HSD Equity and Inclusion Updates

OQS: Julia Anderson & Kari Amick

WRS: Kathleen Grady & Amy DeMatteo

HMMS: Patrick Lincoln & Carley Malloy (Virtually)

HHS: Becky Whitney, Mary Bouchard, & Steve Gagliardone

HACTC: Timmy MacDonnell

TWS: Megan Geiselhart

The District Equity Committee is comprised of Building Equity Leaders, District Level Equity Champions, outside consultants who are equity experts, and students who are making a difference! We will continue to uphold the HSD policies to ensure that all of our students are loved, included, and belong.

On January 24, 2025 at the HSD In Service Day, Ferene Paris gave the keynote address: Storytelling: The Heart Map to Racial Healing and Transformation. Through the art of storytelling, Ferene Paris, a Black Haitian femme artist, invited the Hartford School District to do a collective heart check. More than ever, leaning into the most authentic parts of ourselves is needed to guide us toward racial healing and equity. Watch her keynote here!

On January 6, 2025 Wren Parker, a Hartford High School Senior, told her story of being a transgender athlete to a full auditorium of educators at the Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union's DEI Day. Wren spoke about the mistreatment by opposing teams' coaches and teams because she is transgender and how important it was that she had support from her own coaches, teammates, and the community.

Thirty students from Kindergarten through 5th grade chose to attend and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and how to be a good friend and ally!

"No attempt to erase trans people will ever succeed. Trans people, including trans youth, have always been here and always will be. Trans youth are loved, valued, and belong exactly as they are. No executive order or legal document can change that truth. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and we stand with youth. Together, we will build a world where LGBTQ+ youth have boundless possibilities for joy, and all people know liberation." - Outright VT

We have a saying in the Black Diaspora that originates from an African proverb: “Each one, teach one.” This originated during slavery when enslaved people were denied the rights to education. If someone learned to read and write, they were determined to teach at least one other person, and in this way, enslaved people resisted and educated their communities. When teaching might begin to feel exhausting, burdensome, or monotonous, remember that education is both a privilege, a right, and a tool. Rest, restore. Pause to remember your purpose, your why, and acknowledge the gift that we have to teach more than one, without penalty of injury or death.

February is Black History Month

Feb 1 - Imbolg (Wicca)

Feb 26 - Shivratri (Hindu)

Feb 28 - Losar (New Year Tibet)

In your school's weekly newsletter, we provide a quick blurb, article, video, or story to help you better understand the HSD Anti-Racism and Gender Inclusivity Policies. Here is a link where you can access all the past Curiosity Corner information!