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 it with colleagues! If there is something you would like highlighted in our newsletter, please send information to Katie Ilijic at katie.ilijic@pccsk12.com.
For decades, people have honored and recognized Columbus Day with the belief that Christopher Columbus was the first explorer to arrive in America. While historians and history books have often depicted this as truth, we know that prior to Columbus's arrival in what is now known as the "Americas", Tribal nations and Indigenous Communities had populated the western hemisphere for years. We know that Indigenous people experienced enslavement, theft, murder, and the attempted eradication of history and culture for thousands of years. Under the leadership of Governor Whitmer, Michigan first recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2019. President Biden became the first president to issue a proclamation in 2021 and 2022 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day. This year, Indigenous Peoples' Day falls on Monday, October 9, 2023. Below, you will find resources that can be utilized for additional information and learning.
Resources for Teaching About Indigenous Peoples
Since the 1980s, October has been designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness of Down Syndrome and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.
For more information about Down Syndrome or Down Syndrome Awareness Month, please see the following resources:
Special Olympics Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Down Syndrome Society Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Since 2006, in the United States, October has been designated Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying can occur in many ways; it may be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digitally via email, text, social media, etc.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that students who are bullied are more likely to experience low self-esteem and isolation, perform poorly in school, have few friends in school, have a negative view of school, experience physical symptoms, and experience mental health issues. Effective bullying prevention efforts involve students, parents, teachers, and community members to address larger issues of disrespect, bias, and violence that can contribute to bullying issues in schools. A community-wide effort shows students that adults care about what happens to them and that they are not alone.
For more information, please see:
National Bullying Prevention Month Student Activity Kit
Prevention: Learn how to identify bullying and stand up to it safely
Bullying Facts: What you need to know
National Bullying Prevention Center's Classroom Education and Activities
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 is National Coming Out Day. The first ever National Coming Out Day was recognized and celebrated on October 11, 1988. Educators are often safe people for students. In fact, for many students, there may be no other person or space that is safe. Below is a list of resources that you may reference to support you as you support students, staff, families, etc.
When A Student Comes Out to You...Today or Any Day!
Coming Out: A Resource for LGBTQ Students
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.
What is "DEI"?
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 they are citizens of a global community, who use critical thinking skills, and are lifelong learners.
The P-CCS Educational and Racial Equity Policy (Policy 2260.03) defines diversity, equity, and inclusion as follows:
- Diversity: All aspects in which individuals differ. These differences include, but are not limited to: race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, and economic or social structure.
- Equity: Ensuring each person has the support(s) needed to succeed and achieve through the provision of personalized resources to reach their full potential.
- Inclusion: The principle that people of all backgrounds, perspectives and beliefs have an equal opportunity to belong, achieve, and contribute to their community. A mindset held by all students that they are valued and respected, and belong in their community.
Please click here to read the entire Educational and Racial Equity Policy (Policy 2260.03) for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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