The Essential

Fall is in full swing and so is the school year! We will continue to bring you resources to recognize and celebrate communities who have historically been, and are often still, less visible in our narratives and our teaching. These are opportunities to show our students that their stories and histories matter. We can help by bringing visibility into our classrooms and hallways.

Since 1992 Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have celebrated salmon homecoming to commemorate the return of salmon to local waters. This ceremony and cultural event celebrates the traditions of local indigenous communities. This event is for Native families. There will be games, vendors, the Returning of the Bones salmon ceremony, crafts, drumming, storytelling and food! Click on image for video about salmon homecoming.

Coming out is a sometimes vulnerable and always deeply personal decision for individuals. National Coming Out Day is a way to create visibility and increase awareness of the current and historic challenges that LTBTQ+ folx have endured in being out and present as their full selves in the world. Let's work on increasing a narrative of inclusion and respect by supporting our students. Every student deserves to be seen and valued for who they are. See resources below.

Wait time creates equity because students who need more think time can have opportunities to contribute. Often times students miss opportunities to participate when more vocal students are quick to answer first. See the short slide show below to learn more about how to use wait time to increase participation and learning. Once again thank you to Francesca Aultman for creating the lovely mini PD slideshow below. Click on the image below to access the slides.