MLK Jr. Day and Dr. King's Legacy (January 19, 2021)

 



January 19, 2021


As I reflect on MLK Jr. Day and Dr. King's legacy, I am inspired about the work that is taking shape in the Saline Area Schools. SAS has taken many steps to better support equity within our schools. This includes:

  • Developed Equity Teams in all school buildings
  • Diversified our hiring/staffing practices
  • Developed a hate/speech policy to better support our students
  • Revamped the way history can be taught from multiple perspectives
  • Provided Equity training for all SAS staff members 
  • Continue to provide opportunities for SAS staff to deepen their equity education through coursework at our local WISD
  • Developed a "Deepening DEI Through Literacy Committee" in order to support ALL students in their ability to connect to the SAS curriculum 

"All students deserve a curriculum which mirrors their own experience back to them, upon occasion — thus validating it in the public world of the school. But curriculum must also insist upon the fresh air of windows into the experience of others — who also need and deserve the public validation of the school curriculum." - Emily Style, Curriculum as a Window and Mirror


In looking back, it is important to recognize two visibly racist incidents that occurred in Saline, one at Saline High School and one in the Board of Education room at Liberty School. Saline should not and will not be defined by this. The community has spoken out against racism and continues to do so at every corner.


In a Pandemic that has proven to disproportionately impact people of color, we must continue to work towards equity in all facets of our organization. For the Saline Area Schools, this goal is unwavering.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update

Image
  February 17, 2021 I want to take this opportunity to provide an update on what specifically the Saline Area Schools has been doing over this past year to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts. The following list details many of our ongoing action steps that are currently taking place: Developed "Equity Teams" in all school buildings - These groups are meeting monthly to better support equity within all of our buildings in the District. Diversified SAS hiring/staffing practices - We are actively seeking new ways to diversify our hiring/staffing practices to make certain that we are attracting a diverse candidate pool. Expanded our curriculum to better support culturally inclusive teaching and learning practices Revamping the way history can be taught from multiple perspectives Developed a "Deepening DEI Through Literacy Committee" in order to support ALL students in their ability to connect to the SAS curriculum  Developed hate/speech language  to bette...
Read more

SAS Community Message on January 12, 2021

Image
SAS Community,   Tonight, January 12th, with Scot's pending retirement, the Saline Board of Education appointed me to be the Interim Superintendent for the Saline Area Schools through June 30, 2021.   I know it is going to be difficult to follow in the footsteps of Scot Graden’s outstanding leadership over the course of the last 13 years. With that said, I have great confidence in our staff, students and the community to move us forward in a very positive manner. I am grateful to have earned the trust of the Board of Education to lead SAS through the remainder of this school year. I am looking forward to this challenging opportunity.   Although I have been in the District for over 20 years as a Heritage School teacher, Heritage School principal and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, I recognize that the role of Interim Superintendent will be more complex. As part of my plan for the first 100 days in this role, I will be providing a number of opportunities for the co...
Read more