AAPEAC Voice
African American Parent & Educator Advisory Committee
A Newsletter for Black/African American Families
on AAPEAC News and Events
More information on AAPEAC is available here:
How Can I Get Involved - Etiwanda School District
Etiwanda School District
February 2021
Message from the AAPEAC Chairperson
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” – Marian Wright Edelman, Founder Children’s Defense Fund
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the contributions of Black women and men throughout history who strived to make our world a better place. My hero, Marian Wright Edelman, is a lawyer and graduate of Spelman College. In 1973, she founded the Children’s Defense Fund as a voice for poor children, children of color, and children with disabilities. She continues her work today as a tireless advocate for building a world where children are raised with love, safety, and access to the best education possible.
As we celebrate Black achievement, your AAPEAC representatives and district partners are keenly aware that future leaders are in our classrooms today. Our current initiatives focus on the balanced approach of highlighting our children’s achievements and partnering on improving outcomes. We are proud to work with our district and school site leaders to shape a culture of acceptance, safety, and educational success for all our children. We also continue to serve you, our parents, as your elected advocates. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us with your thoughts and ideas.
Update! AAPEAC Book Fair Extended to February 28
Visit our online book fair: www.ashaybythebay.com
Etiwanda Code: #ESD21 at Checkout
Inside this Edition...
2020-21 Goals of AAPEAC
AAPEAC Subcommittees
Innovation Funding
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2020-21 Goals of AAPEAC
Each year, AAPEAC develops or updates goals for the committee. The current goals for AAPEAC are to:
- Create a process to validate and interpret data appropriately to measure our progress.
- Surgically identify opportunities for improvement for students including increased opportunities for those who over index on achievement.
- Recruit, hire, and retain strong African-American teachers.
- Increase engagement for African-American parents through our AAPEAC representatives.
- Create a culturally fluent and compassionate educational staff that embraces diversity and maintains safe spaces for children to grow and thrive.
- Evolve the language of our African-American population to an achievement perspective versus a deficit perspective.
Much of the work of the committee is conducted through the subcommittees. Each subcommittee focuses on an area of interest and aligns their work with the goals of AAPEAC.
AAPEAC Subcommittees
Cultural Event Subcommittee
The AAPEAC members on this subcommittee are focused on creating an environment where African American contributions are expected, acknowledged and celebrated in the Etiwanda School District.
Academic Subcommittee
The AAPEAC members on this subcommittee are focused on identifying equitable and culturally responsive practices to improve student outcomes in the Etiwanda School District.
Parent/Teacher Interaction Subcommittee
The AAPEAC members on this subcommittee are focused on empowering parent and educator collaboration in the Etiwanda School District.
Parent Subcommittee
The AAPEAC members on this subcommittee are focused on building connections within our community to strengthen communication and support.
Innovation Funding
The AAPEAC Committee annually receives funds from the Etiwanda School District for use in supporting activities, events, and programs that align with the mission and goals of the committee.
At our last meeting February 3, AAPEAC reviewed our first round of proposals and approved the following:
1. Class set of books for Ms. Lara, SIS 7th grade teacher
2. Black History Month Laser Light Show virtual assembly at Solorio Elementary
3. Financial support for any elementary school who would like to schedule the Black History Month Laser Light Show assembly.
Information on AAPEAC Innovation Funding and the Innovation proposal form may be found on the District website under "How Can I Get Involved?" AAPEAC link.
Black History Month
Free Tutoring through Paper
Middle School Math
It's been a long time since your last Algebra class and when your child needs help, you might be looking for assistance. Try Paper Tutoring, a free tutoring service available to families 24/7 through the Etiwanda School District.
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Next AAPEAC Meeting...
Meeting agenda is available on the district website under the Family Tab "How Can I Get Involved" AAPEAC link, 72 hours prior to the meeting.
School Site AAPEAC Representative contact information is available through your school office or by calling the Instruction Department at (909) 803-3126.
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Questions? Please reach out to us.
Stephanie Walton, chairwoman, stephrus1@msn.com
Myiesha Majors, vice chairwoman, realtormyieshamajors@gmail.com
Tawni Flot-Williams, secretary, tawniflot@gmail.com
Etiwanda School District
Charlayne Sprague, assistant superintendent of instruction, charlayne_sprague@etiwanda.org
Damita Walton, director of pupil services, damita_walton@etiwanda.org