The Equity Observer
January 2023 - Issue 11
Our History Matters
January 27, 2023 was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. You can learn more about this day and ways to honor it via this information from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Additionally, it's important to understand the appropriate spelling and history of the word antisemitism. Please read more here which may support you in utilizing this word and supporting our Jewish community.
Our History Matters returns in February as we recognize Black History Month. Please check out our Black History Month website with a calendar of local events and other resources you may find supportive. If you need resources to support conversations around racism and news events, new resources were recently added to our DEI website. You can always access some useful information and resources at the Our History Matters website.
If you have resources which would be helpful to add to any of the Our History Matters websites, please send those to Jennifer Santiago.
Black History Month Essay Contest Info
I am Black History: PIONEERS Essay Contest MOLD-EN OUR YOUTH FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE, INC is pleased to announce their 2nd Annual “I Am Black History” Pioneers Essay Contest. The essay contest officially begins Sunday, January 15, 2023 and ends Tuesday February 28, 2023. The first 100 essays received per category (grade) will be accepted. The contest is open to: 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who attend public, private or charter schools in the United States of America. PRIZE WINNERS One (1) First-place; one (1) Second-place; and one (1) Third-place winner essay for each grade (10th, 11th and 12th) will be selected for a total of nine (9) winning essays. PRIZES First-place winners in each grade will receive a monetary prize of $300.00. Second-place winners in each grade will receive a monetary prize of $175.00. Third-place winners in each grade will receive a monetary prize of $125.00. ESSAY GUIDELINES Students must write about an African American Pioneer listed below. The essay must be (700-850 words) not including citations. Citations must be included in the paper and in the bibliography/works cited. Sources must be cited using standard MLA or APA format. All website citations must include a URL. No more than five sources are recommended. Unreliable sources, such as but not limited to blogs, personal websites, Wiki Sites, movies and historical novels are not permitted as cited material for this essay. Guidelines, Entry form, and Rubric Black History Month Essay Contest MOLD-EN OUR YOUTH FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE, INC is hosting their 2nd annual Black History Month Essay contest. Tuesday February 28, 2023/11:59 P.M. is the last day required documents and the essay will be accepted. The contest is open to high school students’ grades, (9th-12th) currently enrolled in public, private, or charter schools in the United States of America. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is a National Historic Landmark that represents a pivotal point in American history. Discuss the significance of the events on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Using the following prompt: In your opinion why was “Bloody Sunday” a catalyst for the African American Community? PRIZES First Place: $500.00 Second Place: $300.00 Third Place: $150.00
Supporting Multilingual Learners in Your Class
You can also check out the "Strategies" section of Ellevation and choose some self-paced PD learning experiences there. They have a lot of strategies, tools, and ideas to support every grade level, and specific content areas. This is accessible to every instructional staff member in FCCPS. We'll be rolling out some specific learning opportunities in a few shorts weeks! If you have any questions please reach out to Jennifer Santiago or your ESOL team
Equity Division Level Team - Strategic Plan Work
FCCPS Equity Definition -
Persistently, unapologetically, and consistently providing more time, attention, support, effort, resources, advocacy, and energy to those groups who have historically received less (Howard, 2019)
FCCPS Equitable Access Definition -
Students, Staff, Families will be provided with access through consistent processes to what they need without assumptions made about need or knowledge
OUR “ WHY” FCCPS Equity DLT -
We want people to feel welcome, that they belong, and they get what they need in order to thrive in our school community
Cultural Proficiency Training
Cultural Proficiency Training - Self Reflection
If you have not yet participated in the 2 hour face to face Cultural Proficiency Training - Self Reflection with Jennifer Santiago please register for one of the offered times below. This is a required training for all employees of public schools. For staff renewing their license this year this training is required to fulfill the Cultural Proficiency training element of your renewal.
The participant cap is 20 - so please add your name to a date and time that works for your calendar and has space available. You can register here.
April 10 - 9am - 11am
April 10 - 1pm - 3pm
April 20 - 3pm - 5pm
April 26 - 2pm - 4pm
April 27 - 3pm - 5pm
May 17 - 2pm - 4pm