Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In the Fall of 2020, parents, guardians and leaders within our community rallied for diversity, equality and inclusion representation at each school in Erie. We listened and agreed that we can only benefit as a community with such position. With the partnership of Mrs. Eker, the Equity Advocate position was added to the PTCO board.

Since then, we have been working hard to plan and organize events that will both celebrate and raise awareness within our school community. We also meet consistently with the other Erie school DEI members for ideas, resources and help as we develop our Equity Team.

We believe that every child should feel seen, valued and included at school. Although the Equity Advocate position and team is new, it enforces Erie Elementary School's passion to be fair and impartial with every student. We are here to partner with the families at EES, to listen to concerns and suggestions, and then actively facilitate change and bring awareness in our school.

Here are some of our preliminary goals and plans:

• Provide help and resources to the school to insure we are representing diversity, being inclusive and providing equity.
• Research new and/or better ways other schools and communities are being inclusive.
• Plan focused events or opportunities for the school families and staff to celebrate and learn together as a community.
• Find ways, as a school, we can be better! Speak with teachers, guardians and students.
• Promote diversity, inclusion and equity with race, religion, culture, language, class, abilities, family structures, sexual orientations and identities, mental health, etc.

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Current Observances

We want to honor all special days and months where we can learn, raise awareness and share our experiences. All are important but as a new team, we will have to focus on just one or two each month. We would love any help finding resources and developing learning tools from our parents and community.

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