SBLSD Equity Advisory Council

TBD

Message from your DoE

Dear EAC Members,

Wow! It's been a long time since we have connected! I know that we don't meet until May 23rd but I can't wait that long to update you all. Please see the information below.

Community Cultural Celebration: THANK YOU!

Dear Community Members,

On behalf of the entire school district, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who graced our Community Cultural Celebration Event on April 20th. Your presence made the occasion truly special and unforgettable.

With over 350 community members in attendance, the event was a vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and shared experiences. It was a joyous celebration of diversity, unity, and the richness of our community.

Your participation reaffirmed our collective commitment as a school district to know, value, and support all students. It was a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in embracing our differences and fostering inclusivity in everything we do.

Once again, we express our deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, whether as attendees, performers, volunteers, or organizers. Your dedication and support are invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for your unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious community.

Let's carry the spirit of unity and celebration forward as we continue to work together towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all. THANK YOU!

With sincere gratitude,

Joshua Agpalza

Director of Equity

PS: Enjoy a few photos below from the showcase performances.

Video Recap of the Event

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

This May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and Sumner-Bonney Lake School District reaffirms our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment aligned with our District Promise: To know, value, and support ALL students. By honoring the rich cultures and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities, we cultivate an atmosphere where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Through education, appreciation, and respect, we empower our students to thrive in a diverse world.

Learn more here: https://www.asianpacificheritage.gov/

MMIW

zoom_out_map

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Sunday, May 5th

"MMIW Day is this Sunday, May 5 th . It is a day American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations (Canadian) people honor, mourn and remember loved ones affected by and raise awareness about the epidemic that is violence against Indigenous women.

MMIW (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women) started centuries ago at first contact, but the issue has come to the forefront more recently, as Indigenous people have begun using their voices to raise awareness and calling to enact change.

** Though I refer to it as MMIW, the name has evolved in some places to MMIWG to add “Girls” and MMIP for “Person”, as data is showing males and transgendered people are also part of the epidemic of violence and murder perpetrated against indigenous people) **

With the rise of the internet and social media, Indigenous people have been able to raise

awareness about the issue and work to solve the problem at the tribal, local, state, and federal

level.

Solving the complexities of the MMIW issue is an on-going struggle that involves differing

jurisdictions (federal, state, county, city, tribal governments, and law enforcement agencies), the

lack of emergency services, counseling, and family services in many Indian communities, and

relationship building and communication between government and tribal entities."

-Puget Sound Educational Service District

Learn More Here: https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw

Jewish American Heritage Month

zoom_out_map

SBLSD recognizes the observance of Jewish American Heritage Month for May, celebrating the contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation's history, culture, and society. If you are interested in learning more, you can explore further at https://www.jewishheritagemonth.gov/.