February 9, 2012

Carson Elementary
Diversity Committee Meeting
February 9, 2012

Members: Arturo Gonzalez, Andrea Drake, Despina Kipelidis, Erlinda Suarez, Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Erynn Acree, Jennifer Torgerson

Present: Arturo Gonzalez, Andrea Drake, Despina Kipelidis, Erlinda Suarez, Janet Tran, Linda Carter

Meeting Began: 7:30 PM

Agenda

Flute Player:
There is a flute player from the Tacoma Art Museum that will be willing to play perform for an assembly at Carson. Question: What would the format look like at Carson? (Performance by grade level?)

BECU Grant:
Carson did not receive the grant from Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU)? We are waiting to hear back about the grant we applied for from Lowes and the Kiwanis. We made a request to our PTA for $500. This would cover the cost of the cedar used to frame the entrance of the Gathering Area. We are expecting to receive funds from another source. The cedar wood is ready for pick-up in Bellingham. Arturo and Rudy Fyles are arranging a time for pick-up.

REACH ART:
The Diversity Team made a decision to meet before school at 7:30. This would make it easier for more members to attend. However, the next Diversity meeting will take place on March 8th at 3:00pm. This will be a one time afternoon meeting to allow ample time to prepare and mount student art work for the Diversity Fair.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:10 AM

Next Meeting: March 8, 2012 at 3:00PM

JANUARY

January 12, 2011

Present: Janet, Jennifer, Linda, Erlinda, Andrea, Arturo

Children's Interactive Museum

The committee will attend on Feb. 29th. This is a no host lunch.

District Diversity Committee

Arturo presented information from district committee. The monthly events calendar will be posted on the bulletin in hte foyer. Arturo also shared information regarding the presentor at the district committee who addressed gay, lesbian, and transgender topics as they relate to a school setting. Arturo shared information on article that was shared at the meeting.

Janet

Janet shared that she had received fundraising information from Red Cloud Indian School on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. There was conversation about potential fundraising but the group was unsure of the school's mission, affiliation, etc. No motion or suggestion to carry this further was discussed

.

Chinese New Year: Chinese new year is Jan. 23rd this year. The Year of the Dragon.

Native American Resource Binder: Lynda Belt provided materials with additional resources to the the schools focusing on Native American culture this year. The content is to be used as a resource by teachers and is not intended to be copied off. Linda will share the information at the next LIC Wednesday. The binder will be kept in the student files.

Denita will share a beautiful Native American blanket with the staff that she received when teaching in Oregon.

Diversity Day Event

Formally invite the Puyallup Tribe to our Diversity Day event

See about getting Storytellers to Carson before Diversity Day

Talk with Michelle Braithwaite about Storytelling to do through CNN

Drumming group with Puyallup Nation. Arturo will follow up

Invite Amy Eveskcige to be our welcoming ambassador at our event from 8 am - noon.

Mutlicultural Manners. Invite Laura Goodall and Michelle Marcoe to help us with any multicultural manners as a staff as we prepare for our event.

Communicate with Indian Ed department to see how we can work together to assure that we are supporting each other and following appropriate protocols.

Diversity Committee Schedule Change

The building Diversity Committee will be meeting at before school, 7:30 instead of after school. The change is due to conflicts with other commitments by Diversity Committee members.

December 15, 2011

Present: Linda C., Arturo G.

Children's Interactive Museum: The field trip scheduled for the last working Wednesday of December has been rescheduled due to the staff luncheon. A new date will be determined in January by the Diversity Committee.

Arturo: Will begin to contact western Washington recognized tribes to see if they are interested in contributing a flag to represent their tribe during our Diversity Day event in June.

Reschedule Diversity Committee: There was a conversation about rescheduling the Diversity Committee to Thursday mornings. We are having a conflict with other staff commitments-staff members let the committee know that they were unable to attend today's meeting. Arturo will inquire with the other Diversity Committee members and if appropriate make a schedule change beginning in January.

Diversity Committee Meeting

Diversity Committee Meeting
November 11, 2011

Members: Arturo Gonzalez, Andrea Drake, Despina Kipelidis, Erlinda Suarez, Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Erynn Acree, Jennifer Torgerson

Members Present: Arturo Gonzalez, Andrea Drake, Despina Kipelidis, Erlinda Suarez, Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Greg Farias

Janet-
ODA’s monthly meeting was November 3, 201l. There are many upcoming events: 1) November 19, 2011 is National Day of American Indian & Indigenous People 11:00-5:00. What is the best way to inform staff about the events? In past years, a link was created on Carson’s Website. The list of events could be sent electronically to administration from ODA. We will ask Denette for an electronic copy. This information will be run on the electronic announcement board Carson’s main office.

Linda-
Linda Carter will share at the next Wednesday CT meeting about Native American activities and resources for the classroom. Linda will contact Beth Bestrum and reserve Native American kits to share with the staff. Linda will also share about resources available to Native American families in our district through the Indian Education Program.

Information about Gift Makers was also given to Janet to share with the staff.

Arturo-
We wanted an update on the status of the grants that we applied for. Greg Farias came our meeting today to give an update on the grant work. The Puyallup Tribe of Indian Nations reviewed the paper work for the $13,800 grant to be shared between six elementary schools. Each school will receive $2,300. Greg is requesting that the Tribe writes six checks. The next step: Tribe of Indian Elders will review the application and it could go through as early as next week. This will have a positive impact 6000 students in our district.

Greg Farias- Native American Diversity Celebration
Many departments in our district are involved in this effort: Food Services, ODA, CAO Amy Eveskcige, etc. On one in the evening in the spring all six schools to be together to celebrate Native American culture. Food services is committing to serve from May 31- June 8 Native American food item on the menu and other ethnic food items in honor of Diversity. We are planning to invite school board members. Chief Leshi’s Dance & Drum Group performance will be recorded and viewed at each of the six schools.

Arturo-
How will we spend our $2,300 dollars? We need to talk to Gerald Denman of ODA and ask for funds prior to receiving our grant from the Puyallup Tribe of Indian Nation. Perhaps we will receive matching funds from ODA.

Diversity Team Field Trip-
December 14, 2011 LIC (I) the Diversity Team will go on a fieldtrip to the Children’s Interactive Museum. Features: Hands on Activities, Interaction with museum exhibits, Make & take crafts, Storytelling & plays

Kiwanis Grant-
Three groups in Puyallup applied for the a grant. Applications that are not honored have a second chance through the Kiwanis fund.

Flags-
Flag holders have been permanently mounted on the light post in front of the school. American flags were donated and hung in front of the school for Veteran’s Day activities. Arturo is working on getting Native American Flags in honor of our Native American focus this year.

Diversity Committee Meeting

October 20, 2011

Members: Arturo Gonzalez, Janet Tran, Erlinda Suarez, Despina Kipilidis, Linda Carter, Andrea Drake, Erynn Acree, Jennifer Torgerson

Members Present: Arturo Gonzalez, Janet Tran, Erlinda Suarez, Despina Kipilidis, Linda Carter, Andrea Drake, Cecilia Gallegos-Shibya

Meeting Began: 3:00PM

Grants
Janet wrote a grant to pay for a Longhouse Community Student Learning gathering area to be located in front of the school. We are expecting to hear if the grant will be awarded to us in the next three months. Janet is also working on a BECU grant. Arturo wrote grant for the Kiwanis. We are applying for up to $5000 to have Native American Totems carved for our building and to cover the cost of the student learning community gathering area. Janet will approach Puget Sound Energy to get telephone poles for the project donated. We are also competing against Spinning and Karshner. We will know the results of who will be awarded the funds in six weeks. Arturo will contact Rainier Mechanical to get gravel donated for the project.

Tribe of Indian Nation
A letter was written to the Tribe of Indian Nation to request $2500 for Carson, Edgerton and Hunt who will work together this year to plan and provide education and enrichment to their school communities about Native American Culture.

Fundraiser
Plan B: We are looking for money to fund our school projects and activities. We would like to consider a one week Coin fundraiser. Arturo would like take this idea to the PACK Leadership Committee on November 7th.

November
The month of November is Native American Month. Linda and Erlinda will do a 5 minute presentation to the staff about Native American Resources teachers can use with students and parents.

Language Classes
Cecilia (Carson Parent): Why don’t we offer languages to our elementary students in the Puyallup school district? Arturo: We don’t have enough students that warrant the need for language classes to be offered. We have an ELL program. Arturo will bring the subject of offering foreign language instruction at the Diversity Meeting with leaders from Hunt and Edgerton who are working collaboratively on planning cultural enrichment and education to students in their schools.

Going for the Gold!
Arturo is going to put together a survey so we can keep track of the diversity enrichment trainings our staff is participating in. Each documented cultural activity or training that we collectively participate in gets us closer to our GOLD status! Go Coyote Teachers!

Looking Ahead
Arturo would like to have a sub-committee work on next year’s cultural focus, Africa. He would like to have an African Dance Group like that of Ballet Folklorico. Parent, Musa Jawara has contacts that Carson can talk to and work with. It was recommended that funds for the Mexican Dance Group be shared with the African Dance Group with student permission. These ASB Funds would go toward costumes.

Meeting Adjourned: 4:00PM

SEPTEMBER

September 22, 2011

Present: Linda Carter, Despina Kipelidis, Janet Tran, Erlinda Suarez, Andrea Drake, Arturo Gonzalez

Sherman Alexie
Native American poet and writer will be presenting at the Puyallup Library. He will be presenting on one of his books which is widely banned. Janet forwarded the information to building staff via email. His book is The Absolute True Diary of a Part Time Indian. What he is sharing about is censorship, intellectual freedom, and his own literature. Janet shared that he uses very colorful language and can say things for shock value; he will reference drugs, sex, violence. Janet will share this information at the staff meeting on 9/28 so that staff considering attending are not caught by surprise.

Grant Writing
Different committee members are currently searching for grant opportunities for our diversity emphasis this year. Due to budget constraints we may/will not have access to some of the funding from past years. Arturo will share at the staff meeting about a potential clearing for a gathering place between the Carson parking lot and Gem Heights Drive.
One of the current grants requires a diversity mission statement. Janet and Arturo will begin a mission statement that will be approved by the Diversity Committee for the specific grant. The diversity mission statement will then be presented to PACK Leadership for adoption, modifications, etc.

Current grants being looked at include BECU, Lowes, Walmart, and Kiwanis. We will also look at Red Canoe Credit Union.
Information regarding Walmart-Hunger Outreach Grant will be forwarded to Erynn.

District ODA Meeting
Information was received by committee members about cultural cues from the book Cultural Manners. Janet will look for information about interactions with native parents.

National Museum of the American Indian has a thread/website for teachers. It includes pictures of art and artifacts about Native Americans. Janet will share this information with staff. There is a membership fee involved but it is simply being presented to staff for those who are interested. The membership includes a quarterly magazine. Membership is tax deductible. The website is free.

The authors of the Berenstain Bears elementary age picture books are helping to preserve the Native American language by making cartoons in the Lakota language (one example) so children can hear the actual language by native speakers. Janet will pursue to see if public can access these cartoons.

Despina
Despina shared the importance of students learning about other cultures and music. The exposure can be to any kind of language and music. Despina also shared that there seems to be a continual repetition of the same type of art/craft activities; she encourages art that is really diverse. A suggestion was to incorporate one thing from each country- art is really a cultural focus and we should consider giving students a taste from different cultures. The emphasis is to help the students think about how diverse our world is and to learn to appreciate differences.

Despina also shared information about Tacoma’s 50th Greek Festival, Oct. 7, 8 and 9. There is a flyer by the mailboxes for staff to take if interested.

LIC Meetings
There was a conversation and agreement about rotating the presenters at the LIC meetings when sharing information about diversity, school and district initiatives, etc. Currently the following teams are slated to present information:

Despina & Janet Oct. 5th
Erlinda and Linda Oct. 12th
Jennifer & Andrea Staff meeting Oct. Staff meeting
Erynn and Arturo November

November is Native American Heritage Month
Teachers are encouraged to do something in their classrooms in recognition.
FYI-October is Hispanic and Italian Heritage Month)

June 9, 2011

JUNE

June 9, 2011

Present: Janet, Linda, Erlinda, Andrea, Arturo, Debbie

Meeting Began 3:05

Diversity Day Feedback

Diversity Day was a success!

Things to consider for next year: 2011-2012

-Utilize high school volunteers.

-The format of the culture walk needs to be revised. The Culture Walk session needs to be more structured.

-The students need to be in (smaller)two groups during the culture walk.

-Have a back-up plan for parents or volunteers who don't show up.

-Look at the set-up for the Culture Walk after the assembly.

-Students can have a tour guide to take them to each station during the Culture Walk.

-Look at options like trading a recess for another time to keep the focus on Diversity Celebration activities. We will take this to the PACK leadership Team.

-Students can learn Native American dances, as well as, the meaning and purpose of different dances.

-The Culture Walk and Assembly should focus on Native American Culture.

-Meet with the Puyallup Nation and plan together about Diversity Day activities.

-Suggestion: Have Diversity Day in early June after snow make-up day and MSP testing. We might be able to have activities take place outside. We will take this to the PACK Leadership Team.

The PACK Leadership Team will also decide what cultures we will focus on in the future at the PACK Retreat. We looking at seven year cycle. We can focus on the cultures represented at Carson. (India, Pacific Islander, Native American, Africa, Middle Eastern, American, Hispanic)

Are we ready to go for Gold this year? Carson teachers did such a great job attending workshops this year. Let's talk about this and the opportunities it will bring.

Next, year we will focus on Native American Culture!

Contacts for Next Year:

Suggestion: Amber Santiago from the Puyallup Native American Association

Ronn "Long Claw" Wilson of Cedar and Salman

Amy Eveskcige, Indian Education Director for the Puyallup School District

Team with Edgerton, Hunt and Brouillet in the focus of Native American Culture

Meeting Adjourned: 4:16

May 12, 2011

Diversity Meeting
May 12, 2011

Members Present: Despina Kipelidis, Erynn Acree, Erlinda Suarez, Andrea Drake, Linda Carter

Meeting Began: 3:08

Diversity Day
Opening Assembly:

1. What time will the Assembly begin? (We will work on the schedule of events.)
   

Presenters: (Still working on the order of performances and times)
Pani : Cruz Confirmed three performances (15 minutes)
Malea Radford (waiting to hear back)
Tahitian drumming group
Kumu Kanoelane Galiza : Asian center in Tacoma, dances and Storytelling sings.

Checking calendar. UPS dance group
Performances for the break out sessions:-Indian Martial Arts- Mexican folk performer (maybe)- Ecuadorian Performer- Bagpipe performance- Ballet Folklorico

-Erynn has flyers for recruiting people to participate in the Culture Walk.
-Mrs. Burch is working on the 4th grade presentation (Song)
-Ben from YMCA: Kids will perform Samoan Drumming.
-The kindergarten classes will perform a song.
-The PTA will make lunch for the volunteers.
-Grade levels will be working on lei’s for students.

Teachers need to have Polynesian Art in the hallways for the ART Walk by Friday, May 20th.

Janet will be renting palm trees from Christian Palm Rental for the entrance of the building. Next week we will begin decorating the halls.

Sack lunches will be served Thursday. Hawaiian lunch will be provided on Friday.
We need to work on the schedule and get it out to the staff ahead of time this year.

Adjourned 3:30

April 21, 2011

Diversity Meeting
April 21, 2011

Present: Despina Kipelidis, Janet Tran, Erynn Acree, Jennifer Torgerson, Erlinda Suarez, Andrea Drake, Arturo Gonzalez

Meeting Began: 3:08

Diversity Day:
Opening Assembly :
Pani : Cruz Confirmed three performances (15 minutes)
Malea Radford (waiting to hear back) Tahitian drumming group
Kumu Kanoelane Galiza : Asian center in Tacoma, dances and Storytelling sings. Checking calendar.
UPS dance group

Performances for the break out sessions:
-Indian Martial Arts
- Mexican folk performer (maybe)
- Ecuadorian Performer
- Bagpipe performance
- Ballet Folklorico

Discussion about inviting Native American groups to participate in this years event hopefully developing a contact base and comfort level for next year.

Reviewed parent/student contact letter from Endeavor Elem. Revised form to use and send out to Carson families.

We agreed to use the telephone messenger system to recruit more families for our culture walk.

Janet will be making a copy of Hawaiian words with phonetic pronunciation to hand out to staff.

Arturo will talk with Judy Jackson to see if we will have additional support for food services (one additional server on the computer) on that day.

We identified two families of students who might be able to represent our school at the next Board meeting and invite the board members to our celebration.

Discussion about invitations and identifying crucial district personnel to invite.

Talked about preliminary ideas for decorations. Plants, flags, fabric, etc.

Agreed to move forward on planning for next year (Arturo) with Greg F. He will keep us posted.


Adjourned 3:55

FEBRUARY
February 10, 2011

Present: Despina Kipelidis, Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Erynn Acree, Karen Stanford, Jennifer Torgerson, Erlinda Suarez, Andrea Drake, Arturo Gonzalez

Roger Ferndandez
Despina attended a training focusing on Native American storytelling of the Puget Salish Tribes. Roger Fernandez is a Puyallup Native American. He does school presentations and will also add an evening event for parents. Despina has a CD of his storytelling that staff may borrow if they so wish. This presenter was recommended for Carson for the next school year.

Diversity Celebration Updates

1. Linda and Erynn put together a Save the Date postcard for target families. Information will also be going out to presenters and volunteers the first week of March. Linda will send out a request for staff to mention/request in newsletters for volunteers for Diversity Day.
2. Janet shared that PEA and District are looking at May 27th as the half day make up/compensation day for staff. This will mean that although we may have a snow make-up day it will only be half a day. This information will be shared with the CSIP Team.
3. Representative Bruce Dammier will be attending Governor Christine Gregoire is tentative attendee Tatupu from the Seattle Seahawiks is a potential visitor due to being injured so may be available
4. Janet has researched certain craft activities and is looking at donations and materials.
5. May 5th is Ley Day
6. Linda's class is learning how to hula. Class may perform on Diversity Day depending upon their skill level.
7. Food service was contacted regarding making an accommodation in their menu to better support our Pacific Islander focus. More to come on this.

Honoring Cultures Diversity Celebration
April 13-17 is when art is displayed at the Puyallup fair grounds. The art will be prepped on April 10th. The Honoring Cultures Campaign art should be on display in the Carson hallwasy for the month of March beginning March 1st. Linda will be overseeing the cultural fashion show for the district this year.

Diversity Committee Meeting January 13, 2011

JANUARY

January 13, 2011

Meeting Started: 3:08

Attendance: Janet Tran, Erlinda Suarez, Despina Kipelidis, Linda Carter, Andrea Drake, Alicia Pashon, Karen Sanford, Arturo Gonzalez

Diversity Day May 27th
We were denied the (COP) Grant this year. We will talk to Gerald Deman from ODA about getting funds. Funds were used for treats, buttons, crafts and performers last year. Can we get funds from PTA? The PTA had lunch for our volunteers last year. Let's ask if they can do this again.

May 5th is "Lei" Day. This could be a great project of this year. Janet will research and find community groups who might donate materials for our Diversity Day projects. Maybe we can have the staff make leis. Maybe we can ask parents to donate materials. Food: Janet is going local businesses to donate as well.
Arturo spoke to Gerald Denman after the Diversity Meeting. ODA committed to donating $1000 for trowards Carson's Diversity Day! Way to go!

Let's find people from diverse ethnic groups in the community to present on this day. Linda and other staff members will invite special groups to present. Erynn and Jennifer invited families and presenters last year. We need to see if they will take this on this year.

Teachers will not team teach a lesson this year. Each teacher will be responsible for their own lesson. We would like sack lunches or themed lunches. Let's have the Carson Coyote Choir sing this year. They can sing songs from Polynesian culture. (Opening Presentation)

Honoring Cultures Information
The Spring Fair is April 14-17. The fashion show is April 16th. There will be REACH art displays and student performances. REACH art is to be displayed in the halls at Carson during the month of March.

Native American Presenters
Amber Santiago from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Historic Preservation Department will
come and share with the staff on CT January 19th. The staff will learn about resources they can use with their students to inform them about Native American Culture.

Debrief Polynesian Workshop
The information was great. The presenters were thrilled about the great turn-out.

The activities were useful. Feedback: We would like more hand-outs and activities that we can use with our students.

Holocaust Presentation
To find information about the Holocaust go to: www.wsherc.org
Next meeting: February 10, 2011

Meeting Adjourned: 4:01 pm

Diversity Committee Dec. 9, 2010

DECEMBER

Meeting started @ 3:04

Attending: Janet Tran, Erlinda Suarez, Despina Kipelidis, Linda Carter, Erynn Acree


2 REACH kits have been ordered and will be shared at the Jan. 5 Principal directed meeting. Staff will have the opportunity to check out REACH kits from the Karshner Musuem throughout the school year.

Diversity Celebration: Edgerton has submitted the grant for Pacific Island Diversity celebrations and are waiting to hear if it will be awarded. $1000 COP grant has been applied for.

Snow make up day has been set for Friday, May 27. Diversity committee is recommending changing the date to Friday, May 27 for our celebration.

Arts and Culture: We have committed to the Silver Level. On January 13 at Edgerton Elementary, there will be an Arts and Culture presentation featuring cultures of "Polynesia" from 4:00-7:00. Participation in this event will be our main focus to meet expectations to reach the silver level. Clock hours are available. Carson is being asked to donate $200 toward the event.

Lynda Belt/Arts and Culture: Option 1: 3 hour after school (3:00-6:00) presentation by Lynda of visual thinking skills and drama strategies. Option 2: presentation during an Individual Wednesday 12:15-3:15 (no clock hours would be available). Option 3: Two 1.5 hour sessions after school.
Clock hours available for Option 1 and 3

11 Days of MLK: Feb 1 Arts and Culture will offer a follow up presentation/pro dev event featuring art and writing projects related to Jacob Lawrence that you can use with students.

Multicultural Art Projects Night Feb. 8: 8 country/presenters stations will be available for teachers to experience hands on cultural activities they can share with students.

Puyallup Nations: Recommending that representatives of the Puyallup Nation come to a Wednesday meeting and share their resources and personal stories. They are available for individual teachers to have in the classroom. They have artifacts, story boards, power point and language instruction. amber.santiago@puyalluptribe.com is the contact person

http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/ provides a link for language pronunciation

Meeting adjourned @ 3:42

November 18, 2010

NOVEMBER

Diversity Committee Meeting

Members Present: Arturo Gonzalez, Andrea Drake, Erlinda Suarez, Despina Kipelidis, Erynn Acree, Jennifer Torgerson, Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Debbie Pancake, Karen Sanford

Meeting Began: 3:12

Culture & the Arts
The PACK Leadership Team gave the ok to go for the silver level. Linda Belt came and talked to Arturo and Andrea about options for culture enrichment training for Carson’s staff. We will have training that will be focused on Native American Culture or training that will focus on incorporating the Arts in the classroom. This training, which may take up to 3 hours, will be scheduled for December’s PR Day or a date early January.

Diversity Rep Report/Janet Tran
President Obama’s gave an anti-bullying speech on You Tube. Our staff will be given the opportunity to view this video. Intermediate teachers may want to show the video to their students.

REACH Kits
Beth Bestrom reported that there are 15 kits that teachers can use to compliment their REACH lessons. These kits can be checked out for at least a week from the Karshner Museum. One REACH lesson should be taught each semester. We will make room on our agenda on our January PR day to talk about the components of two of the kits and learn more about how they can be used.

BEAD Project & Fund Raiser
The Bead Project will take place at Karshner on December 16, 2010 from 3:30-8:00pm.
Colorful jewelry made by women in Uganda will be available for purchase. The purpose of this fund raiser is to help eradicate poverty for the people of Uganda.

Diversity Celebration
Janet applied for a COP grant and mailed it in last week. We requested $1000 for Carson’s Diversity Celebration.

Cultural Enrichment Classes
Linda, Peggy, Janet and Lindsay went to a Hawaiian Culture Day class at the Karshner Museum on October 26th. This was one of the series of culturally focused workshops that will take place through March of next year. Trainings for the rest of the year will be announced on Carson’s blog. The staff can also learn more about the workshop themes on the Professional Development website.

Meeting Adjourned: 3:45 pm

October 21, 2010

OCTOBER

October 21, 2010

Our Greek picture this month is in honor of the delicious food that Despina brought to our Diversity Committee. Thank you Despina!

Present: Jennifer Torgerson, Andrea Drake, Janet Tran, Karen Sanford, Despina Kipelidis, Linda Carter

Meeting Began: 3:05

Diversity Day Update: The PACK team made the decision to have Art Night and Diversity Day on the same night. Diversity Day has been moved to the last school day before Memorial Day Weekend. Darla Barkley, Art Docent, will be designing student art that supports our Pacific Islander theme which will then be used for Diversity Day displays. Diversity Day is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 2011.

Diversity Fair Jobs...

Parent/Volunteer Coordination: Parents come in to share about their culture. How do we get parents to comment to helping early in the school year? How can we get teachers to support in recruiting parents who might want to volunteer? Teachers can be helpful in identifying and contacting families to serve.

Performance Coordinator: Arranges for assembly and culture walk performances.

Decorations Coordinator: Student Art displays, plant rentals and overall building decoration, food, prizes and student giveaways.

Scheduling Teacher Rotation: Arturo & Andrea will be responsible for this. Janet Tran: Families have volunteered to represent Samoan, Native American and other cultures.

An email will be sent out to the staff asking them to forward the names of families who teacher think may be interested in helping for Diversity Day. The committee will then follow up.

Culture and the Arts Leadership: The next district pro dev focus will be on Hawaii. It is scheduled for date is October 26, 2010 at the Karshner Museum, 4:00-7:00 pm.

GOAL: Identify the role of this team and individuals for Diversity Day? Arturo: Set schedule for individual teaching one lesson to two groups.Culture and the Arts Leadership: We are scheduled to have Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly in January.GOAL: Diversity Committee recommendation to PACK for Silver or Gold Level Participation

Our school qualifies for the Bronze level, which means that we will receive $600 for an assembly. We will use this money for a Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly, which will be booked some time in January. What would next steps look like to qualify for the Silver level? We would like to create an Art Team who would be responsible for helping to plan next steps.

District Diversity Day Report: GOAL: Provide an overview of the District Diversity Committee meeting on 10/14/10 (Janet) The Office of Diversity Affairs had a presenter who gave a presentation to the District Diversity Committee about how public schools officials can make schools a welcoming and safe place for GLBTQ students.

Race & Pedagogy Conference: UPS Race and Pedagogy Conference will take place next week at the University of Puget Sound Memorial Field House. The address is 1500 N. Warner Street in Tacoma. Harry Belafonte will be the keynote speaker Thursday, October 28th at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale for $20. To receive more information call 253-879-2435.

Meeting Adjourned: 3:58 pm

September 23, 2010

SEPTEMBER

September 23, 2010

Committee Members Present: Debby Pancake, Erynn Acree, Andrea Drake, David Heagle, Erlinda Suarez, Linda Carter, Karen Sanford, Janet Tran, Despina Kipelidis, Arturo Gonzalez

Introductions: Who we are and why we are motivated to be part of this committee.
Finalize Committee meeting schedule: The committee will meet on the following dates this year: 10/21, 11/18, 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/21, 5/12, 6/9. The meeting will begin at 3:00 pm but will not have an 'official' end time. Members understand that they are encouraged to leave when they need to leave.

Past Roles: Discussion about what the committee has done in the past.
Current Commitments: Diversity Day, ODA requirements, REACH/SEED Curriculum, Honoring Cultures Campaign.

Members identified the following for this year: Consider a year long and ongoing focus on Diversity rather than a one time thing/Expand the topic into an ongoing experience rather than an event.
Tie in Pacific Island culture into CNN so students are feeling like they are already experts when Diversity Day comes around.
Reference to "Who Am I" program. Encourage ourselves to share with our students who we are and our background. Consider staff sharing their story on CNN with the intent of building community
Art Docent Program: have ongoing Art Docent activities throughout the year in incorporating Pacific Island projects.
It may help if each grade level team has a lead person that is in charge of reminding their team members to access their REACH books each trimester.
Incorporating exposure to other languages.
This year's Role: What do we hope to accomplish, be involved with, etc.
Informing the staff so that they are more uniform in the REACH curriculum delivery per grade level. Discovering more about Pacific Island Cultures.
Consider incorporating our diverse population's 'voice' of background and experiences into our classrooms.

Find different opportunities to highlight different cultures. Despina gave example of Stanley being in Greece with different age students.

Decision Making Process and Operating Norms: Recognizing that this committee has generated some of the most talked about topics, it is understood that a clear decision making process and established operating norms can only help to establish a positive, supportive and proactive response by our Carson staff.

We should share our information with the PACK team and give people the opportunity to offer feedback before decisions are set in stone.

Diversity committee should have 5 minutes at each staff meeting to share the most important updates and details that people need to know.

Benchmarks along the way to culminating event (Diversity Day). Break down for staff by timeline.

Work to support teachers in incorporating diversity activities into their school day so that it is meaningful and a priority. Model for other teachers how an activity/lesson has been incorporated into the instructional day (model what the teachable moment looks like). Is there a school in the area that has done a great job of integrating diversity into their curriculum? Arturo will look into it.

Despina will bring some food for next meeting. Followed by Arturo

June 1, 2010

JUNE

June 1, 2010

Members present: Arturo, Miles, Janet, Erlinda, Linda

Diversity Day debrief--

• Title change---Celebrating Heritage (not required to be own heritage)


• Culture Walk--expand into more of a cultural activities setup; also add a scavenger hunt piece


• Length of culture walk worked better with additional dance demonstrations. Extra events helped because less time was needed for the Culture Walk.


• Classroom lesson pairings--some challenges because classes couldn't handle capacity of two groups at once; many management issues including space for instruction with double classes


• Sack lunch system worked well


• Morning assembly went well


• Reserve music room for dance staging area for performances


• Stick with 3 rotations


• Time of year--is there really a better time?


• Continue to ask PTA to sponsor luncheon for guests/presenters/volunteers

May is Asian Pacific American History Month MAY 2010

May 14, 2010

Present: Jennifer, Janet, Miles, Arturo

Diversity Day Schedule (as of 5/14/10)
8:45-9:30 Opening Assembly
9:45-10:30 Session I (S1)
10:35-11:20 Session II (S2)
11:30-12:00 Lunch for primary/Recess for intermediate
12:00-12:30 Lunch for intermediate/Recess for primary
12:45-1:30 Session III (S3)
1:30-2:00 Closing Event Activities using CNN
2:00-2:30 Recess for Primary

Opening Assembly
We have invited a number of district staff as well as other community members to at least join us for the opening assembly; although they are more than welcome to stay for the day. We will publish names as verifications come in. If you have someone in mind, please let a member of the Diversity Committee know.

Lunch Schedule
We are working on ordering sack lunches. The actual count will need to be submitted to food service at least a couple of days before our event. More specifics to come. The teachers will have the option of eating in their rooms or outside. We will have garbage cans outside for those who are interested. One request is that those classrooms who are eating outside avoid the blacktop/recess area. We anticipate having more than enough room in the front of the school and other areas. Students should not be dimissed early for recess.

Culture Walk
Although our list is growing, we are continuing to look for more individuals interested in participating in our culture walk event. Please forward any names to either Jennifer or Erynn.

East Indian Focus
Since this year's Diversity Day highlight the East Indian culture, we will be gathering some common phrases for staff and students. It's always exciting to learn a few phrases from a different language. We'll be getting translations out to staff to share with students for the following:
Greeting
How are you?
I'm fine
Thank you
very good.

Diversity Day Schedule
At the last LIC Wednesday meeting when Arturo shared the schedule we had a number of staff change their selected culture/activity (which is not a problem at all). We also had some staff join up with another teacher. This one is a bit more challenging as it impacts the classes that some staff members are anticipating working with. We will try to work this out and then get back to staff by next week.

April 23, 2010

April 9, 2010
APRIL

Members Present: Jill B., Janet T., Erlinda S., Jennifer T., Miles E., Arturo G.

Diversity Day Planning

The committee met to finalize Diversity Day format. The following information was covered:

• Format for opening assembly w/performances
• Sack Lunches for that day, students can picnic in front of school
• Three sessions and what is being offered (two by teachers, one culture walk)
• Indian theme decorations in the common areas and some type of welcome at entrance-YMCA will help with decorations
• palm trees or other decorations/plants brought in
• Hiring a Baliwood dancer for assembly. Appropriate attire and dance for school
• Student souvenir-bracelets
• Pins for staff design/look
• CNN closing event to the day with pictures/format
• Adjustment of schedule to two recesses and supervision by paras
• Invitations by Sarah Simon
• Performances Update: Native American Drumming, Ballet Folklorico, Jaskaran from 4th grade, step team, Hawaiian Dance Group, ASL
• Spirit Theme for the month will be Dress Your Culture or Dress for Success. There will be no spirit assembly for May.
  Janet: a dessert or candy from East Indian culture, see into pins and bracelets for event
  Jennifer and Erynn: Oversee organizing culture walk-activities, displays and participants
  Arturo: Money for event from ODA request, expenses update

MARCH

March 18, 2010

Present: Janet T., Erlinda S., Jennifer T., Arturo G.

It was prearranged that the committee take the March meeting time to format and prepare the artwork for the Honoring Cultures Campaign displays.

FEBRUARY

February 18, 2010

Members present: Miles, Janet, Jennifer

"Families" book is in the library. Book is openly available for checkout. Not intended as a REACH read-alloud but for genreal use. Has been controversial at some locations. Depicts various family structures including a couple of same gender families. School focus is to show respect for varying family structures but not take a stance or make intentional effort to teach about all possible family structures.

Diversity Day update. Committee members agreed to check in with Cert staff about their proposed topics for the Diversity Day lessons. Many slots are still open. Staff will be asked to discuss as teams and fill in sign-up sheet at next week's staff meeting.Also, Janet has found a catalog with bracelets to use for our "Giveaway" at the end of the Diversity Day celebration. We can use remaining $294 from 6th grade fund to purchase the bracelets. We also discussed a gift idea for all of the community volunteers. Agreed to research a certificate and special pin or other item to give each volunteeer.

Honoring Cultures--Janet reviewed updated info with us. Plans on sharing details out with staff at Wed. staff meeting re. timelines and items to be displayed

Cultural Competence posters--Gerald passed out a small poster that nicely illustrates definition of cultural competency. Janet will follow up to see if we can get copies for classroom use.

Discipline data--We are still awaiting more specific data to review for Carson regarding correlations between race and discipline referrals. Hopefully more data will come soon, but either way will integrate staff discussion into March Pro Dev at Carson.

Concern was raised that some staff are experiencing financial hardships for providing treats at staff meetings and for celebration luncheons. Will pass topic along to Sunshine committee to consider.

JANUARY

January 15, 2010

Members Present: Erlinda Suarez, Janet Tran, Sue Armstrong, Jill Burch, Linda Carter, Jennifer Torgerson, Miles Erdly, Arturo Gonzalez

Diversity Day

The Diversity Committee met, discussed and agreed upon the following format for Diversity Day.

All school Commitment: In order for this event to be successful, the classroom teachers will need to commit to school wide participation. This means that each classroom teacher will identify a culture or country that they will focus upon. The presenter may be the classroom teacher, a volunteer, or it may be a collaborative/team teaching effort.

Diversity Day Format: The day will begin with a all-school introduction assembly, teachers will teach (see all school commitment above) two of the three sessions, and one session will be the culture walk in the gym. Each session will be 45 minutes and will include travel. For those teachers who have specialists that day, the specialist will supervise students during the culture walk. The day will end with a CNN closing event/activity; students will be in their own classrooms during this time. The committee will work out when/how students and teachers transition so that students are supervised. Recesses and lunch schedules will not change. The following is a tentative schedule:

Opening Assembly 8:45-9:15 am

Session 1 9:45-10:30 am

Lunches/Recesses Regular Schedule

Session 2 12:30-1:15 pm

Session 3 1:15-2:00 pm

CNN Closing Event 2:15-2:30 pm

Sue will share the format and information for Diversity Day at our next staff meeting.

DECEMBER

December 10, 2009

The Diversity Committee did not meet during the month of December due to scheduling conflicts with a number of committee members. The decision was made to meet in January rather than attempt to reschedule during the week before winter break.

NOVEMBER

November 12, 2009

Present: Linda C., Jill B., Janet T., Jennifer T., Erlinda S., Miles E., Arturo G.
District Diversity Committee Information - Janet is Rep

1. Info to be posted on our website: contact information for the PSD Indian Education Program Office, Quick Facts About Indian Education @ PSD, Ethnic Minority Parent Community Council

2. The Indian Education Program through Christine Bloomfield also has information for Native American pow wows.

3. EMPCC Schedule: Minority Parent Council information will also be posted on the website. Reminder to staff to send out notice to parents for. This year the meetings will travel in terms of location rather than just at ESC and are held from 6:00-7:00 pm. Questions? Contact Denette Neville at PSD Office of Diversity Affairs (ODA).

4. Each month there is a different focus. November offers an opportunity to look at one Native Perspective on Thanksgiving. This article will be emailed out to teachers. Just a reminder that not everyone is coming from the same point of view. Western Expansion vs. Eastern Invasion.

5. The ODA has purchased a book titled Families that includes what may be considered non traditional family compositions. The information is being shared with distgrict leadership in case there are questions. A number of elementary libraries already have the book on the shelf, including Carson. This is a book that is slated to be incorporated into the read alouds. More information to follow.

Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly
January 15th, 9:00 AM

The music will focus on grades 1 and 2. Teachers are encouraged to visit with Jill regarding other activities during the assembly. We're all looking forward to it.

Carson Diversity Day

The Committee has determined that we will have a Diversity Celebration during the first week of June. We have talked about doing something like this the last two years but the end of the year has just caught us off guard in the spring. This year we think we are starting early enough :) The format is still to be determined. We are seeing this as an opportunity to represent our families' cultures and also give staff an opportunity to share. Please let Miles or Arturo know if you are interested in helping with the planning of this to be fun event.

Fundraisers

1. This year we will limit non-profit fundraisers to 2. This will include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We have a volunteer, Mayra, who would like to organize an additional activity for this fundraising effort. The event is in March. More details to follow.

2. We have two food drives scheduled for this year. Mrs. Debbie Isom will again be coordinating this event.

Concerns/Suggestion Box: No items have been submitted

Why the penguin above? One of our committee members shared that the cutest animal is the penguin. What do you think?

October 2009

OCTOBER

October 22nd, 2009

In attendance: E. Molver, J. Tran, L. Carter, J. Torgerson, M. Erdly, S. Armstrong

Start 3:16

1. The team looked at Achievement Gap Action Plan surveys that were filled out by staff in August 2009.

We decided to focus on these questions:

What supports should be at Carson? Which ones are underrepresented? What professional development would benefit Carson?

What is Carson already doing?

What are our family and community partnerships?

What do we want to do as a school and what will it take to achieve it?

Data from the surveys will be compiled so that it will be easier to see the needs and narrow our efforts.

2. Community Outreach

The discussion was how Carson reaches out to the community and what we could do to enhance that relationship.

One idea was to follow what Wildwood Elementary did by getting a bus and having teachers go out into the community. This could be done on a Wednesday that is principal directed.

Could we hold an event with teachers and community at a clubhouse?

Could the academic nights that are usually held at the school be moved to a clubhouse?

Carson is interested in considering an idea for their staff.

3. Honoring Cultures

Remind staff to be thinking of ideas and take pictures of the activities. Teachers should also be saving work samples to present.

4. How welcoming is our office?

Negative reports have come to our attention about visitors feeling ignored in our office.

Round table discussion and ideas:

Move kids “in trouble” to a different area

Staff uses the staff side entrance instead of going through the office area--initial emphasis will be during "busy" times in the office

Have staff conversations in the back workroom area

Décor change?

End 4:08

SEPTEMBER

September 24, 2009

Attendees: Miles, Janet, Jen, Sue, Erling

Meeting began with processing checklist from ODA for compliance and a successful start to the new school year!

Topics of discussion generated via the checklist included:

· Translations/translators: Let Jennifer know what languages we need for our families and she will get teachers copies to send home with students.

· Remind teachers to request interpreters for conferences and follow the procedures for request and follow up confirmation. The teacher is responsible for getting this done. Jennifer is checking to see if the procedure folder with paperwork is still in the office and will update it for the staff.

· Tell/remind teachers about behavior procedures and re-admittance back to class. The team discussed bullying and making sure teachers are listening and are aware of any situations that need to be brought up to Arturo or Miles.

· REACH and Community Connections

The Diversity Team is looking for ideas on getting the community connected to our students. We want ideas that will reach our diverse population and include them more. Highlighting cultural events in the community was discussed and tabled.

Turn in staff contributions for the school newsletter/web site. Include and spotlight the achievements of our diverse students.

· PACK Leadership (proposal to be shared at first Oct. PACK meeting)

IDEA: Six subjects and six grade levels where we could include people of diverse backgrounds in a field of work. Example: a grade level is assigned science and they gather information on successful scientists from other cultures.

Science Literature

Math Music/Arts

History Authors

JUNE 2009
June 15, 2009

Members: Janet Tran, Linda Carter, Miles Erdly, Arturo Gonzalez

Gay/Lesbian Student Perspective
Information coming from district to administrators first regarding this topic. This may include either books or information to principals. Gerald Denman will be communicating with buildings.

Fundraising
Recommend two non profit fundraiser next year. Consider running one event but then split the fundraising between two non profit organization. Recommendation will be forwarded to the CSIP team for next year's planning.

Recommend a building wide Diversity Day (or other name) for the 2009-2010 school year.

MAY 2009

May 28, 2009

Members: Sue Armstrong, Sarah Simon, Danielle McGuire, Sonja Griffing, Janet Tran, Denita Blount, Miles Erdly, Arturo Gonzalez

Special Olympics Fundraiser

Sarah presented format for a Wii tournament and change drive for Special Olympic fundraiser. Officer Kleffman will be here with squad car. Teachers will have option of staying overnight if class raises enough money ($100). Danielle will help with Wii tournament, Arturo & Miles will be in charge of food (hotdogs and pop), Sarah will oversee change drive but Danielle will collect change from classrooms on a daily basis.

Diversity Book Study
Sue suggested a book study with a focus on minority/ethnicity. Two options were given:

1) a specific book that everyone reads

2) instead of a book study where they all read one book, it could be an open forum of books that staff have read. Like a book club. People suggest one particular book or author. It's an opportunity rather than a requirement. Teacher leery about a certain group of kids. This is why certain people do this. What list of books are out there for daily teachings. Don't know about books for students. Sonja agreed to present information to CSIP

Fundraisings for Next Year

Committee recommends only two fundraisers next year instead of three. Work to spread them out so do not occur in the spring too close together. Will present to CSIP team.

Books for Africa

Janet shared that all books had been collected, boxed and shipped out of building. Three boxes were collected at Carson. This was a good amount considering time of year and all the other fundraisers occuring concurrently with PTA and building.

APRIL 2009

April 23, 2009

Present: Janet Tran, Sue Armstrong, Sonja Griffing, Miles Erdly, Denita Blount, Arturo Gonzalez

District Diversity Event

More successful than last year

Tuesday, April 28th, the District Diversity Committ will be debriefing
Miles shared that next year the event will most likely go to a regional model

Building Diversity Celebration Event

Lynnette Petersen suggested a school wide diversity day for next year; perhaps in conjunction with PTA. She will be gathering information from other buildings to share with the committee. This is something we will consider for next year. Consider this as part of March Gladness event (will need to include a service project).

Fundraising: Change for Africa & Pennies for Patients, etc.

The two fundraisers were too close together this year. Consider more time between fundraisers next year. There is a lot of fundraising when considering PTA, School, 6th Grade. Consider less fundraising next year and/or perhaps not only focusing on money-consider items. The committee recommendation for next year as a staff/school includes:

November-Food Drive

November/December- Giving Tree

December - Giftmakers

March Gladness -

May - Campus Beautification

Diversity Focus Book Study

The committee supports a book sharing club venue rather than reading a specific book.

Sonja suggested a focus on different disabilities and/or learning needs.

Consider specialists, such as OT, providing suggestions of things to implement in the classroom.

Make it as an opportunity for folks to participate rather than building requirement.

Sonja will present info to the PACK Leadership in approx. two weeks (May 7th?)