SBLSD Equity Advisory Council
August 3, 2022
Director of Equity, SBLSD
Email: sblsd_equity@sumnersd.org
Website: https://www.sumnersd.org/domain/1634
Location: 1202 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA, USA
Phone: (253) 891-6000
Welcome Back!
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." - Maya Angelou
I know I said this a million times, but I just want to reiterate my excitement in continuing the equity work with you all. Thank you for your commitment to EAC, your courage to speak your truth, and your openness to learn from each other.
There's a lot planned for us this year, so please take a look below for key dates and information.
Save the Dates
- Wednesday, September 28, 2022 5:15pm - 6:30pm
- Thursday, December 8, 2022 5:15pm - 6:30pm
- Wednesday, March 1, 2023 5:15pm - 6:30pm
- Wednesday, May 31, 2023 5:15pm - 6:30pm
Venue: TBD
Work Groups
Let's Connect
This is an opportunity for us to meet as the school year begins. My hopes for this meeting is to get to know you better, and for you to get to know me! Let's connect and build a foundation to continue the work for equity!
Please let me know if you would like to meet via zoom instead of in-person. We can also meet at a coffee shop around town if you would like! Thank you.
Latest Happenings!
- This past week, Central Office staff participated in the Bias Response Training facilitated by Adrienne Chacon (Director of Human Resources) and Josh Agpalza (Director of Equity). The facilitators were also supported by the work of Michelle Lewis (Executive Director of Learning and Innovation) and Becky Reid (Program Support Specialist-Prof. Learning). In the training, staff learned about the importance of responding to bias incidents to support and ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment. This training will also be facilitated to all departments in the district by their staff leaders!
- Upcoming staff training this month include: Equity 101 for ALL new staff, Bias Response for classified staff, and What to do When You Hear Something Racist for ALL staff.
Book for Thought!
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
NEW SERIES: Meet Our Neighbor
The Sumner-Bonney Lake community is rich in diversity. Yes, a very bold statement; however, a true statement. Some people may ask, "where?" And I will respond, "Dig a little deeper." Our community may not look like surrounding communities (i.e. Auburn, Puyallup, Federal Way etc.), but when you start to meet people, you will realize that many of them come from different cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.
The purpose of Meet Our Neighbor is to do as such-- highlight and share the diversity of our community, promote and foster new learning experiences, and to help spread cultural awareness. When we know better, we become greater!
Meet Our Neighbor!
Tucked in the back corner of an empty lot is a hidden gem where people from all walks of life congregate for food, groceries, and more: Mercadito Del Valle (Market in the Valley).
Meet our very first Sumner-Bonney Lake neighbors, Rebeca and Amancio, who have owned and operated their small store since 2011. Below is a short interview that highlights their experiences and commitment to our community.
Q: Why Sumner-Bonney Lake?
A: This area is a beautiful place and very peaceful. The people here are very nice and supportive. We like this place a lot.
Q: As our neighbors, what do you want our community to know?
A: We are a family and when you come here, we will take care of you.
Q: Why is Mercadito Del Valle important for our Sumner-Bonney Lake community?
A: We want people to enjoy the different things we have here that you cannot find elsewhere. We are more than a Mexican store, we have things that you can find all over Latin America. We are a Hispanic store.
Q: Besides running your store, what else do you enjoy?
A: When we have time, we enjoy going to different parks around the area, especially with our granddaughter. We also enjoy spending time with our two boys. One works here at the store with us and our older one graduated from Washington State University in Architecture.
Q: Anything else that you want to add?
A: We want our [neighbors] to know that they're welcomed here any time!
Translation done by: Diana Herrera (SBLSD Counselor)
Interview done by: Josh Agpalza and Diana Herrera