The Essential

Greetings, DDSD. This month, we have the privilege and challenge of highlighting two diverse and important members of our US population. As we continue learning and expanding our understanding of equity and the importance of each member of our school communities, we will celebrate and learn more about folks experiencing the world in neurodiverse ways and those among us who are Arab American bringing their rich history and culture into our shared community. In this edition of The Essential, we will provide some learning resources emphasizing the unique qualities and contributions of each, with their lived experiences and unique perspectives

As we continue increasing our awareness of the many ways students show up in our schools and how to meet them where they are and create the conditions for learning, you might be feeling like it is a much bigger undertaking than you imagined. Growing our equity lens sometimes feels quite challenging. The good news is that as we delve deeper into the mindsets and practices that serve our students, we discover that many of the same practices serve and benefit ALL of our students. One in roughly 50 US children are autistic. Accommodating to meet the individual needs of our students is our responsibility and their right. Below you'll find some links to tips and resources that help support students with autism.

In this self-paced module you will examine Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and better understand the characteristics, tools, ideas, and supports for working with students that are on the Autism Spectrum.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the impacts of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Understand Ableism and inclusive language.
• Maintain a strengths-based approach to meeting student needs.
• Understand Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies.
• Determine appropriate accommodations and modifications for students with 504 plans and IEP's.

Participants can earn 2 PDUs for completing this independent study opportunity. Most participants complete this module in 90-120 minutes. Details and Registration

There are nearly 3.5 million Arab Americans in the US with the highest concentrations in Detroit, Michigan metro and New York City followed by major cities in California. Arab Americans hail from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Morocco, Iraq, Yemen, Algeria and Saudi Arabia and beyond. The US census has classified Arab Americans as "white" historically but many believe this is inaccurate as Arab Americans have experiences of racism and discrimination alongside other darker skinned ethnic groups. Studies show that Middle Eastern North African (MENA) people don't see themselves as white and neither do white folks. This is an example of the complexity of race classification. Race is a social construct and has been disproven to impact any biological difference in people, with distinctions existing in culture, class, ethnicity, nationality, and worldview, beliefs, values and other parts of identity. Click on the images below for links to resources.

April 2: World Autism Awareness Day

April 5-13: Passover

April 9: Easter

April 13-15: The Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

April 18: Holocaust Remembrance Day

April 21: Eid al-Fitr (celebration marking the end of Ramadan)

April 23-29: National Library Week (let's hear if for all our library techs!)

April 27-29) Gathering of Nations (the largest Native American Powwow in North America 500+ nations celebrating)

April 28: Global Youth Service Day

Latine/x Cultural Healing Workshop for Community Partners

Friday, May 17th

9:30am - 1:00pm

Blue Lake Park (Chinook shelter), 20500 NE Marine Dr., Fairview

Description: Come learn about Latine/x culture and healing through traditional medicinal practices, food, music, movement, and convivio (gathering)!

The Latine/x community is the largest community of color in Multnomah County (12.7%) and in Oregon (14%). Though the majority of Latine/x folks here are from Mexico, there are also sizable communities from the Caribbean, Central and South America. Many are indigenous and speak languages other than Spanish as their first language. Latine/x are often front line workers, farmworkers, community health workers, and play other less visible but essential roles.

Please register here. Registration deadline is April 13th, 2023.

Did you know that Amo Reyes is not only DDSD's GYO Advisor, they are now a GYO student, too! Amo Reyes has been accepted to Lewis & Clark's MEd in School Counseling program, and they will benefit from the support of GYO tuition funds, mentorship provided by GYO, and access to an Affinity Group specifically for GYO future educators of color in east Portland.

"When I was a senior in high school I was houseless and struggling with coming out as LGBT2+. Mr. Barela was a school counselor at Vegas High who encouraged me to join clubs, sports, and theater, to help me focus more on school and worry less about life's struggles. I would not be here today if it weren't for the love and guidance shown to me by my counselor. My life goal is to one day become a young person's Mr Barela!"

If you are a person of color who is interested in obtaining a license to work in an Oregon school, please reach out to Taye Spears at the district office. DDSD and GYO can support you in becoming a licensed elementary educator, secondary educator, SPED educator, school administrator, school social worker or school counselor.