December 2017 Envision Equity

December 01, 2017 JCPSDEP 1 Comments

Readers,
  
Please enjoy the December 2017 edition of our Envision Equity newsletter. Remember that Envision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. 


 

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School Based Decision Making Council Parent Member: Marian R. Vasser

November 03, 2017 JCPSDEP 1 Comments

School Based Decision Making Council Parent Member: Marian R. Vasser


By Marian R. Vasser


My name is Marian R. Vasser and I currently serve as the Director of Diversity Education and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Louisville, where I have been employed for over 24 years.  My personal and professional passions include working to build climates that are more inclusive and equitable for all.  In addition to being engaged in this critical work at UofL and throughout the community, I also get to blend it with another passion of mine, which is being a mom.  I am the proud mother of three talented, intelligent, and handsome young men.  My oldest son (Trey), who was also a JCPS student, is now 23 and working at General Electric.  My 14 year-old twins (Tavon and Tobias) are currently 8th graders at Noe Middle School.  I am very active in my children’s education and try to serve in ways that not only increase their chances of success, but the success other children as well.

When my oldest son was in school, I had several unpleasant experiences as a result of inequitable practices.  I recall being very frustrated far too often and deciding something had to change.  Many of the teachers I encountered were simply following policies and procedures, while totally unaware of how certain students (including my son) were being ushered directly into the school-to prison pipeline as a result.  The more engaged I became, the more I learned about policies and procedures that needed to change.   At that time, my schedule was less flexible and I was only able to show up at the school periodically.  Although my son graduated on time, I was extremely frustrated by this experience and now concerned that I had twins entering the same system.  My oldest son had a really rough time navigating his educational experience.  Fortunately, my twins had a better experience for several reasons.  They became more focused and I was able to commit more time to getting involved in their school.  It made a world of difference, let me tell you.  In addition to being active in PTA, even serving as president several years, I also became a member of the School Based Decision Making Council (SBDM).

The SBDM Council is responsible for setting school policy (consistent with Jefferson County Board of Education [JCBE] policy) that will provide an environment to enhance student achievement and to help students meet established academic goals.  The SBDM Council has authority in the following areas:

  •  Determination of curriculum, including needs assessment, curriculum development, and responsibilities under KRS 158.6453(19);
  •  Assignment of all instructional and noninstructional staff time;
  • Assignment of students to classes and programs within the school;
  • Determination of the schedule of the school day and week, subject to the beginning and ending times of the school day and school calendar year as established by the local board;
  • Determination of use of school space during the school day related to improving classroom teaching and learning;
  •  Planning and resolution of issues regarding instructional practices;
  • Selection and implementation of discipline and classroom management techniques as a part of a comprehensive school safety plan, including responsibilities of the student, parent, teacher, counselor, and principal;
  • Selection of extracurricular programs and determination of policies relating to student participation based on academic qualifications and attendance requirements, program evaluations, and supuervision;
  • Adoption of an emergency plan as required in KRS 158.162;
  • Procedures, consistent with local school board policy, for determining alignment with state standards, technology utilization, and program appraisal; and
  •  Procedures to assist the council with consultation in the selection of personnel by the principal, including but not limited to meetings, timelines, interviews, review of written application, and review of references.


The law requires membership of the SBDM Council to include PARENTS, teachers, and the principal of the school.  Getting involved, as a parent, means YOU are empowered to contribute to the decision-making process that directly affects the learning environment.  I remember the first year I served on the council, it was a bit intimidating as I did not know much about school budgets, policies, or procedures.  The first year, I sat back and tried to learn as much as I could.  I remember feeling like it was a waste of my time originally because it felt as though I was as an outsider looking in.  Once I began to build relationships with other parents on the council, I realized it was our duty to speak up.  It was not long before I was consistent in asking questions and even challenging policies and practices that seemed inequitable.  One of the things I constantly reminded myself of was the fact that my position on the council came with privilege.  Many SBDM parents likely have more flexible schedules than some of the parents that need policies changed the most.  With that in mind, I made it a point to become more involved and ask questions until I understood fully, even if it meant utilizing the full time allotted to the meeting.  During this process, I also learned more about the role of the teachers and administrators.  Although some of the revelations were heartbreaking, in terms of how much agency teachers lacked, I felt empowered that my contribution could affect change positively for children and teachers.  As a parent, we do have a say and we should most definitely exercise that right. 

I have served as an SBDM council member for approximately 6 years now and I am proud to say I have contributed to many positive changes at the school where I served.  In addition to revising dress codes to be more inclusive, I have even witnessed positive changes in leadership as a result of the SBDM.  My favorite poet, Maya Angelou, says “Nothing will work, unless you do.”  I encourage those of you who have schedules permitting to please get involved.  The more involved we are, the better JCPS can be.  There are many ways to be involved, so if your schedule doesn’t permit you to serve on SBDM, stay in touch with your SBDM reps so your voice can be heard.  Hold us accountable!  I realize as an SBDM parent-rep, I am not there only for my children, I am there representing those voices that often go unheard or unconsidered.  The SBDM is a perfect avenue for challenging policies that perpetuate inequitable disciplinary actions, lack gender equity, widen educational achievement gaps, etc.  While I realize the lack of diversity on most SBDM councils are the result of inflexible schedules, I strongly encourage parents who are minorities to consider serving. 

My twins are blessed to be at a wonderful school that values parent involvement, although I know this can be a challenge in other environments.  When I have ever felt a level of discomfort, I have always received valuable feedback and advice from Dr. Shawna Stenton, who is responsible for SBDM councils throughout JCPS.   Shawna is extremely knowledgeable and approachable and has played a major role in the success of my tenure as an SBDM parent-rep.  The experience, for me, has been extremely rewarding and I am willing to personally mentor any parent wanting to be involved in this capacity.

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A PROUD MUSLIM FATHER By Muhammad Babar M.D. MBA MSc

October 03, 2017 JCPSDEP 1 Comments

Dr. Muhammad Babar
It’s heartbreaking for any parent when his or her child comes home with stories of bullying at school, on the playground or elsewhere. Kids can indeed be cruel. And there are several circumstances or reasons that motivate that cruelty: to appear stronger than others in the class; to resist another child who may be of different racial or ethnic origin; to conceal a deep fear. Regardless of the reason, bullying causes long lasting mental and emotional scars to a child. Studies show link between bullying and mental health problems like serious depression,  poor school performance, low self esteem, substance abuse, increased risk of suicide and carrying weapons to school.

My ten year old twin boys are the loves of my life. They are my heart and my soul. I commit so much of my own time and resources addressing the societal injustices in our world because I want them to inherit a much better world than what I inherited at their age. Sadly, not too long ago, I was reminded that there is much work to be done when my boys felt unassured and unsettled to their Muslim heritage as if their faith was being tested.
Apparently some of the other children at school took exception to their Muslim heritage, and, as their father, I had to reassure them that there is certainly nothing “wrong” with being Muslims.  Further, they should feel sadness (not hatred) for those who picked on them. Ignorance breeds hostility, and hostility destroys the soul. It wasn’t the first time this has happened nor will it be the last time. My boys understand that racism is alive and well in our society, and that even those who aren’t racist can be wary of cultures and creeds different from their own.

But this latest instance compelled me to think. At that time, my boys were attending a school in a different school district – one that had a reputation as an outstanding school system but fell short in the ways of diversity. For all of my commitments to social justice advocacy, why did I have my children growing up in an academic community that sanitized itself from the rest of the world?

So, this past summer, my family and I moved to Jefferson County, where my children could live and learn from and among those who represented the larger world – not just one suburban neighborhood.

It is always fear of unknown that forces us to stereotype. We feel comfortable among people who look and speak like us. But our world is a beautiful garden of flowers of different colors that make it captivating. We all belong to one species Homo Sapiens and our blood is of one color, red.

Unfortunately there are forces out in our world that benefit from dividing us on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity and gender to advance their distorted agenda. Recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia remind us the importance of increasing awareness about islamophobia, anti semitism, racial and gender discrimination in our schools and communities.

Jefferson County Public Schools is a fantastic school system that is dedicated to the education of our community’s children and committed to its own improvement. It is quite evident as two years ago JCPS included gender expression and identity in its anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policy to render protections to transgender students. This year JCPS has passed Safe Haven Resolution to protect immigrant and potentially undocumented students and their families.

Do I think moving to JCPS will end any instances of racism-based bullying at school? Certainly not. But I am hopeful that the new environment that my children find themselves in will better lend itself to the notion that bullying of any kind is not acceptable and that they will see that there are many others in this world just like them. Others who will work with them to be advocates for peace and good stewards of the world they will inherit.

I am excited about what my children will accomplish in life, and I am happy that their interests and perspectives will be fostered in a system that offers a diverse and healthy learning environment.

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October 2017 Battery of Opportunities

October 03, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments



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October 2017 Envision Equity

October 02, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments



 Readers, 

Please enjoy the October 2017 edition of our Envision Equity newsletter. Remember that Envision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. 

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September Battery of Programs

September 04, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments


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September 2017 Envision Equity

September 01, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

Readers,
 
We hope you enjoy the September Edition of our Envision Equity newsletter. Remember that Envision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. Please feel free to peruse our Flickr account, which is posted under the cover page. 
 
We hope you enjoy, share, and contribute to the newsletter. Lastly, remember to envision equity.


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Dave Christopher of AMPED shares his insight and framework for processing present realities through creative outlets.

August 29, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments




Dave W. Christopher Sr. is a web designer, IT professional, and entrepreneur from Gary, IN. Prior to moving to Louisville Dave worked as a High Rise Sign Technician and Project Manager for a major sign company. He proudly served as a SSGT in the United States Air Force as a Communications Technician spending the majority of his military career serving overseas in the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Germany, and Turkey.



In July of 2000 while working as a Project Manager Dave was transferred to Louisville, KY to gain custody of his 11-year-old son. It was as a single father that Dave began to understand some of the obstacles that young people were facing and also got his first revelation about how transformative the power of music can be. After one year the office that he had been transferred to abruptly closed. Dave went to work for UPS as an IT professional. After 4 years at UPS Dave made the bold decision to leave UPS and start his first business, Tekni Solutions.
Currently, Dave is the Executive Director and co-founder of A.M.P.E.D., the Academy of Music Production Education and Development, the owner of Tekni Solutions Technology Company and Level Seven Recording Studio. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. Dave is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. He is the recipient of the KET American Graduate Hero Award, the Kentucky Blacks in Media Award from the Black Media Collaborative, and he is a Metro United Way Black Male Achievement Innovation Award winner. Dave is married with three children.
Dave believes that all of our youth are good, intelligent, and capable. He believes that if given the opportunity, tools, resources, and support that all of our youth can succeed at whatever level they choose.

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August Edition of Envision Equity

August 02, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments


Readers,
Welcome back for the 2017-18 School Year. We hope that you had a great summer break!
Please enjoy the August 2017 edition of our Envision Equity newsletter. Remember that Envision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. Please feel free to peruse our Flickr account, which is posted under the cover page. 
We hope you enjoy, share, and contribute to the newsletter. Lastly, remember to envision equity.


If you have trouble using yumpu, please click here to download a PDF version of Envision Equity.

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August Battery of Programs

August 02, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments


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July/Summer 2017 Battery of Programs

July 07, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments


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June 2017 Envision Equity Newsletter

May 31, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

Readers,
 
We hope you enjoy the June edition of our Envision Equity newsletter. Remember thatEnvision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. Please feel free to peruse our Flickr account, which is posted under the cover page. 
 
We hope you enjoy, share, and contribute to the newsletter. Lastly, remember to envision equity.


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Flash Dads Invade Audubon Traditional Elementary School

May 17, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

Check out our Flash Dads as they greeted students as they arrived at Audubon Traditional Elementary School!








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Males of Color Celebration

May 17, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

The third annual Males of Color celebration was a resounding success. Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) (@jcpsky) recognized more than 250 senior males of color at the Memorial Auditorium. It was truly a sight to behold.
Charles Davis (@ccdavisjr) was the host. He made a point to not only call each student's name but to also share the young man's goal and the college he will attend. These young men will be attending colleges throughout nation. Some are staying here in Louisville while others are headed to Ivy League schools and/or the military.
A brief history of the celebration—this celebration was birthed from the My Brother's Keeper Initiative under the Obama administration. JCPS (@Jcpsky) signed the resolution, which states that we will do more for our boys of color. The resolution calls for continual efforts to support and celebrate boys of color. Superintendent Donna Hargens (@jcpssuper) quickly and unapologetically signed the resolution; hence, three years later we are recognizing our young boys for this milestone.
Collectively, this group of scholars has earned more than $2 million in scholarships and is set to serve in every branch of the military. Their ambitions range from becoming President to owning companies. They are truly a cohort of champions who will make their families and teachers proud.
The Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs Department call this event a “celebration” for a reason. We see that it is only fitting that the parents and families come and cheer on their sons in great fashion. The claps, tears, screams, and pictures were welcomed. Why? Because this part of the narrative for our boys of color seems to be muted too often. The negative images and statistics of our boys seem to overcrowd the good news. We know that there are many young men of color contributing to the greater good—and that deserves every round of applause, cheer, and hooray we can give.
-John D. Marshall, Ed.D.

Chief Equity Officer

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May Edition of Envision Equity

May 11, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

We hope you enjoy the May 2017 edition of our Envision Equity newsletter. Remember that Envision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. 

We hope you enjoy, share, and contribute to the newsletter. Lastly, remember to envision equity. 

https://www.yumpu.com/document/view/58293856/envision-equity-may-2017-edition

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First Annual Educators of Color Recognition

May 11, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) (@jcpsky), in collaboration with other organizations, hosted its first annual Educators of Color celebration. The event was by far one of the best events of year. It was warming and uplifting to see the educators recognized for their great work.

To quote Dr. Muñoz (@marcomunozjcps), a recipient of an award, “This night touches my soul. It gives me energy. This stuff matters.” I found myself asking, why does this matter? Why does a night like this—in spite of the rain and it being on Friday and before testing—bring such a joyful crowd? Because there is no such thing as too many pats on the back.

Research shows that there is a burden that falls upon teachers of color. A burden that they willingly carry, regardless of weight. Often, teachers of color are asked to manage, connect, advocate, discipline, direct, mentor, and help in ways that go far beyond the typical teaching day. The presence/power of educators of color often evokes a level of familiarity and hope that cannot be underestimated and easily quantified. But yet and still, that invisible tax is paid and will continue to be paid by educators of color.

Understanding that educators of color in the higher education ranks also deserve to be celebrated, the committee recognized Drs. Dawson-Edwards (@cheriedawsonphd) and Jones (@drrickyljones) for their unapologetic work, research, and support for students as it relates to race, equity, poverty, and uplift. Also, their undying support for JCPS situated them in a league of their own.

The first inaugural Educators of Color recognition night was nothing less than galactic. The room was full smiles and relative understanding that teachers of color are needed, diverse, and deserving.

To read about the impact teachers of color have on dropping out— http://releases.jhu.edu/2017/04/05/with-just-one-black-teacher-black-students-more-likely-to-graduate/















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Envision Equity - April Edition

April 03, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

Readers,
 
We hope you enjoy the April edition of our Envision Equity newsletter. Remember thatEnvision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. Please feel free to peruse our Flickr account, which is posted under the cover page. 
 

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April 2017 Programs

April 03, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments







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Dr. Donna Ford Speaker Series

April 03, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

Dr. Donna Ford is without a doubt one of the premier leaders in Gifted and Talented Education. Her focus on the disproportionate participation of students of color in gifted programs has shed light on the fact that @JCPSKY and school districts throughout the country must focus on access and/or the belief gap. 

During her last visit to @JCPSKY, @donnayford spoke directly to the need of having different methods to test for “gifts.” She posits, and research supports, that many assessments—especially when coupled with implicit bias—leave students of color and/or impoverished students behind with regard to access to opportunity. On the other hand, she also asserts that there is promising and powerful work coming from our Gifted and Talented Education Department under the leadership of @lfrazie11, LaTonya Frazier. 

@JCPSSuper attended the Community Conversation and was very agreeable and complimentary of the work that @LeadEducateLift, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Lisa Herring, and Ms. Frazier are doing in Jefferson County Public Schools. Without apology, @JCPSSuper was clear that there is still work to be done to reach equity and access for all students. 

With help from @dena_dossett, our chief of Data Management, Planning, and Program Evaluation, @JCPSKY is beginning to review its current practices and consider additional means by which to test and qualify gifted children. @donnayford suggested that @JCPSKY look into adding the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) (https://m.testprep-online.com/what-is-the-nnat.aspx) as a means to triangulate placing/assigning students in the Gifted and Talented Program. Three department chiefs in @JCPSKY will collaborate to look into the different assessments for gauging/identifying gifted students. @dena_dossett, @LeadEducateLift, and @jdm1906 will dive further into the desire to make assessments and placement more equitable. 


@JCPSKY thanks Dr. Ford for continuing to work with us! The intent of the speaker series is to engage and inform the community and staff about relevant and needed topics that impact the ways in which we can improve outcomes for students. We are fortunate to have national leaders like @donnayford be a part of our speaker series.

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Speaker Series With Principal Baruti Kafele

March 27, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments


Dr. John Marshall and Principal Kafele
In our latest speaker series, @Jcpsky had the nationally known speaker Principal Baruti Kafele engage the group in an interactive dialogue around leadership, action, and supporting the youth. In typical fashion, @PrincipalKafele turned the mirror to the crowd and challenged them to ask and answer three questions that got to the heart of teaching and leading. Kafele then told the staff that it is not enough to do it once a week. He posited that it should be done every day. He went even further to say that there should be actions that exemplify the purpose. It was clear that many of the principals and staff in the room were compelled to be introspective and question how they lead.

As Kafele began to discuss his outlook on teaching, he asserted that some of the issues kids are facing can only be solved by teachers who employ culturally responsive teaching. He said, “A child had to see himself in the curricula. If he or she does not, how is a teacher to connect with a child and the child to lesson?”

Attendees at Principal Kafele PD.
Kafele also spoke with community members later that night. He encouraged the community to stay active in the school system and to not flounder. @PrincipalKafele said that the community cannot get fatigued nor settle. In a short vignette that he shared, he spoke of his visit to Selma and crossing the Edmund Pettus bridge—the same bridge on which Bloody Sunday took place on March 7, 1965. The depth of introspection while on that bridge made him realize that he has more work to do as it relates to helping boys and girls. He said that moment brought things into focus and that moments and experiences like that are what students need if they are to have a better understanding of what they are.

The 2016-17 speaker series was created to have national experts come and provide tools so that educators and community members could better reach the youth. As expected, Principal Kafele delivered. 

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John D. Marshall: An Unwavering Advocate for Racial Equity in Schools

March 01, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments



An Unwavering Advocate for Racial Equity in Schools

By Michelle R. Davis February 22, 2017


Unapologetic.
Anyone who listens to John D. Marshall, the chief equity officer for the Jefferson County, Ky., school district, will eventually hear that word as he advocates for students of color, those who are homeless, and the disadvantaged in the 101,000-student district.
He feels empowered to ask for—even demand—what those students need.
“You are speaking for those who might not be able to speak up,” he says. “I’m the inside agitator who is never satisfied.”
Marshall, who has spent nearly his entire life in Jefferson County Public Schools, is one of few district chief equity officers in the nation. It’s a job designed to ask uncomfortable questions and raise prickly issues about why some groups of students struggle when others thrive. Marshall does this with conviction—though not always with the utmost diplomacy—in this river city community that has a history of confronting racial inequities in its schools.
Read more here.

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Envision Equity - Recognizing the Great Ones

March 01, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments



Readers,
 
We hope you enjoy this special edition of our Envision Equity newsletter recognizing the many contributions of African Americans. Remember that Envision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. Please feel free to peruse our Flickr account, which is posted under the cover page. 
 
We hope you enjoy, share, and contribute to the newsletter. Lastly, remember to envision equity.




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Envision Equity - Our Girls: Resiliency and Resource Edition

February 28, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments

Readers,
 
We hope you enjoy this special edition of our Envision Equity newsletter recognizing the many girls in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and throughout the nation who are thriving. Remember that Envision Equity is also your newsletter. We hope that you will submit articles that celebrate and demonstrate diversity and inclusion. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. Please feel free to peruse our Flickr account, which is posted under the cover page. 
 
We hope you enjoy, share, and contribute to the newsletter. Lastly, remember to envision equity.


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2017 “Literacy &” Initiative

February 28, 2017 JCPSDEP 0 Comments



Our “Literacy &” initiative combines a selected enrichment/physical activity with literature. Going into our third year offering these programs, it's important to note that their success is due to the tremendous support we receive from the community. 

We are firm believers that learning never stops. During Spring Break, the Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs Department will provide five 1-week-long camps that are guaranteed to be fun and complement what students have learned this year. Participating students will enjoy engaging in camp programs that are high-energy, responsive, full of dialog, and challenging. 

The Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) “Literacy &” programs will be open for learning and laughs. Enroll your child in a program closest to you. 


For more information, contact Veronda Hawkins at 485-3631 or Vanessa Posey at vanessa.posey@jefferson.kyschools.us.






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