SHINE! PPS Office of DEI Newsletter
Showing How Inclusivity Nurtures Equity (Vol VII 3/23/22)
From the Director's Desk
For this issue, I would like to recognize my mother, the late Joyce Jones Perry "Lady JP". My mom was a 1965 graduate of I. C. Norcom High School and a 1969 graduate of Virginia Union University. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Isle of Wight County Schools for 34 years. After retirement, she worked at Sylvan Learning Center and was an SOL tutor at Churchland Primary and Intermediate and Parkview Elementary School in Portsmouth. My mom was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It was not until my mom's homegoing service that I learned in 1969, my mother along with 7 other Black women were among the FIRST to integrate the teaching staff in Isle of Wight County Schools. She along with the other ladies rented a TRT van and drove from MidCity in Portsmouth to Hardy Elementary School for over 20 years.
When I reflect back on my life, my mother was my FIRST teacher. She taught me how to read at 2 years old by labeling EVERYTHING in our home (Just like in The Color Purple.). She encouraged and pushed me to be a leader, reminding me that it was ok to fail but pick myself up and keep trying. When I was identified as gifted in elementary school, she always told me that "It was ok to be me." and she fostered my creativity and quirks. When I cheered at Norcom High School, played the violin from elementary school to high school, performed in dance recitals with Gail Harts Dance Company, spoke in competitions, participated in Eureka Debutaunt Ball, and countless other things my mom was my BIGGEST cheerleader. Even when I pledged Delta (the rival sorority), she was there. As a mother now, I realize that there were many times my mother went without so that I could have. She was selfless and always wanted me to be better. She will always be the GREATEST HERO in my life. Even though she isn't here physically, her words and lessons guide me daily. She is the reason I became an educator to impact the lives of ALL children.
Which woman in your life had or has the greatest impact? Who is your SHERO? During the month of March, I encourage you to share notable women from all walks of life who have had positive contributions to society.
Let us make a difference in the world like Harriet Tubman, Kamala Harris, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Coco Chanel, Nancy Pelosi, Sonia Sotomayor, Anne Frank, Maya Angelou, Malala Yousafzai, Misty Copeland, Katherine Johnson, Jane Austen, Queen Elizabeth, Catherine the Great, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Marie Curie, and countless others.
"The world needs strong women who lift and build others. Who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce; women of indomitable will."- Amy Tenney
If your school/department is doing innovative things that you would like to share please contact our office.
Recognize, Accept, and Celebrate Diversity!
Dr. "PC"
Follow us on Twitter @PPSOfficeofDEI
Holidays and Observances in March
- National Deaf History Month
- Irish American Heritage Month
- Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month
- Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
March also celebrates (this is shortlist):
- 3/2: National Read Across American Day/Dr. Deuss's Birthday
- 3/3: World Wildlife Day/World Book Day
- 3/4: World Obesity Day
- 3/8: International Women's Day
- 3/10: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
- 3/15: The Ides of March
- 3/21: World Down Syndrome Day
- 3/28: American Diabetes Alert Day
See what else is celebrated this month. Click below.
TOP SHARERS!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Dr. Laguna Foster, ICHNS 135 views
Mrs. Karla Jakubowksi, CAES 113 views
Mr. Paul Wilson, CHMS 91 views
Dr. Wayne Williams, VES 85 views
Mrs. Garyn Moody, LES 84 views
Ms. Tammy King, SES 81 views
Dr. Faye Felton, HMES 77 views
Dr. Sherie Davis, DPES 73 views
Mrs. Anna Cross, English 56 views
Mrs. Rosalyn Exum, CPI 56 views
Dr. Patricia Williams, MHPC 51 views
Which SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT will have the MOST sharers for this issue?
Did you enjoy the PD Experiences from the Office of DEI? Here's a link to more...
This year, the Office of DEI has had the opportunity to present PD Experiences to all of the schools and content offices in our division. We receive emails and are often asked when will there be another session. We understand how busy and time-deprived many of us are at this time of the year. The Office of DEI has a PD and Service Request Form that you can complete for individual or team sessions. Principals are able to use this form to schedule sessions for their schools. In the form, you may specify if you would like a session that is specific to the concerns/needs of you and/or your school.
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion PD & Service Request Form
LGBTQ+ Training: THE BASICS
The sessions were so informative and impactful that our high school principals had the Office of DEI do a mini session with their staff. During the sessions, participants learn about the identity spectrum and where they "fit" individually as well as learn about eradicating gender bias that we all share. Finally, best practices were shared for supporting our LGBTQ+ students.
Side by Side VA is a nonprofit based in Richmond, VA. Side by Side is dedicated to creating supportive communities where Virginia's LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish. The nonprofit is focused on its commitment to Black LGBTQ+ youth, being youth-centered, establishing a vibrant community, providing a tradition of support, and giving LGBTQ+ youth a voice.
Side by Side VA is working with PPS in helping us to establish GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliance) at all of our secondary schools. Churchland High School established our 1st GSA in 2016 and has an active chapter. Churchland Middle School became our 1st middle school to establish LGBTQ+ and Friends Support Club during this school year. Our other middle and high schools are laying the foundation to begin their GSAs soon.
LGBTQ+ & Friends Support Club at CHMS
by Devin Rivera, Chorus Teacher and Sponsor
Students at this age are desperately looking for an outlet that allows them to feel comfortable to be themselves. The members of this club experience hardship every day due to their gender/sexuality, and being a part of the club means that they are loved unconditionally. Providing them with this club puts them all in the same space and, as a community, they are able to build relationships with one another.
All club members are completely transparent with one another and have spoken about instances where they are bullied in school. With this club, I believe that they will be more willing to report negative experiences that they have in the classroom. Our administration is extremely supportive and is behind us 100%.
Love Doesn't Count Chromosomes!
Ms. Margaret Marino, Brighton Elementary School Librarian
Ms. Marino is the Media Specialist at Brighton ES. Last year, she revamped the library purchasing over 2000 books that represented the students at BES. She ensured the books were vetted & were on the NEA/USDOE's top 200 books for elementary school students. We sat down to speak with her to ask her about her experiences as a librarian.
How long have you been in education?
I have been a librarian for 15 years. The first 12 were in West Virginia, in the Morgantown area near West Virginia University. I have been a bookworm all my life, which is why I love being a librarian.
How long have you been in PPS?
When I came to PPS three years ago, I found the collection of books at Brighton was in great need of updating. The average age of books on the shelves was 1974, and there were very few culturally appropriate titles. Thanks to a grant, I was able to add a significant amount of culturally appropriate titles, as well as upgrade the nonfiction department. I added a graphic novel and young adult section and did a much-needed weeding of outdated titles. The staff at Brighton surprised me by doing a "complete makeover" of the physical space in the library, adding a huge superhero mural and television/book heroes on the walls. They completely rearranged shelving and tables to create a beautiful new space!
What's next for your library?
The next phase of creating a library that is truly the hub of the school is to add soft seating and interactive spaces to promote student collaboration and interaction. That is a work in progress. The library of today and tomorrow is a place to promote higher-level thinking and STEM initiatives, a place to educate students who will change our world. It has been very exciting to be a part of this transformation.
What do you love most about PPS?
In my fifteen years as a librarian, I have never been hugged as much as I am here at Brighton. I am so proud of these students and the progress they have made to become responsible library users. We are building a culture of reading at Brighton. The students are eager to take all of these beautiful new books home and read them- they often express angst because we have so many good books they cannot decide which ones to choose. What a happy dilemma!
The Office of DEI received a "Joining Forces" from VCU and will be working with BES to continue with Phase II of the library project.
Building Zaha by Victoria Tentler-Krylov (Grades PreK-3rd)
Frida (in Spanish) by Jonah Winter (Grades K-3)
Girl Under a Red Moon by Da Chen (Grades 3-7)
Maria Tallchief by Cinnamon Kills First (Grades 2-4)
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (Grades 5-8)
Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers by Michelle Obama (Grades 5-12)
PPS Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Email: janeen.campbell@Portsk12.com
Website: https://www.ppsk12.us/about_pps/departments/departments_a-f/diversity__equity_and_inclusion
Phone: 757-393-8728
Twitter: @PPSOfficeofDEI