Cultural Diversity & Equity
November 2023 Newsletter
In This Issue
- Department Updates
- What's happening in our schools?
- Native American Heritage Month
- Veterans Day
- How will you celebrate your Fall Break?
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
- Upcoming Events
- Religious Holidays
District Webpage Translation Tool
Having a website that is accessible to all our students, staff, and families is very important to us, and because of our diverse population, a translation tool has always been a feature on our website.
The Translation Tool for the website will now be in the top right corner of the webpage (see image). You will click this button and then select your desired language from a drop-down menu.
Closed Captioning and Live Transcription in Zoom
Because Zoom has become so essential, we'd like to highlight accessibility features that can help you be more inclusive in your meetings and webinars. Zoom now provides closed captioning and live transcription for those with a pro, business, Education, Enterprise accounts. (ICCSD staff using their work accounts will have access to this feature). This tool is helpful for everyone, not just for those who are hearing impaired.
Click here to see full instructions about how to set up this feature for your meetings. You can also watch the video below for more information.
Bullying/Harassment Information
We want all of our students to feel safe and supported. Harassment, bullying, hazing, and other forms of victimization are prohibited in the Iowa City Community School District. If you or someone you know has been victimized, you are encouraged to report the incident(s) in one of two ways:
- Report bullying, sexual harassment/assault, or a school safety concern anonymously by text:
- TEXT: @SAYIT
- TO: 833-769-0372
- Contact your school administration to file a complaint.
Please report as soon as possible.
Visit https://www.iowacityschools.org/SaySomething for more information.
Restorative Justice
Welcome to November
We on the RJ wish to give you a little something to enjoy while you read through this month's newsletter. A little Cozy Winter Coffee Shop 4K ☕ Smooth Jazz Music for Relaxation, Study, and Work
Feel free to come back to cozy winter shop any time of the day. We hope you enjoy our virtual gathering space.
This month’s highlights are:
- The Black/Brown Enrichment follow up with our young ladies from last year. A warm thank you to CITY, LIBERTY, TATE and WEST for hosting the RJ team to hold follow up circles with these young ladies on November 8th. Our team was able to hold circles at each of these schools. Our time with these young ladies has guided what our next Enrichment event will look like. Also thanks and gratitude for our young ladies who continuously strive for excellence in all they do!
- The RJ team presented a three year overview to the School Board in late October. The overview highlighted the success restorative practices has had in some of the ICCSD thus far. As ICCSD moves towards the 100% goal of exposing each building to RP/RJ, we can share that 73% of our builds have reached this exposure as of this fall through Admin/Leadership RP trainings, Student trainings, student involvement circles, universal tier 1 community building, staff learnings, capacity building with community member supports . Congratulations!
Building Bridges in Our Schools: Community Cares Program Update
We are thrilled to share that our Community Cares program continues to forge meaningful connections within our schools. Our initiative has always been rooted in the belief that every gesture of support enriches the learning environment for our children, fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. This year, we've seen the powerful impact of simple acts of kindness, as our volunteers have continued in the welcoming role of greeters and the supportive students as reading buddies.
While the collaboration with our local Hawkeye sport teams has been an uplifting tradition of our program, this year has brought a change in pace. Due to their demanding schedules, these exceptional athletes have only been able to join us a few times so far this year. Even though their visits are less frequent compared to the weekly joys of the previous year, their influence remains significant, echoing the lasting bonds formed through their generosity and engagement.
However, our work is far from over, and our vision for a more connected and understanding community is as ambitious as ever. We are actively seeking volunteers who are passionate about making a difference and ready to invest in the future of our learners by building lasting relationships within our schools.
If you feel called to contribute to this cause and wish to be a beacon of hope and encouragement for our students, please reach out to newell.frederick@iowacityschools.org. Your involvement could be the highlight of a child's school day, and the start of a journey toward a more equitable world for all.
Let's continue to join hands and hearts in the noble pursuit of uplifting every student in our district.
With gratitude,
Frederick Newell
Volunteer Opportunity for District Staff
Launching Leaders into Tomorrow: The Leaders Leading Leaders (L3) Initiative
We are excited to announce a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County: the Leaders Leading Leaders (L3) mentoring program. With a visionary mission to unveil and nurture the inherent leadership potential within our students, L3 is more than a program—it's a catalyst for transformation.
This innovative initiative pairs district office mentors with elementary school students, creating a dynamic where experience meets potential. Through dedicated mentorship, interactive community involvement, and targeted skill development, L3 is designed to embolden our young students to become the influential leaders of tomorrow.
By fostering a space where young minds can explore their capabilities, L3 strives to inspire students to shape their educational journeys and their communities positively. Watch as we sow the seeds of leadership and watch our future leaders grow!
Share your traditions!
There are A LOT of holidays in a year! Because of how many holidays there are, we are not always able to go in-depth into every occasion. That's why we need to hear all of your voices.
Lots of holidays means lots of traditions and experiences! We want you to share some of your own traditions and memories from holidays coming up in December! To share your traditions please send a brief write-up about your choice of holiday you celebrate in November to Equity Specialist, Andrea Jayne (jayne.andrea@iowacityschools.org) to be included in our next issue!
December Holidays consist of but are not limited to:
- Advent - first Sunday - Sunday, December 3rd
- St. Nicholas Day - Wednesday, December 6th
- Hanukkah Starts - Thursday, December 7th
- Bodhi Day - Friday, December 8th
- Immaculate Conception of Mary - Friday, December 8th
- Masá’il - Tuesday, December 12th
- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Tuesday, December 12th
- Hanukkah Ends - Friday, December 15th
- Dhanu Sankranti - Saturday, December 16th
- Yule/Winter Solstice - Thursday, December 21st
- Geeta Jayanti - Friday, December 22nd
- Christmas Eve - Sunday, December 24th
- Advent ends - Sunday, December 24th
- Christmas - Monday, December 25th
- Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ - Monday, December 25th
- Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra) - Tuesday, December 26th
- Kwanzaa Begins - Tuesday, December 26th- Jan. 1st
- St Stephen's Day - Tuesday, December 26th
- Holy Innocents - Thursday, December 28th
- Holy Family - Saturday, December 30th
- Watch Night - Sunday, December 31st
- Sharaf - Sunday, December 31st
- Ghambar Maidyarem - Sunday, December 31st
What's Happening in November?
November is Native American Heritage Month, which honors and provides a platform for Native people to share their culture, traditions, and practices. The Iowa City Community School District would like to honor our Native American and Indigenous students, staff, families, and community members. and acknowledges the injustices this community has faced and faces.
Things to consider:
This is a time to celebrate the native people of this land and learn more about an amazing and rich culture. We'd urge you to keep in mind that there are many tribes with vastly different cultures and practices within the United States. Native Americans are not a monolith, and the resources shared here only provide a few examples of an extraordinary and diverse group of people.
Take a look at the University of Iowa Native American Council page to see what Tribal Nations have homelands in Iowa.
When did Native American Heritage Month start?
Native American Heritage Month was not always what it is today. In 1915 the first formal plan to create 'American Indian Day' was approved in the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting.
This proposal was successful, and the first American Indian Day was declared in May 1916. It wasn't until 1990 that a joint resolution approved by President George H. W. Bush named November National Native American Heritage Month.
Resources for Teachers and Students:
- Lesson Plan - Stereotypes and Tonto
- Decolonizing the Classroom: Teaching With Indigenous Comics
- Q&A: Native Knowledge 360°
- With and About: Inviting Contemporary American Indian Peoples Into the Classroom
- Native American Heritage Month Podcasts
- GLSEN - Native American Heritage Month Timeline Activity
- PBS: Native American Heritage Collection
- NEH - Lesson Plan: Not "Indians," Many Tribes: Native American Diversity
Intersectionality - Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces
We've talked about Intersectionality before in previous issues, but for those newcomers, here is a good definition of the concept:
- Intersectionality - the theory that the overlap of various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, contributes to the specific type of systemic oppression and discrimination experienced by an individual.
Why are we talking about this?
Everyone in the Iowa City Community School District brings many diverse experiences to the table, and people comprise so many unique identities that can affect those experiences.
In the video below, we get to hear stories from United States Military Veterans whose intersecting identities give them unique outlooks on their time serving, and the challenges and successes they faced in their careers.
As you watch, see how many identities you can spot, and think about how all the different layers of a person can shape how they move through the world. And then think about how intersectionality could show up in the classroom with our students and teachers.
Veterans Day
To learn more about Veterans Day, check out these resources:
How are you planning to spend your Fall Break?
Fall Break is just around the corner and there are a few things we want to talk about.
While Thanksgiving for some is a time of celebration, we must not forget that for many Native American and Indigenous individuals in our community, it is often a time of mourning or reflection on past generational trauma.
We urge everyone to take time during the fall break to learn more about Native American and Indigenous stories and history. A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving is a comprehensive set of resources for educators, families, and students who would like to expand their knowledge and learn ways to celebrate holidays while also holding space for diversity and inclusivity.
However you plan to spend your time off school, we hope our ICCSD community has a safe, reflective, and thoughtful break that is full of love and understanding.
Here are a few articles that delve deeper into the perspectives of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples and how they experience Thanksgiving:
- The Thanksgiving Tale We Tell Is a Harmful Lie. As a Native American, I've Found a Better Way to Celebrate the Holiday - Time Magazine
- Do American Indians Celebrate Thanksgiving? - Smithsonian Magazine
- The History of Thanksgiving from the Native American Perspective - Native Hope
- Thanksgiving Through A Wider Lens - RTI International
According to the Human Rights Campaign, last year over 34 transgender and gender non-conforming people were killed in the U.S., and of those killed, 85% of victims were people of color, and 63% of victims were Black trans women. Since HRC began recording data in 2013, there have been over 204 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals were victims of fatal violence in the U.S.
The district would like to wrap around our Trans and Non-binary community as we honor the lives lost, and work towards a brighter future.
National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual program where people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. Participating groups spend the week holding a series of educational, service, fundraising, and advocacy events.
Resources:
- Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week | HHWeek
- Awareness Week Ideas | American Charities
- National Coalition for the Homeless
Community Resources
Iowa City Community School District Resources and Supports
Helping students who are homeless succeed in school. Students and families who believe they may be eligible for services should contact the Student and Family Advocate at their current school, school of origin or the closest school to their current address, or call (319) 688-1015.
Where should I enroll?
Who should I contact?
If you have not yet enrolled, please contact, Shannon Hammen Miner
Learning Supports Senior Specialist/Homeless Liason
(319) 688-1000
miner.shannon@iowacityschools.org
Upcoming Events
ICPL: Spanish Bilingual Storytime
Join us on Mondays during the school year for Spanish Bilingual Storytime! Every week, there will be a fun theme with plenty of repetition from previous weeks in order to enhance language learning. Get ready for a lot of movement with singing, dancing, activities, stories, and rhymes in Spanish and English. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to join us.
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¡Ven a la biblioteca los lunes durante el año escolar para el programa de cuentos bilingües en español e inglés! Cada semana, va a ver un tema divertido con muchas repeticiones de las semanas anteriores para practicar los lenguajes. Prepárate para mucho movimiento con cantos, bailes, instrumentos, actividades, cuentos y rimas en español e inglés. Los niños de todas las edades y sus cuidadores están invitados al programa.
Si necesita adaptaciones relacionadas con la discapacidad para participar en este evento, por favor avísale a la biblioteca.
英西双语故事会
每周一请加入我们的英西双语故事会!为加强语言学习,我们将每周围绕一个新主题展开活动,同时也会大量重复之前的活动内容,包括西班牙语和英语的儿歌,舞蹈,动作游戏,绘本阅读,押韵童谣等各种活动。欢迎各年龄段的小朋友们和看护者参加活动。
If you need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact the Library.
This event is open to the public.
Monday, Nov 20, 2023, 10:30 AM
Iowa City Public Library, South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
ICPL: World Club: Fry Bread
Join us for the exciting World Club on the third Tuesday of every month! Each month we will explore a unique world culture through fun stories, games, crafts, activities, or even delicious food. All ages and backgrounds welcome!
November is the National Native American Heritage Month. In today's World Club we will be exploring the Navajo tradition of fry bread and celebrating indigenous legacy! Let's get together and enjoy some Fry Bread books, Fry Bread songs, fry bread facts, etc. And, the most exciting part is, we will also have an opportunity to try some authentic fry bread samplers made by experts from our local Native American community.
每个月的第三个周二请加入世界文化俱乐部,我们一起读书,游戏,做手工,尝试制作特色食品,探索世界各地的文化。欢迎不同年龄段和不同文化背景的朋友!
十一月是全美美洲原住民传统月。 今天让我们一起探索纳瓦霍炸面包的传统,庆祝原住民文化遗产。我们将分享有关炸面包的图书, 音乐和小知识等等。还有最令人期待的是,我们还将有机会品尝到由本地美洲原住民社区的厨艺专家亲手制作的正宗炸面包。
If you need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact the Library.
This event is open to the public.
Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023, 07:00 AM
Iowa City Public Library, South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
University of Iowa: A Lesson on Truthsgiving
Join the Native American Student Association for its annual viewing of a Truthsgiving video presentation. Available on Facebook and YouTube.
Thursday, Nov 23, 2023, 12:00 PM
https://www.facebook.com/uiowa.nasa
NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.
- Free of cost to participants
- Designed for adult loved ones of people with mental health conditions
- Led by family members of people with mental health conditions
- 60-90 minutes long and meets weekly, every other week or monthly (varies by location)
- No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
Website:https://namijc.org/support-and-education/support-groups/nami-family-support-group/
- Confidential
Thursday, Nov 16, 2023, 07:00 AM
Zoom
ICPL: Chinese Bilingual Storytime
Join us every Friday for a special Chinese Bilingual Storytime with Children's Librarian Fang! Together we will enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and fun crafts in Chinese and English. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to join us.
请参加每周五上午的中英双语故事会!我们将一起阅读中英文绘本,分享儿歌,童谣和趣味手工。欢迎各年龄段的小朋友们和看护者加入我们。
¡Ven a la biblioteca cada viernes para disfrutar de una hora de cuentos bilingües en chino con la bibliotecaria infantil Fang! Juntos disfrutaremos de canciones, rimas y cuentos en chino e inglés. Los niños de todas las edades y sus cuidadores están invitados al programa.
Si necesita adaptaciones relacionadas con la discapacidad para participar en este evento, por favor avísale a la biblioteca.
If you need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact the Library.
This event is open to the public.
Friday, Nov 24, 2023, 10:30 AM
Iowa City Public Library, South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
Bridging Voices: Exploring Language Justice and Identity
This webinar, hosted by the University of Iowa (UI) and the University of Dar es Salaam, will invite panelists to share knowledge and experience on language justice. Language justice is a concept that encompasses the fair and equitable treatment of all languages and linguistic communities, ensuring that individuals and groups have equal opportunities to communicate, participate, and access services in their preferred language(s). It is rooted in the principles of linguistic diversity, inclusion, and the recognition of the importance of language in shaping individual and collective identity.
Speakers from the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Iowa will address key aspects of language justice, such as language equality, access to services, cultural preservation, inclusivity, eliminating language barriers, and promoting multilingualism.
This event follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two universities which will lead to further collaboration.
Guest panelists include:
- William A. L. Anangisye, professor of education and vice chancellor, University of Dar es Salaam
- Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs, University of Iowa
- Ramona Koob, graduate student enrolled in the Humanities Lab on Language Justice, University of Iowa
- Beatrice Mkenda, associate professor, Department of French and Italian, University of Iowa
- Salvatory S. Nyanto, senior lecturer, director of the Office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Dar es Salaam
- Hadija K. Mwendah, lecturer, University of Dar es Salaam
Event co-sponsors include the UI International Studies Program (ISP), the UI Division of World Languages and Cultures, UI International Programs, University of Dar es Salaam Office of Vice Chancellor, and the Directorate of Internationalization Convocation and Advancement at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Amy Green in advance at 319-335-1433 or amy-green-1@uiowa.edu
Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023, 09:30 AM
https://uiowa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PgU61KrjRPSCVpKvdVuFSw
Honoring Iowa Native Nations Informational
Join the Native American Student Association to learn more about the 4 tribal nations who continue to be present and thrive and the state of Iowa.
Thursday, Nov 16, 2023, 11:00 AM
Iowa Memorial Union, North Madison Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
University of Iowa: Powwow 101
Join us and the Native American Student Association, Nov. 30, to learn about the history of the University of Iowa Powwow, Powwow etiquette, and how you can support NASA as they plan this years Powwow to be held in April. Pizza, soda, cookies, and water will be provided!
Thursday, Nov 16, 2023, 06:00 PM
Latino Native American Cultural Center, Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, IA, USA
Happy Holidays!
- All Saints' Day (Día de Muertos) - Wednesday, November 1st
- Karwa Chauth - Wednesday, November 1st
- All Souls' Day - Thursday, November 2nd
- Qudrat (Power) - Saturday, November 4th
- Dhan Teras - Friday, November 10th
- Diwali - Sunday, November 12th
- Bandi Chor Divas - Sunday, November 12th
- Bhai Dooj - Tuesday, November 14th
- Pitru Paksha ends - Tuesday, November 14th
- Chhath Puja - Sunday, November 19th
- Qawl (Speech) - Thursday, November 23rd
- Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bhadur Sahib - Friday, November 24th
- Christ the King - Sunday, Novemeber 26th
- Day of the Covenant - Sunday, November 26th
- Kartik Poornima - Monday, Novemeber 27th
- Guru Nanak Birthday - Monday, November 27th
- Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá - Tuesday, November 28th
- St. Andrew's Day - Thursday, November 30th
Who is in the Equity Department?
Laura Gray, Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness
Website: iowacityschools.org/equity
Location: 1725 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 688-1000
Eric Howard, Director of Equity and Employee Relations
Website: iowacityschools.org/Equity
Location: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: (319) 688-1000
Charita Martin, Equity Coordinator
Website: iowacityschools.org/equity
Location: 1725 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 688-1000
Brad Kelly, Restorative Justice Coordinator
Email: kelly.brad@iowacityschools.org
Website: iowacityschools.org/equity
Location: 1725 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 688-1000
Priscilla Culp, Diversity and Equity Coach
Email: Culp.Priscilla@iowacityschools.org
Website: iowacityschools.org/Equity
Location: 1725 Dodge St Ct, Iowa City, Iowa 52245, USA
Phone: (319) 688-1000
Fred Newell, Inclusion and Outreach Coordinator
Email: newell.frederick@iowacityschools.org
Website: iowacityschools.org/equity
Location: 1725 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 688-1000
Andrea Jayne, Equity Specialist
Email: jayne.andrea@iowacityschools.org
Website: iowacityschools.org/equity
Location: 1725 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 688-1000
About Us
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Eric Howard, Director of Equity & Employee Relations
Email: howard.eric@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/domain/64
Location: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: (319) 688-1000
Official account of ICCSD Departments of Diversity and Equity.