Embedded Files
One of the District's first by-products of the Task Force report included equity walks on each of our campuses. Over eighty individuals were trained to follow a specific protocol (shown below), designed to gather initial information about the inclusive feel of our schools, based solely on what was visible to outsiders in "common area" spaces on each campus. Each campus was walked by 16-18 individuals (staff, parents, community members) who were not regular visitors to the building. Data were gathered for use in buildings during the February 2017 staff development day. We plan to conduct additional equity walks during the 2017-18 school year.
Equity_Walk_Form__revised_2.pdfRobinson Elementary School is one of many Kirkwood schools that took action based on data from their equity walks. As an example of the types of things happening across our schools, principal Jennifer Sisul shared changes for the 2017-18 school year that derive from work with equity walks.
When you next visit Robinson you will see:
- increased signage around the building so those visiting don't have to wonder about where to go (welcoming feelings of inclusiveness & safety for all)
- beautiful prints of art featuring different cultures, races
- student art, framed and up on walls
- pictures of ALL staff with their personal motto hanging outside of their space
- flags celebrating the cultures represented at Robinson
- a newly installed, lower water fountain for students with mobility concerns
- a more inviting entry and office space for students, families, and community members
- plans to support children who are transgender, speaking to the culture of trust and inclusivity they are working hard to nurture
- a plan for our staff members and students who are Muslim to attend to their prayers during the day
- staff providing reminders to their colleagues via messages, emails of cultural/religious holidays that may impact a student (days of fasting, prayers that start at sundown, days kids might be expected to attend faith services and miss school ~ as a way of making staff more cognizant of homework, field trips etc)
- a newly designed camera/speaker system at our handicap entrance ( in the past, those needing to access the building thru that door, rang the buzzer, but there was no camera so office staff either had to go outside and verify their identify, or if the office was short staffed, ask the person if they would get to the front office
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