October 2024 Equity Newsletter
Visit the Cultural Celebration Page for upcoming events, professional development panels, academic resources, and more!
Events & Happenings
LGBTQ History Month
LGBTQ History Month is an annual observance celebrated in October to recognize and honor the history, contributions, and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. The month serves as an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ history, celebrate the community’s resilience, and highlight the diverse stories of LGBTQ+ individuals and their impact on culture and society.
By celebrating LGBTQ History Month, schools, organizations, and communities can create more inclusive spaces, recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, and educate the broader public about the ongoing fight for equality and social justice.
Meet The DEI Team
Meet Michelle Thornton, Equity Training Specialist
When asked what she is most excited about this year, Michelle highlighted her focus on strengthening ties within the school community, specifically Region 3 High schools. “I’m most excited about connecting with leaders and the broader school community, to enhance their capacity to lead equity initiatives within their respective schools.”
Meet Estefana Ramos, Equity Training Specialist (Region 1)
When asked what she is most looking forward to this school year, Estefana shared their enthusiasm for building connections. “This year, I’m so excited about relationships—new relationships with leaders and educators, as well as strengthening existing ones,” she said. “I’m confident that by nurturing these relationships, we can bolster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion capacity in our schools, allowing our communities to thrive in new and impactful ways.”
Meet Dr. Hopes Barnes, Director of DEI Professional Learning.
When asked what she is excited for this school year, Dr. Barnes expressed enthusiasm about the growing engagement of Central Office staff in equity efforts. “I’m most excited to see more staff members participating in critical conversations and equity sessions. They’re reaching out and requesting sessions for their entire departments,” she noted. “Additionally, we’re collaborating with other program offices to deliver equity sessions tailored for school communities.”
Events and Happenings
Equity in Practice: LGBTQ History Panel Discussion
Join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, from 12pm – 1pm for a Panel Discussion, where we will highlight the importance of LGBTQ history and how that history continues to shape our district and society.
Panelist will include School District of Philadelphia staff and Community Advocates.
Community Resources & Opportunities
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Learning Opportunities’
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is excited to offer learning opportunities for SDP employees to enhance their personal and professional growth in areas of anti-racism and advancing equity. The equity
professional learning series offers insight into core learning and growth, terminology and concepts, different types of oppression that marginalized communities experience and how we can all work to make
our schools and offices more inclusive and equitable.
In Case You Missed It!
Equity in Practice: Hispanic Heritage Month
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted a panel discussion to celebrate the Hispanic community and also explore how we can collectively uplift and support the Hispanic community. Panelist included both School District of Philadelphia staff and community advocates.
Are you interested in participating in a panel discussion in future? If so, please contact Kyle Tribble at ktribble@philasd.org.
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