In The Loop

Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

In This Edition

Month Celebration: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
A Message From Mr. Willis: Belonging Survey
Did You Know?: Orthodox Christmas
Looking for More? Leading Equity Podcast: Understanding Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy in Education
Books in My Back Pack, On my Shelf, and On My Desk
Resources for Families
State and Local DEIB Resources

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed annually on the third Monday of January, is a federal holiday in the United States. Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. King's birthday was made a federal holiday in 1983 and all 50 states made it a state government holiday by 2000. The holiday honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement. The day is an opportunity for reflection, community service, and activities that promote King's principles of equality, justice, and nonviolent protest.

Here are some ways people typically observe and engage with MLK Day:

Community Service and Volunteerism:

Many people participate in service projects and volunteer activities on MLK Day. This can include activities such as cleaning up parks, serving in soup kitchens, or participating in community improvement projects.

Reflection and Contemplation:

Individuals may take time for personal reflection, considering the progress made in civil rights and the ongoing work needed to address issues of discrimination and inequality.

Family Activities:

Families may engage in activities that promote understanding and appreciation for diversity, such as reading books, watching documentaries, or participating in age-appropriate discussions.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to build a more just and inclusive society, and it encourages individuals to contribute to that effort in meaningful ways.

A Message from Mr. Willis: Belonging Survey

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As we continue to grow as an educational community and strive for educational equity, it becomes ever more important to understand the sense of belonging experienced. With this in mind, our district has partnered with Dr. Sophia Rodriguez of the University of Maryland. Dr. Rodriguez is a respected researcher and educator with a growing body of work around belonging in school communities (see bio here). Our approach to this is three-pronged. The first step is the student survey that took place in November for scholars in grades five through twelve. The next steps are to collect data from both staff and community members. This data will be evaluated by Dr. Rodriguez and her team, and they will provide analysis and feedback to be used in the Equity Action Planning process. Please keep a look out for information related to the taking of the survey in the near future.

Respectfully,

Steven V. Willis

Did You Know

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Orthodox Christmas January 7, 2024

Orthodox Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church. Unlike the Western Christian tradition, which follows the Gregorian calendar, the Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar for liturgical events, including Christmas. As a result, Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th of the Gregorian calendar.

Here are some key aspects of the celebration of Orthodox Christmas:

Liturgical Services:

The Orthodox Christmas celebration begins with special liturgical services, including the Royal Hours, Vesperal Liturgy on the Eve of the Nativity, and the Festal Divine Liturgy on Christmas Day.

Fasting and Preparation:

The Nativity Fast, also known as Advent, precedes Orthodox Christmas. It is a period of fasting and spiritual preparation that varies in length but typically lasts 40 days. The fast is observed as a way to focus on prayer, repentance, and spiritual discipline.

Iconography and Decorations:

Orthodox churches and homes are adorned with icons and decorations during the Christmas season. Icons depicting the Nativity of Christ are prominently displayed, and churches may feature elaborate decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

It's important to note that Orthodox Christmas is celebrated by various Orthodox Christian communities around the world, and specific customs and traditions may vary among different jurisdictions and cultural contexts.

Leading Equity Podcast: Understanding Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy in Education

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In this episode Dr. Eakins looks at Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy in Education. Dr. Eakins discusses topics of belonging, assimilation, pitfalls of niceness in education, isms, and phobias. Dr. Eakins is a well versed educator, author, and leader. His intersection as a school and DEIB leader allows for an intriguing perspective that is thought provoking and sure to provide the listener with information to reflect upon.

Link to Episode (Listening time 31min)

Books in My Back Pack, On My Shelf, On My Desk

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In My Back Pack

Education can be transformed if we eradicate our fixation on big data like standardized test scores as the supreme measure of equity and learning. Instead of the focus being on "fixing" and "filling" academic gaps, we must envision and rebuild the system from the student up―with classrooms, schools and systems built around students’ brilliance, cultural wealth, and intellectual potential. Street data reminds us that what is measurable is not the same as what is valuable and that data can be humanizing, liberatory and healing.

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On My Shelf

New York Times Best Seller Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown bring together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics the two have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching: vulnerability and shame resilience.

Contributions by Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, Austin Channing Brown, and more.

Named One of the Best Books of the Year by Marie Claire and Bookriot

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On My Desk

When there are systemic problems, effective leaders must make systemic changes. In The Leader’s Algorithm, superintendent, managing director, and consultant Pablo Muñoz outlines a strategic framework for developing a viable, personal Theory of Action to transform your organization, work, and relationships while positively impacting those who need you most.

From humble beginnings as a poor Puerto Rican kid, Muñoz harnessed the power of education and dedicated his career to giving back. As an experienced changemaker in educational leadership, his organized, deliberate application of materials otherwise targeted to the business world have resulted in some of the best urban school districts in New Jersey. With this book, Muñoz proves you can lead from the heart because effective leadership is not only systems management; it’s an act of love.