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Oakwood Schools

   

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

showing a diverse cross section of hands
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. 
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

   

 

The Plan for Access and Success for All

Equity is the foundation framing every aspect of the educational system from curriculum adoption to professional development.  With the vision of creating an educational environment where all students feel safe, valued, seen and heard, Oakwood Schools established its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force to lead the District in establishing a solid foundation around culture, curriculum, and community. 

That foundation is The Plan for Access and Success for All.

Additional Information:
Task Force Introduction, Board of Education Dec. 14, 2020 Meeting
The Next Right Thing, June 1, 2021

Plan for Access and Success for All
Vision Statement and Mission Statement
Guiding Principles
Belief Statements 1-5
Belief statement 1
Belief statement 2
Belief statement 3
Belief Statement 4
Belief Statement 5

    

 

Pride Month

"The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement — a call to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all.  Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality.  Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity.  This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice."

President Joe Biden
A Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month,
June 1, 2021

In this edition of Just for Fun Story Time,  Angelina Abbott reads Rainbow:  A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart.  The book reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe in a simple and engaging format for young readers.

Juneteenth National Independence Day

President Biden signs Juneteenth into law

President Joe Biden signed legislation June 17, 2021 establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day,  a U.S. federal holiday.

"I have to say to you, I've only been president for several months, but I think this will go down, for me, as one of the greatest honors I will have as president," Biden said at the White House during a signing ceremony.

Juneteenth marks the date some of the last enslaved people became free.  On June 19, 1865 Union Major General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

The holiday is the first federal holiday established since 1983 when Martin Luther King Jr. Day became the 11th federal holiday recognized by the U.S. federal government.  

   

 

Resources

With the help of Oakwood Schools' staff, we have compiled resources to help parents and students talk about topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion.  There are read alouds, book lists, blogs, essays, podcasts and website links.  We will continue to add to this resource section.  You can also find additional information and resources on the Recognition and Resources page.

Read Alouds and Book Recommendations 

 

Diverse Book Finder

The Diverse BookFinder is a comprehensive collection of children's picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC).  The American Association of School Librarians recognizes the site as one of its Best Digital Tools.  

AASL best digital tool logo
All Ages

2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners - arranged by age, from preschool to young adult.  Awards are given to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.

Children Need Diverse Books - Wright Memorial Public Library Children's Librarian Karen Mills helps parents build an inclusive bookshelves for their children

A Mighty Girl - a list of books on prejudice and discrimination that can be sorted by age and reading level

Elementary Reading Level
Collection of picture books demonstrating diversity

20 Picture Books for 2020
EmbraceRace was founded in early 2016 by two parents who set out to create community and gather resources they needed to meet the challenges they face raising children in a world where race matters.  Here's their collection of 20 picture books.

 

 

Young Adult/Teen Reading Level

Ways to make sunshine book cover

Ways to Make Sunshine - Renee Watson
Ryan Hart has a lot on her mind -- school, self-image and especially family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means some changes, like selling their second car and moving into a new (old) house. But Ryan is a girl who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks. As her brother says when he raps about her, she's got the talent that matters most: it's a talent that can't be seen, she's nice, not mean!

 

Their Eyes Were Watching God -  for young adults.  The book, first published in 1937, has become the most widely read and highly acclaimed novel in the canon of African-American literature.

Collection of Voices

A collection of blogs, podcasts, videos and articles for parents and educators looking for additional information

OIC logo
The Oakwood Inclusion Coalition held its 2022 annual meting Wednesday, April 13, 2022.  Visit the OIC's website for the annual report.

Oakwood Inclusion coaltion 

Oakwood Inclusion Coalition

Oct, 12, 2020, members of the Oakwood Schools' Board of Education approved a resolution showing support for the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition.

The OIC's mission is "To study, promote and celebrate an inclusive, equitable, diverse and welcoming environment and community for everyone who lives, works, visits or passes through Oakwood."