Kent School District Alliance for Diversity & Equity Meeting Minutes October 17, 2006 Mission: Provide Kent School District the necessary guidance and assistance to create an equitable, academically enriching, safe, and welcoming school environment for all students, their parents and guardians, and the community. Members: Kristine Agustin, Claire Cortez, Tenika Eddings, Audrey Farris, Aida Fraser-Hammer, Deb Gianola, Roberto Gonzalez, Mark Haddock, Greg Ikeda, Krisann Jarvis-Foss, Victoria Kayo, Joe McBrayer, Nisha Nariya, Deborah Northern, Cami Okubo, Andrea Peace, Steve Tellari, Erica Santos, Eric Wall, Cherie Hilderbrand, Recorder Guests: Gary Melton, Assistant Principal of Kentlake High School; Kelly Vancil, teacher at Kent Mountain View Academy, Brian Bethel, KL student. 1. Welcome, Introductions, Community Updates Guests and members were welcomed and introduced. 2. Quote from Agenda: “If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” - Margaret Mead The attendees discussed what the quote meant to them. Members are encouraged to send quotes for future meetings to Cherie. 3. Meridian Elementary hosted the meeting. Stan Jaskot, Principal at Meridian Middle School introduced students that presented the Cougar Pak. The students meet every eight days by grade level focusing on Calm, Purposeful & Respect (CPR). The PowerPoint from their presentation is attached to the minutes. 4. Orientation for new members Dr. Haddock shared that before the start of this meeting, the new members attended an orientation providing background history of the Diversity Task Force, Diversity Task Force II and Alliance for Diversity and Equity. Mr. Tellari reviewed the mission, purpose, bylaws and subcommittee goals and objectives for the ADE. Mrs. Northern shared general information about the ADE and encouraged the new members to be actively involved. 5. ADE Member Comments Victoria Kayo shared that Kentwood has several clubs and activities encouraging active student participation. “Shades” is an example of a club that actively seeks members from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Tenika Eddings informed the members that Kentlake is holding a “Mix it up” day on November 14. Students who are dressed alike sit at tables and have the opportunity to meet and visit with other students.
Transcript
Kent School District
Alliance for Diversity & Equity Meeting Minutes October 17, 2006 Mission: Provide Kent School District the necessary guidance and assistance to create an equitable, academically enriching, safe, and welcoming school environment for all students, their parents and guardians, and the community. Members: Kristine Agustin, Claire Cortez, Tenika Eddings, Audrey Farris, Aida Fraser-Hammer, Deb Gianola, Roberto Gonzalez, Mark Haddock, Greg Ikeda, Krisann Jarvis-Foss, Victoria Kayo, Joe McBrayer, Nisha Nariya, Deborah Northern, Cami Okubo, Andrea Peace, Steve Tellari, Erica Santos, Eric Wall, Cherie Hilderbrand, Recorder Guests: Gary Melton, Assistant Principal of Kentlake High School; Kelly Vancil, teacher at Kent Mountain View Academy, Brian Bethel, KL student. 1. Welcome, Introductions, Community Updates Guests and members were welcomed and introduced. 2. Quote from Agenda:
“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” - Margaret Mead The attendees discussed what the quote meant to them. Members are encouraged to send quotes for future meetings to Cherie.
3. Meridian Elementary hosted the meeting.
Stan Jaskot, Principal at Meridian Middle School introduced students that presented the Cougar Pak. The students meet every eight days by grade level focusing on Calm, Purposeful & Respect (CPR). The PowerPoint from their presentation is attached to the minutes.
4. Orientation for new members
Dr. Haddock shared that before the start of this meeting, the new members attended an orientation providing background history of the Diversity Task Force, Diversity Task Force II and Alliance for Diversity and Equity. Mr. Tellari reviewed the mission, purpose, bylaws and subcommittee goals and objectives for the ADE. Mrs. Northern shared general information about the ADE and encouraged the new members to be actively involved.
5. ADE Member Comments
Victoria Kayo shared that Kentwood has several clubs and activities encouraging active student participation. “Shades” is an example of a club that actively seeks members from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Tenika Eddings informed the members that Kentlake is holding a “Mix it up” day on November 14. Students who are dressed alike sit at tables and have the opportunity to meet and visit with other students.
Eric Wall, teacher at Kentlake, provided handouts dealing with diversity lessons he has developed. The lesson plans have been used in the past few years with the addition of a harassment section added this year. The staff recognizes the importance of teaching lessons that deal with cultural competence (working effectively with others), understanding the concepts/value of diversity, and the issue of harassment (assuring that students understand the strategies to use to prevent harassment and also know where to go and who to talk to if they are being harassed). The lessons are presented by the staff at the beginning of the school year. Students find ways to expand on the lessons – follow-up for the rest of the year.
Greg Ikeda shared that he was impressed by the amount of participation by the students in the lessons and activities provided in the diversity lessons.
Tenika Eddings learned new terminology and felt the lessons were worthwhile. Andrea Peace shared that Kent-Meridian does not have a diversity club. The Kentlake
students volunteered to help start at club up at KM. Nisha Nariya stated that Kentridge is currently planning for a Martin Luther King
Assembly, presenting a Charlie Brown play this weekend and will be hosting an evening Veterans Day assembly.
6. Minutes
It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to accept the minutes as submitted. 7. Priority Topic – Agendas
Dr. Haddock asked the committee to review the priority topics in their subgroups and prioritize them for review.
Differentiated Instruction/Intervention – Remedial Identify the needs of students and provide instruction (extended learning
opportunities/remedial instruction/… Curricula/Instructional Materials Review the process for selecting materials Become familiar with curriculum adoptions
Policy & Procedure Reviews Should we look at how they relate to our charge?
8. Survey Results
Dr. Haddock asked the committee members to share any areas they would like to review from the survey results. There were no areas of concern shared.
9. Priority Topic – Parent/Community Involvement
Materials provided from previous meetings: A. PARENT INVOLVEMENT 2180
The board directs the superintendent to put into operation programs, activities, and procedures for the involvement of parents in all of its schools as written in the federal and state requirements. The board believes that parents have a shared responsibility for their children’s in-school academic achievement and behavioral conduct. Adopted By Board: 02/09/04 Revised By Board: 06/22/05
B. Title I Parent Involvement Policy (Elementary schools with a free/reduced population of 40% or above of their overall school population).
C. Community Connections information shared regarding how the KSD communicates. D. Notes from March 21, 2006 and April 18, 2006 meetings.
10. Committees Role Model Committee: Mr. Tellari – Chairperson
Purpose: To plan two events: Middle School Summit; Martin Luther King Event Middle School Summit:
The date was set for Friday, March 2, 2007 The goals were defined and anticipated number for attendance. The format of the day was outlined.
Martin Luther King Celebration: Will host a traditional event on January 16, 2007 Pilot a strand Festival (Kentlake volunteered to host)
Next meeting to be determined at a later date. Role Model Committee – feedback from breakout time: Indicators of Engagement/Involvement
Focus for Role Model Committee: Better understanding for “foreign students” who need help understanding to get help or more attention so they can understand materials.
Group Looks like, sounds like, feels like…
Parents/Family 1 representative from each family = great!/successful! Parents come to school activities (during school) Participation shows your concern in school PTSA Parents show concern when they check grades and ask for homework
After School Clubs Students
Students can go to class/subject “tutors” to get more attention to understand the class/subject.
If we can’t ask teachers where do we get resources? Community Going to games and activities it shows that other people care other than just your
teachers/peers. Investing, spending more time to recognize education. Supporting senior projects Engage the community to recognize students/schools
Staff Assignments clearly stated to complete the criteria needed. Letters to parents to help your child be successful Teachers don’t have time or spend much attention to your questions/needs Criteria laid out for students to have a model to better succeed. Fewer stereotypes.
Community Partnership Committee
Indicators of Engagement/Involvement Focus for Community Partnership Committee:
Discussion re: Definition of Family Involvement
Questions considered were what do we do when families come? Why we want them to come? How do we get them to come? What can we do differently to involve more families? There was also discussion around the Basmati system for communication. Information was shared about the new Skyward system. The committee would like to
recommend that the information on how to use the new system be provided to families in diverse languages. Currently info is only available in English. The group agreed that communication becomes more and more important at each school level for families.
11. Other Correspondence Dr. Haddock shared an email received from a Kent-Meridian parent and their student. Natural Leaders
Dr. Haddock shared information about the Natural Leaders program. Natural Leaders are community members/parents who are leaders in their community. They work as a team with other family/school connectors, family advocates, family support center staff and school staff to: A. Build relationships/connections with families. B. Listen to family’s ideas on how to help their children be successful in school. C. Bring families and schools together to plan/implement the families ideas. School that participated last year: East Hill, Kent Elementary, Martin Sortun, and Neely O’Brien. Schools interested in participating this year: Daniel, Cedar Valley, Covington, Pine Tree, Panther Lake, and Millennium.
Further sharing by schools: Park Orchard
Ms. Okubo shared that Park Orchard: A. Held a Resource Fair prior to their Open House that included a table for the ADE.
Many local organizations and connections for parents were shared. B. Veterans’ Day planned with community members invited. C. Family Math Night provide parents the opportunity to learn with their students. D. Read Across America activity. E. Science Fair for 5th/6th grade students. When they enter their project it entitles them
to participate in the popular Park Orchard Egg Drop event. F. Multicultural Fair which provides students an opportunity to write about their
background. G. All the activities are related to their school’s SIP (School Improvement Plan).
Kentlake Mr. Melton shared that Kentlake is gearing up for parent/teacher conferences. The teachers are making parent contacts on a weekly basis via email or phone calls and they have several outreach programs to different areas. They have been focusing on the Ukrainian and Somali families in their school. Ms. Eddings shared that during the parent night, the parents had their own section in the bleachers as did staff and it was really fun and exciting. It was a kickoff to homecoming.
Kentwood Ms. Frazer-Hammer shared that had a parent day at Kentwood had over 150 ninth grade parents attended. The parents followed their student’s schedule and attended classes.
Kent Mountain View Academy Mr. Vancil shared KMVA staff, as part of their reflective practice activity, is looking at ways to involve more community in their school. Currently they have a storytelling activity planned for students/parents/community..
Neely O’Brien Ms. Farris shared about NO: A. ELL night is planned. B. Curriculum nights were held with good parent attendance. C. ELL Graduation night for students testing out of the program (caps and gowns) D. 11,000 community volunteer hours last year at NO.
Community Report Ms. Cortez has been working with various community members helping them with employment and training.
11. Next Meeting – November 14, 2006 at KSD Board Room
Family Advocates will be invited to the meeting Homework: Non-traditional approach - what would it look like at different levels? Elementary?
Middle School? High School? What would be high level engagement or involvement in each of the areas? Look at the KSD Board Policies. Resources for multicultural activities – look at the ADE website to see what has been
done in the past year. Be watchdog at school looking for activities going on? How is it going? Time is a
commodity? Nominations for the Community Co-Chair Elect position. Thank you to Mr. Jaskot, the Meridian staff and students for their hospitality!
Attachment: PowerPoint from Meridian Elementary
Meridian Elementary Meridian Elementary ““Cougar Cougar Pack!Pack!””
IntroductionIntroductionHi my name is Danny Ayala! This isHi my name is Danny Ayala! This is……..
We will be talking about We will be talking about ““Cougar PackCougar Pack”” meetings. meetings. ““Cougar PackCougar Pack”” meetings are when a grade level meetings are when a grade level meets for a half hour in the morning.meets for a half hour in the morning.
Words Of Wisdom!Words Of Wisdom!
Hello my name is Chris Sipe. Hello my name is Chris Sipe. ““Words of WisdomWords of Wisdom”” is is a tip of the day about treating others well a tip of the day about treating others well -- like like being respectful, or remembering people for what being respectful, or remembering people for what they did or what they do now. An example isthey did or what they do now. An example is……““Good morning, Meridian! This is Chris Sipe with a Good morning, Meridian! This is Chris Sipe with a few Words Of Wisdom. Did you know there is not few Words Of Wisdom. Did you know there is not one single person in the world like you? Even if one single person in the world like you? Even if you have a twin sister or brother. Why? Because you have a twin sister or brother. Why? Because you have your own special feelings. your own you have your own special feelings. your own ideas, your own special way of doing things. ideas, your own special way of doing things. Everyone is a one of a kind human being. That Everyone is a one of a kind human being. That makes everyone here special. With something to makes everyone here special. With something to think about this is Chris think about this is Chris SipeSipe. Make it a good day, . Make it a good day, or not. The choice is yours.or not. The choice is yours.””
CPRCPR
Hi, my name is Maria Tuivai! At our school Hi, my name is Maria Tuivai! At our school we do Cougar Packs! Its basically a time we do Cougar Packs! Its basically a time where each grade has their own time with where each grade has their own time with all the other classes. One of the things that all the other classes. One of the things that we learn about in Cougar Packs is we learn about in Cougar Packs is ““CPR.CPR.””What they stand for is C being calm, P What they stand for is C being calm, P purposeful and R is respectful. Its just purposeful and R is respectful. Its just another way of learning how to behave.another way of learning how to behave.
Class UnityClass Unity
Hi my name is Marshall. In Cougar Hi my name is Marshall. In Cougar Pack the entire grade comes together. Pack the entire grade comes together. Having the whole class united can be a Having the whole class united can be a time to make new friends. If you feel time to make new friends. If you feel separated, itseparated, it’’s a great time to feel a part s a great time to feel a part of the 6of the 6thth grade!grade!
Singing Songs in Cougar Pack!Singing Songs in Cougar Pack!
Hi IHi I’’m Jannessa m Jannessa DurdenDurden! At Meridian ! At Meridian Cougar Pack meetings, we sing Cougar Pack meetings, we sing songs. A lot of them are school sprit songs. A lot of them are school sprit songs. And we sing songs like songs. And we sing songs like ““WeWe’’re re the Cougars,the Cougars,”” and songs that go with and songs that go with the monththe month’’s events!s events!
Games/StoriesGames/Stories
Hi my name is Noel! At Cougar Pack Hi my name is Noel! At Cougar Pack meetings, we play games and tell meetings, we play games and tell stories to help us make friends and stories to help us make friends and get us interactive with each other.get us interactive with each other.
Class MeetingClass MeetingHi my name is Beth, and IHi my name is Beth, and I’’m going to tell you m going to tell you about class meetings that we have in Cougar about class meetings that we have in Cougar Packs. Class meetings help us with problems Packs. Class meetings help us with problems throughout the year. For example, cliques, throughout the year. For example, cliques, groupies and gossip. We also talk about other groupies and gossip. We also talk about other peoplepeople’’s problems so we can try and fix them s problems so we can try and fix them as privately as possible.as privately as possible.
Friendship!Friendship!Hi my name is Kaylie Caputo! As we were Hi my name is Kaylie Caputo! As we were talking about before, Cougar Pack is meant talking about before, Cougar Pack is meant to be lots of different things. The thing I'm to be lots of different things. The thing I'm going to tell you about is friendship. Each going to tell you about is friendship. Each grade level has Cougar Pack meetings grade level has Cougar Pack meetings every eight days. Part of Cougar Pack is every eight days. Part of Cougar Pack is meant to spend time with your friends.meant to spend time with your friends.
School SongSchool Song
WeWe’’re the Cougars! Were the Cougars! We’’re the re the Cougars!Cougars!
At Meridian School!At Meridian School!We try our best in every way We try our best in every way ––In sports youIn sports you’’ll see we rule! ll see we rule! (Go Cougars!)(Go Cougars!)
School SongSchool Song
Green and yellow are our colorsGreen and yellow are our colorsFriendships we grow here!Friendships we grow here!We read, write, and think and shareWe read, write, and think and share‘‘Cause Cougars care!Cause Cougars care!MM--EE--RR--II--DD--II--AA--NNMM--EE--RR--II--DD--II--AA--NNMM--EE--RR--II--DD--II--AA--NNGO, COUGARS!GO, COUGARS!
