ANNUAL REPORT 2022–2023 | 11
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) spaces and communities. All educators and adminis- trators are required to participate in a SEED session.
During the 2022–2023 school year, we proudly highlight the following initiatives and achievements undertaken in fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our district. CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHER LEADERS In its inaugural launch, our goal was to expand teacher leadership focused on culturally responsive practices. Across the district, we were able to identify 32 Cultur- ally Responsive Teacher Leaders with a range from two to five leaders at each school level. Through their work, these leaders supported the school administra- tion in developing and implementing plans to support our goal of becoming a culturally responsive district, built their capacity as learners, received and provided professional learning, and were available to support colleagues as thought partners. SEEKING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY & DIVERSITY Founded in 1987 at Wellesley College by Dr. Peggy McIntosh, Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) stems from the belief that teachers learn best from their peers, who become facilitators, fashioning their own professional development. SEED encourages teachers to learn from others’ experiences of inequity in terms of race, gender, class, and other systems of oppression and privilege. SEED started in 2017 in our district and has grown to 14 SEED Leaders . SEED leaders guide colleagues in experiential, interactive exercises and conversations. SEED sessions cultivate spaces for self-learning and peer-sharing which is a necessary prelude to creating more inclusive learning
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH RESOURCE CENTER Recognizing the increasingly complex needs of families, a key priority for Acton-Boxborough Regional School District leadership was to create a central location where Acton and Boxborough residents can access school registration services (including language screening), alongside information about local com- munity resources. Special emphasis will be placed on assisting families with language barriers , those joining the community from abroad, and families that would benefit from additional community-based services and support beyond those offered in the schools. Additionally, we have successfully developed a formal partnership with the Acton-Boxborough United Way to serve as a contracted service provider for the District to oversee and provide a range of identified services and supports. DESE HATE CRIMES PREVENTION GRANT We are pleased to announce that Acton-Boxborough Regional School District was awarded a DESE Hate Crimes Prevention Grant of $50,000 . This grant will enable us to implement programs such as the ADL World of Difference Peer Leadership model at the RJ Grey Junior High School, designed to prevent hate crimes and incidences of bias, and expand our access to additional educational opportunities. We are grateful for the support of DESE and look forward to making a positive impact through our work.
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