Diversity & Equity Office

http://www.bsdvt.org/diversity  |  802-864-8494  |   BLOG   |  email: diversity@bsdvt.org

 

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Fall Event Planned for Champions of Diversity & Equity

The Burlington School District, in partnership with the Social Equity Investment Project and the City of Burlington, announces that the 2010 nomination for this year’s awards have been accepted. Thanks to many of you who have submitted nominations.

Our Champions exhibit the A-B-C’s of diversity and equity as reflected in our children-centered district’s Commitment to Diversity & Equity. Our Champions are everyday individuals who represent the most ideal qualities and accomplishments that:

  • AFFIRM the rich social, cultural diversity in our schools;
    • BUILD communities across differences and for common purposes; and
      • CREATE a culture for leadership, action, and social change for our kids.

Click here for a list of 2009 Champions of Diversity & Equity Award Recipients.

 

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May 12 - “Cultural Diversity Series”: Congolese in Vermont


May 12 , 2010, 4:00-5:30 pm

In collaboration with the Fletcher Free Library and support from the Mercy Peace Initiative Small Grants Program, the Diversity & Equity Office presented its next installment of the Cultural Diversity Series, a collection of educational presentations from our culturally rich community. On May 12, 2010, the topic will be “Congolese in VT: Historical, Cultural Background, Education & Other Experiences,” led by Jeanine Bunzigiye, our very own Bilingual/Bicultural Home School Liaison.

There will be homemade snacks, time for questions, and great conversation after. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, contact Mercedes Mack at mmack@bsdvt.org or 316-7122 or visit the Cultural Diversity Series page.

Downloadable flyer

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“BSDtheChange” Diversity & Equity Blog Launched

The Diversity & Equity office is excited to announce the launch of its new blog: “BSDthechange.” BSDthechange is a space for exploration. It is a gathering of current events and resources that give a present day framework for exploring issues of diversity and equity in the Burlington School District and in our society. Comments and topics for discussion can be found through our website at www.bsdvt.org/diversity/blog.

We are excited to have the BSD community participate in what is turning into a great resource! For further questions about the blog or the Equity Resource Center, please contact Mercedes Mack <mmack@bsdvt.org>, Equity Education Specialist.

 

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Community Offers Input to District Recruiting Efforts

On Friday, February 12, 2010, the Burlington School District’s Equity Office for Employment and Retention—with the Department of Human Resources, Diversity & Equity Office, and Superintendent’s Office—met with members from several key local and state-wide organizations and communities. Invited groups included: Burlington Police Department; Consortium for Inclusion & Equity; Diversity Action... read more

 

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Burlington School District Spotlighted as Future Vermont Leaders


BSD staff: Jeanine Bunzigiye (Home School Liaison), Harka Khadka (Diversity Outreach Specialist),
Sara Martinez de Osaba (Parent Involvement Coordinator; and AmeriCorps*State Coordinator
for Diversity Outreach), and Dan Balón (Director of Diversity & Equity Office)

Read the “Minority Rule: Who will lead the next generation of Vermont’s racial justice activists?” story at SevenDays (November 11, 2009).

 

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Diversity & Equity Office Newletter

We are excited to bring in the 2009-2010 year in the Burlington School District. Learn about our staff, plans for the Equity Resource Center, and a focus on increased cultural competence for our staff. Download our Diversity & Equity newsletter below to hear more.

 

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Lifetime Achievement awardees are honored at first annual Champions of Diversity & Equity
Awards Ceremony last June 2009 in Burlington’s City Hall.

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Commitment to Diversity & Equity

The Burlington School District recognizes and values the diversity of our students, staff and community. The District is committed to a culture of diversity that reflects the voices, perspectives and differences arising from our diverse community and the world. We believe that it is important for students to understand and appreciate human diversity, develop a capacity for cultural competence, and commit to encouraging inclusion in their future lives.

The District will adopt procedures and implement staff training intended to achieve a diverse and culturally competent school community, inclusive of diverse races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and spiritual beliefs, ages, and physical and learning abilities. The administration shall report to the Board annually on its progress, barriers and outcomes.

This statement on our district’s Commitment to Diversity was approved by the Board of Commissioners on March 10, 2009.

Download PDF version

 

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Dan Balón

Dr. Dan Balón, Director
150 Colchester Ave.
Burlington, VT 05401

802-864-8494 direct
802-865-5332 main
802-864-8501 fax
Meet the staff in the Diversity & Equity Office

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