Equity, Inclusion, Belonging Committee
The Avonworth School District's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee has been in existence since the 2016-2017 school year. The Committee was formed in collaboration with District families to create a dialogue between our families and the school district regarding issues and concerns related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This committee meets approximately 3-4 times each school year. The meetings have focused on issues and concerns and the actions the District is taking to make the Avonworth School District a place of belonging for all students. The meetings have generated extremely valuable feedback and information that has helped the District take steps and continue to move forward with this very important work.
The original group that came together to form the committee was created organically and has consisted of parents, students, administrators, teachers, and board members. Although these meetings have always had an open format and open to anyone that would like to attend, a smaller group of individuals has attended on a regular basis.
During the 2019-2020 school year, a group of parents that have attended the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee meetings on a regular basis asked to meet with the administration to discuss changing the format of our committee meetings. This discussion revealed a common belief between the parents and administration regarding a format that could help provide more structure and accelerate our efforts. This belief was that a smaller, dedicated committee should be formed that will hold meetings on a regular basis but only be open to selected committee members. In addition to the smaller committee, open forum meetings will also be scheduled throughout each school year and be open to anyone that wishes to attend. The goal of the smaller committee will be to engage in actions and activities to accomplish goals that are created based on feedback from both the smaller committee and by participants of the larger, open forum meetings.
The Avonworth School District is thankful for the many dedicated parents, families, community members, and students that have engaged in this work with the District and for their efforts and desire to make Avonworth School District a model district for acceptance, equality, and belonging for all students and families.
Mission, Purpose, and Beliefs
Mission Statement
The Avonworth School District’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is committed to supporting anti-racist and inclusive actions that ensure Avonworth School District is a place where all students feel a sense of belonging.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Avonworth School District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is to assist and support the District’s efforts in creating and sustaining an intentional anti-racist and anti-discriminatory school comunity that provides a welcoming and enriching environment for all. This is accomplished by gaining input from students, parents & caregivers, and District staff to create action plans that progress the District’s DEI goals and objectives.
Belief Statements
- Diversity, concerning race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, expressions, socioeconomic status, age, religion, and disabilities, is our strength.
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A sense of belonging is achieved when all stakeholders understand diverse perspectives, develop cultural competence, and respect the diversity of the human experience.
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Our students and overall school community achieve success when all stakeholders model inclusive, equitable, and culturally competent behaviors.
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Our students and overall school community achieve success when all stakeholders are willing to understand, appreciate, and respect diverse perspectives.
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Our students and overall school community achieve success when all stakeholders engage in productive discourse around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Our students and overall school community achieve success when all stakeholders are equipped to stop racist and discriminatory actions.