Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

These incredible prints from Etsy were shared with our equity team at Dodson last year, and we have since added to them as we continue to ensure that all groups feel represented. We want students, parents, teachers, and everyone who enters our school to feel welcome and represented. As teachers, we often think about "windows and mirrors" in books, but we think it's important that everyone feels this as they move around our building every day. Furthermore, we want folks to feel this not just in the month when/if their group is represented but all year long! It is truly incredible to watch students pause, as they pass through the hallways, to reflect on a print, maybe one they've chosen as their favorite, and talk about why that person is important to them! The Dodson equity team truly feels like we are making a difference as we work to embrace diversity in our school and community!

Thank you to Ms. Chester, Ms. Erickson, and Dr. Quasarano for providing the photos and information!

Is your school or department doing something to celebrate or highlight diversity, equity, inclusion, or belonging? We would love to hear about it and share with colleagues! If there is something you would like highlighted in our newsletter, please send information to Katie Ilijic at katie.ilijic@pccsk12.com.

November is Native American Heritage Month! Native American Heritage Month is celebrated to honor American Indian and Alaskan Natives who have contributed to improve the character of the nation. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush and Congress passed a joint resolution designating November as the first National American Heritage Month. Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized Native American tribes and is one of 10 states with the largest population of Native Americans. Please see the resources below for additional information on Native American Heritage Month and other educational resources.

Transforming teaching and learning about Native Americans

Resources for Teaching About Indigenous Peoples

PBS Native American Heritage Collection

Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month

Over the past few weeks, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has garnered widespread media attention. The effects of this conflict are far-reaching. The impacts of this conflict can be felt by all, but especially by our families and students with connections to the region. It is important for us to approach this topic with empathy and open-mindedness, and respect for differing perspectives, allowing for constructive dialogue and learning opportunities for students. As educators, we must make sure we provide a safe space for all members of our community to learn about current events and process their emotions. Below, please find resources for educators, resources to help talk to students, and social-emotional resources. Thank you to Rania Hammoud and Anthony Ruela for their help in gathering resources.

Resources for Educators

• How to Talk About the Israel-Hamas War: Resources for Educators

• Teaching Controversial Issues: A Framework for Reflective Practice

• The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Teaching about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• What’s the Israel-Palestinian conflict about and how did it start?

• Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained

• Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss the Events in Israel and Gaza with Students

Resources to Help Talk to Students

• Let’s Talk: Facilitating Critical Conversations with Students

• Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics

• Managing Difficult Classroom Discussions

• Facilitating Dialogue with Compassion

• Processing Attacks in Israel and the Outbreak of War in the Region

• How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War

This is a safe online reporting platform for P-CCS students/ families to document incidents of hate and bias in our schools or at school-related events.

P-CCS is committed to the success of every student in each of our schools and achieving our mission of developing capable, involved citizens who recognize that they are citizens of a global community, who use critical thinking skills, and are lifelong learners.

To effectuate this, we must be aware of, and responsive to, biases - our own and those that present themselves in our District and school communities.

The P-CCS Educational and Racial Equity Policy (Policy 2260.03) defines bias in the following ways:

• Explicit Bias: Traditional conceptualization of bias. With explicit bias, individuals are aware of their prejudices and attitudes toward certain groups. Positive or negative preferences for a particular group are conscious. Overt racism and racist comments are examples of explicit biases.
• Implicit Bias: The attitudes and stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. These biases, which encompass both favorable and unfavorable assessments, may be activated involuntarily and without an individual's awareness or intentional control.

Please click here to read the entire Educational and Racial Equity Policy (Policy 2260.03) for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.

DEI Climate & Culture Specialist

Email: katie.ilijic@pccsk12.com
Website: https://www.pccsk12.com/about-p-ccs/departments/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
Location: 454 South Harvey Street, Plymouth, MI, USA