Members Present: Sonja Griffing, Lauri Cotton, Jo Ann Noel, Janet Tran, Miles Erdly, Arturo Gonzalez
Topic Revisited: Carson School Holiday and Celebration Philosophy
The committee reviewed again the holiday and celebration philosophy for Carson Elementary (see last month's Diversity Committee minutes).
Arturo shared that a teacher came to share concerns that colleagues had experessed. This included the following:
- many felt that the philosophy did not reflect how the rest of the staff was feeling
- that the committee members were not representative of the other staff members
- that this decision was divisive, and
- staff members were wanting to attend the next Diversity meeting to request that the philosophy be reconsidered for the building
Arturo spoke with first and second grade and shared the following the same day: the intent of the holiday philosophy, the focus on academics, the need to let go of some of the things that teachers have been used to doing, the recognition that teachers are coming from different buildings with very different experiences in regards to how certain holidays were responded to at their previous school, and because we have the flexibility to do more does not mean that we have to. The emphasis is on making decisions as a grade level.
A number of staff at the meeting had not read the minutes but had been informed of the decision. Individuals shared above concerns as well as a request for clarification for other staff members. Arturo agreed to speak with staff members by grade level teams. Miles and Arturo addressed topic over the next two weeks during grade level team meetings. Order of most impact of this decision was at primary grades in order (K, 1, 2, 3). Intermediate grades were not as impacted/interested in the conversation, determining what you will and will not do while taking the philosophy into consideration.
Holiday Experiences
Conversation regarding how activities/events that are not reflective of district guidelines will be addressed. Arturo commented that it is best if handled on an individual basis. It was also acknowleged by the group that there are different interpretations of the holiday guidelines.
Future Meeting Dates
It was determined that there would not be a meeting in December due to the short month and no items brought forward that could not wait until after winder break. Future meetings will he held before the district Diversity Committee. Janet shared that Sue Armstrong was an alternate in case she could not attend the district meetings.
