, trauma's impact on the brain and behavior, culturally responsive teaching and more. Then they worked in teams to lead readings and activities with students in select QCARE after school programs. The younger students LOVED the TEACH mentors and were so sad when they finished up their visits. It was an incredible experience for everyone to see the connections between the younger and older students.

• School Volunteers, Chaperones: There are opportunities for school volunteers at every level, and in almost every school. If you are interested in becoming a school volunteer or chaperone next year, please contact the Principal of the elementary, middle, or high school that interests. Volunteers will need to complete an employment application and submit a CORI and SAFIS National Background Check. If you were not able to finish the background check to enable you to join us in our classrooms or our trips this past year, please be sure to do so before the new school year starts so we can include you in supporting your children's special events! Thank you in advance!!!

Josh Chuck, co-director of the award winning documentary, Chinatown Rising, recently met with several of our schools including Central, Atlantic, QHS and NQHS. As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, it was a great opportunity for all of our students to learn about some of the contributions Asian Americans made to US History during the 1960s in Education, Housing and more. Many of our students had the opportunity to watch the full documentary prior to the visit, and were prepared with many brilliant questions! Special thanks to Principal DeCristofaro, Principal Schneller, Principal Gilbert, Sara Levine, Dan Simmons, Erin Twomey, Chris Mullaney, Grace Young-Jae, Susan Chinsen, Grace Su/BCNC, The Boba Project, QPS IT, and the many teachers who shared the opportunity with their students for helping to make this a great opportunity to learn more about Asian American history! The documentary is available for rent on these platforms if you would like to watch it:

• YouTube
• Amazon
• Apple TV
• Google Play