Virtual Community Learning Night
Submitted by Mary Ann McGann
Save the Date! On Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 7:00-8:30 p.m., the Westfield Public School District, in partnership with the Westfield Education Fund (WEF), will host a virtual community learning night for parents of elementary and middle school students. The event will be interactive and will focus on learning practical strategies for having conversations about race with children. Those interested in attending can learn more and register for the event by visiting the Racial Literacy page under “Family Resources” at westfieldnjk12.org.
Throughout the school year in Westfield Public Schools, students explore themes of racial and cultural diversity through grade level texts and additionally, at the secondary levels, through No Place for Hate Committees, whose members include students, staff, and parents.
With the support of the WEF, the district in September unveiled an important educational initiative aimed at improving discussions of race in classrooms across the district. The initiative embeds developmentally appropriate lessons in and conversations about race and cultural diversity in Kindergarten through Grade 12. A generous grant from the WEF helped to fund staff professional development and to purchase books and other materials that explore themes of inclusiveness, diversity, fairness, and equality.
Photo by Westfield Public Schools
