Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Joint Statement on School Committee Goal 3:
Commit to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Practices
The School Committee, the administration, and the teachers of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District wish to reaffirm our commitment to providing a robust, engaging 21st century education that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging practices. We will strive to support the differences that our staff, students and families/caregivers bring to our schools. We recognize that all students are different and come to our schools with different needs so we will work to create a learning environment and culture that enables all students, families/caregivers, and staff to have a sense of belonging, participate and thrive.
We will work to ensure all students can access a rigorous curriculum and feel welcomed in schools that prepare them for a world that is diverse, complicated, and full of challenges and opportunities. As part of our commitment we will continuously learn about and improve culturally responsive teaching practices, environments, and curriculum that will support the growth and development of all children.
We want to ensure all staff feel empowered to engage in developmentally appropriate ways with students in this vital work. Although this work comes with many challenges, it also opens countless opportunities for all of us to learn, to grow, and to foster safe and welcoming schools for all. Our staff must be trusted to do this difficult and important work. One of the most notable strengths of our district is the relationships between our staff and students. These relationships can be the catalyst to support social emotional learning and the development of competency in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategies. Together we can foster an environment where deep and powerful learning can occur, even about complicated and difficult topics.
Dana Allara - Chair, Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee
Eric Tracy - Superintendent, Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District
Nicholas Ristaino - President, Hamilton-Wenham Regional Education Association
Goal 3: Commit to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practices
By June 2024, HWRSD will implement activities that support ongoing teaching and learning experiences that build understanding, support implementation of practices, and allow for reflection and assessment of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging practices.
Goal Facilitator: Stacy Bucyk
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DEIB Leadership Team:
Stacy Bucyk, Director of Student Services
Kristen Lazzaro, Director of School Counseling
EMPATHIZE
Students will demonstrate awareness, sensitivity, concern, and respect for the culture, experiences, feelings, and opinions of all individuals. They will seek to understand and value others’ life stories to make meaningful connections.