Equity & Inclusion Newsletter

STAFF Edition 2: October 2020

  • This committee was established in 2018, and was recently renamed. We are in the process of finalizing an updated action plan and will share that with you.
  • It is important that we are all aware of and thinking about the goals and commitments as a district that we are making to the work of equity, inclusivity, diversity.
  • The committee is comprised of administrators, certified and classified staff, families, students, and community members.
  • If you are interested in joining, you can contact Benay Woodford: bwoodford@region15.org


This work requires commitment on everyone's part in order to continuously foster welcoming and inclusive schools, with intentionality and positive impact.

Monthly Read Aloud Video

In this month's video, and each month hereafter, the read alouds will feature voices from our Region 15 community! This month, there are 2 PHS freshmen students and 1 MMS student featured. Please consider using this with our students! Questions are embedded in the video as opportunities to pause and discuss.


We selected She Was the First: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm (2020) by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Eric Velasquez.


This book was read with permission from Lee & Low books.

October Equity & Inclusion Read Aloud: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm

Hispanic Heritage Month

Though Hispanic Heritage month was Sep 15-Oct 15, it is important not to confine Hispanic history and heritage to the dates of Sep 15-Oct 15, because we know Hispanic history is American history, we do want to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage month and the many important contributions of Hispanic and LatinX people in the United States. Here are a few select resources to continue the learning:

8 Must Read Children's Books for National Hispanic Heritage Month

A beautiful video from Yuyi Morales, author and illustrator of Dreamers

Teaching Central America

Indigenous Peoples Day was Oct 12...Consider this:

This day offers us with an opportunity to critically reflect on taking action to appropriately acknowledge and teach meaningfully about the Indigenous people of the land of our Region. Recommend taking some time on here.

Upcoming, free professional learning opportunities

Teachers for Social Justice also has a learning series going on. The next is Nov 14 and the topic is Unsettling Settler Colonialism. You can register here.

Follow on social media for resources and updates

Instagram: r15equity_inclusion


*Note: Image (c) 2019 CLC Collective and Dottir Press