Our fourth annual report on LPS efforts to dismantle systemic barriers to equity was published and presented to the School Committee in early February. The full report is available here. Read about the work we've done, and the work we have yet to do!

LPS parents who are members of the Muslims of Lexington group recently presented a request to accommodate Halal and Kosher meals in LPS to the manager of Whitson's Culinary Group and their dietician. Halal and Kosher foods are not only a religious symbol for some groups; studies prove that they offer additional nutritional and health benefits. Whitson’s is searching for vendors who provide these meals, and they are working with their marketing department to make sure these items will be labeled appropriate for students. We hope students will have access to these meals later this year.

How do we make the world a better place? We do our part to make positive changes, one person at a time. Following last spring’s initial Active Bystander program rollout, a new cohort of LHS students completed the training last month. Several students who completed last spring’s training helped develop and facilitate this latest iteration of the program.  Many of these same students had the opportunity to apply their new skills by leading activities and discussions with members of the School Health Advisory Council and teaching the lessons to third graders.  The 76 students who attended November’s training will join the growing group of “active bystanders” in the district. The program, as adapted by Lexington Public Schools staff and community members, helps students develop the skills necessary to intervene when a member of our community is being harmed or threatened, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Thanks to Assistant Coordinator of Health, PE, and Wellness Julie Fenn for continuing to champion this important work in collaboration with our staff and students.

As part of our ongoing efforts to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in all facets of school life, Freshman Volleyball Coach Sarah Legge, Varsity girls Soccer Coach Josh Sideman, and Varsity boys Basketball Coach Reggie Hobbs and Athletic Director Naomi Martin were joined by school and district leaders at the Addressing Hate in School Sports conference at the Boston Garden in December. The event, sponsored by the Attorney General’s office as part of a larger project in partnership with other statewide organizations, including the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletics Association, followed last spring’s call to action and upcoming regional trainings for coaches as well as school and district leaders across the state. Governor-Elect Maura Healey led the proceedings, and attendees learned and discussed strategies to prevent and address bias-based incidents in athletics.

On Friday, December 9th, several members of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Advisory Council attended the IDEAS High School Leadership Conference at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. The conference brings together students in grades 10-12 from area high schools to engage with one another on issues of racism, stereotypes, discrimination, and ally behavior. Students learned to build community within and across racial/ethnic groups; recognize stereotypes, identify different forms of discrimination and racism in our schools and society; explore and understand the many aspects of identity; and recognize the importance of advocacy and allyship.  These experiences provide opportunities for our students to share the terrific work that we are doing in our school community and to learn from others ways we might shift our practices to better reach our goals.

The following are recent articles, editorials, videos, and educational news items to check out as we engage in the lifelong journey of bringing greater equity to our community!