ENVISION EQUITY MAY 2016

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND POVERTY PROGRAMS MAY 2016
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C.A.S.E.S. PD
Teachers Tackle Real Issues, Using Real Cases
By Dr. Toetta Taul, ECE Priority Consulting Teacher, Shawnee High School
From left, left, Malala a C.A.S.E.S. Yousafzai, P.D. participant Misty Copeland, provides and his Justice thoughts; Sonia a Sotomayor. powerpoint Photos, gives teachers Google tips Images. for classroom management; Dr. Toetta Taul presents materials during P.D. session.
D
uring the 2014-15 school year,
Dr. John Marshall, the JCPS
Chief Equity Officer, and I,
had the pleasure of meeting to
brainstorm and discuss a platform in
which educators could have dialogue
concerning the issues encountered in
JCPS schools and classrooms. Through
Dr. Marshall’s leadership in the Diversity,
Equity, and Poverty (DEP) Programs
Division of JCPS, he expressed his
commitment to ensuring equitable
academic supports and services for all
students, parents, faculty, staff, and
stakeholders. DEP diligently plans and
seeks opportunities to train and equip
educators with the necessary skills and
supports to ensure equity for all students.
From that meeting, the C.A.S.E. Cohort
Leadership Series was conceptualized.
C.A.S.E. stands for Culture, Attitude,
Students, and Equity. The series was
designed to be a yearlong cohort of seven
sessions inclusive of pertinent problems
and/or controversies plaguing JCPS and
other large urban school districts. The
2015-16 C.A.S.E. cohort started in
October and our last session concluded
mid April. As envisioned, the cohort was
diversely represented by elementary,
middle, and high school administrators,
teachers, and instructional staff from
across the district. We wanted to equip a
small scale collaborative and cohesive
JCPS cohort of no more than 15
administrators, teachers, instructional
assistants, and central office staff with
statistics, researched based articles, and
strategies that would provoke them to be
ambassadors of change in their buildings
and locations. The cohort met for two
hours the third Thursday of every month
at Minor Daniels Academy. To maximize
time, participants received the case study
or court case a week prior to the session
and were requested to be prepared to
review and elaborate.
Insightful discussions and very thought
provoking comments were shared. The
session topics I discussed with the cohort
were: cultural diversity, student
supervision, First Amendment Rights,
sexuality and families, student discipline,
and special education. The basis for
understanding the law and the
subsequent actions that were derived in
the cases and court rulings were
supported by supplemental resources
such as: Teacher Job Description;
2015-2016 JCPS Code of Acceptable
Behavior and Discipline and the Student Bill of
Rights; Teaching Tolerance; Education Expert
website; Kentucky Revised Statues; American
Public School Law, (7 th ed., 2 nd printing);
the landmark court case Tinker v. Des
Moines Independent School District (1969);
and many others.
The C.A.S.E. Cohort Leadership Series
was beneficial and successful because it
created a professional community of
educators who genuinely want to combat
the issues in our schools and classrooms
that potentially fabricate inequitable
situations for our students. The
leadership series allowed transparent and
relevant conversations to occur, which
would ideally lay the foundation for
authentic transformation, and a true
paradigm shift in the way we address
issues and establish true equity that
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transcends into positive school culture and an increase in the achievement of our students.
The C.A.S.E. Cohort Leadership Series demonstrates DEP’s continued efforts to train and empower all JCPS
employees to have a positive attitude toward personal awareness and an appreciation of the diverse, ethnic, cultural,
and linguistic groups represented in JCPS. In the 2016-17 school year, it is our endeavor to continue with the
leadership series and allow for more participation by creating professional development sessions that addressed
specific topics. Additionally, through administrator participation, it has been requested that the series be conducted
on site with all school staff.
Photo, Google Images.
Literacy & Photography
Students Increase Literacy Through Imagery
By Abdul Sharif, Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Department
I
first started taking pictures when I was a senior at Shawnee High School. My Spanish teacher, who was also our
football team’s photographer, let me take a few shots with his camera on our photo-day. From that point on I was
hooked on photography.
When I started working with students in the “Literacy & Photography” program, it was amazing to see how infatuated they
were with my photography gear and how they seemed to not want to put it down when it was time to start class. During our
camp, students read a book about one of my favorite photographers, Gordon Parks, and created a photo exhibit in
Coleridge Taylor’s gym.
Most of the students that attended Literacy & Photography had never used a camera before, but that did not stop them from
producing amazing images during our five day camp. Please have a look at some of their amazing photos below!
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Right, Flash Dads give students high fives as they exist the bus at Rangeland Elementary School
Introducing: Flash Dads!
By Giselle Danger, Coordinator, Student Equity and Community Engagement
Photos, Abdul Sharif
The JCPS Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Department
kicked off a brand new initiative called Flash Dads on
April 26 at Rangeland Elementary School.
stereotypes by showing our students in Jefferson County the
different types of career paths men of color in our community
take.
Flash Dads is a
program that is
geared towards
men of color
seeking to give
back to their
community by
being a positive role
model for JCPS
students as they
exit the school bus
in the morning. Flash Dads gives students encouragement,
praise and cheers as they walk into school and prepare for the
school day.
Members of Flash Dads
come from all walks of life –
police officers, doctors,
lawyers, teachers, business
owners, and other
professionals took part in the
first Flash Dads program at
Rangeland.
Often times, our students of color only see negative images of
men of color in the news–Flash Dads sets out to destroy these
All Flash Dads participate in a required hour-long training and
are asked to make a commitment of one morning per month.
If you or your organization is interested in participating in Flash
Dads, please contact the Diversity, Equity, and Poverty
Department at 485-3650.
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African American Initiative (AAI)
Community Education Summit Recap
By Abdul Sharif, Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Department
Above, JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens and Senator Gerald Neal take questions from a JCPS student.
T
he African American Initiative (AAI) Community
Education Summit was held on Friday, April 15,
2016 at Jefferson Community and Technical
College. The AAI summit consisted of six segments
composed of panels which included community leaders,
students, and school administrators.
Ron Crouch, the
Director of Research
and Statistics at the
Kentucky Education &
Workforce
Development Cabinet,
presented information
about demographics
Above, Ron Crouch participates in panel discussion.
in West Louisville.
Additionally, Kentucky Education Commissioner, Stephen
L. Pruitt, and Kentucky Secretary of Labor, Derrick
Ramsey provided their thoughts on education during one
of many discussion panels.
Photos, Abdul Sharif
In addition, students from the Academy @ Shawnee,
Manual High School, and Central High School, provided
their perspectives on education and what the district can
do to create a better learning environment. Dr. Toetta
Taul, an Exceptional Child Education (ECE) Priority
Consulting Teacher at the Academy @ Shawnee, and
Pashun Barnes, an ECE Collaborative at Ballard High
School, provided insights on some of the challenges
educators may face in our district and what they can do
to overcome them.
Later in the program,
JCPS Superintendent
Donna Hargens
participated in an
armchair interview with
Kentucky Senator
Gerald Neal. Together
they discussed the
ways in which JCPS is
closing the achievement
Above, Dr. Hargens, and Sen. Gerald Neal conduct an arm-chair
interview.
gap, and ways in which parents and community
members can stay engaged in the educational process.
Top, students from the Academy @ Shawnee participate in panel; bottom. Dr. John Marshall
moderates a panel.
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Above, volunteers help sort clothing during Take What You Can Tote.
15th District PTA, JCPS and Louisville Metro
Government Host 'Take What You Can Tote' 2016
By Heather Wampler, President, 15th District PTA
The 15th District Parent Teacher Association (PTA), in
partnership with JCPS and Metro Government, hosted
the third annual Take What You Can Tote clothing
giveaway event on Saturday, April 16, 2016. This year’s event
served more than 500 families who took home summer clothes,
shoes, coats, educational resources and more! Take What You
Tote helped to kick-off Louisville Mayor Greg Fisher’s Annual
Give-A-Day week of service.
Clothing distributed during
Take What You Can
Tote was donated by
generous community
members throughout
Metro Louisville.
Photos, Abdul Sharif
Volunteers
from various
backgrounds
helped make
this year’s
Take What
You Can
Tote a
success.
Detric Briggs
who is a
member of
Omega Psi
Phi fraternity
and a Louisville
Metro Police Officer, helped sort clothing and prepare bins for
families. Richard West, an AmeriCorps member based out of
Benton, Iowa, made the trip to Louisville from Tell City Indiana to
volunteer during Take What You can Tote.
The Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Department, along with the
entire school district, would like to thank all the volunteers that
helped out during Take What You can Tote and all the
individuals that donated clothing! See you again in next winter!
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Seed Cohort Wraps-Up For 2015-16 School Year
By Dr. Monica Lakhwani, JCPS Equity and Inclusion Unit
Above, 2015-16 SEED participants gather for a group photo.
Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) is a
professional development program promoting change
through self-reflection, dialogue, and awareness for greater
equity in education. National SEED project is credited to Dr.
Peggy McIntosh and has continued to exist since 1987. Each
year new leaders across the nation come together in
conversation, are exposed to multicultural and diverse
practices/curricula, and create networks of growth.
As we wind down JCPS’ 2015-16 school year, DEP was
fortunate to be able to hold our first SEED cohort. Each month
participants gathered for a 3-hour professional development
session on various topics including but not limited to race,
ethnicity, gender identity and expression, and impact of poverty.
From each session, participants were able to take with them
information from guest speakers, resources, video clips, and
more.
We hope to have a second SEED cohort for the coming school
year. More information to come this summer during our Equity
Institute!
Until then, read what some of our participants have had to say
about the program:
SEED was the most reflective professional
experience that an educator could have. You
not only learn about yourself but about your
students and what truly matters to them. You
have the ability to create an amazing
classroom environment conducive to learning
because of the knowledge gained. I will end
the cohort as a better practitioner, educator
and person.
Matthew Trzaskus, Seneca High School
As a SEED participant, I had the
opportunity to reflect upon my own practices
and belief system. It was a great way to
connect to people from diverse backgrounds
and understand their values and perceptions.
-Shailaja Ganti, King Elementary
Being a member of the JCPS SEED Cohort
has provided a fantastic opportunity for my
own growth and self-exploration. The
activities, prompts, and videos provided
during PD sessions combined with the
perspectives and experiences shared by
fellow cohort members have allowed me to
better understand my personal potential and
my duty to ensure all students in my
classroom/school/district feel they are safe,
valued, and respected members of our
learning community. I look forward to
seeing the work of the SEED project
expand its reach to more of our educators
over the next few years.
-Tiffany M. Dix, duPont Manual High
School
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Black Freedom, White Allies, Red Scare -Digital Civil Rights Exhibit
By Judy Hughes, UofL Office of Communications and Marketing
H
istory buffs, educators, students and social justice advocates now can access a digital collection highlighting Louisville events linked to
the civil rights movement. The site, www.BlackFreedomWhiteAlliesRedScare.org, was launched in April by the Anne Braden Institute
for Social Justice Research at the University of Louisville and its partners. It presents interactive material drawn from the 2014 “Black
Freedom, White Allies, Red Scare: Louisville, 1954” exhibition at the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main Library.
Materials include archival photos, primary source documents and oral histories about Andrew and Charlotte Wade’s struggles as African-
Americans to buy a new suburban house near what is now Shively. Segregationists used dynamite to blow up the couple’s home. Anne and Carl
Braden, white supporters who had bought the home on the Wades’ behalf, were accused of staging the purchase and bombing as part of a
communist plot, and were charged with sedition.
“A dramatic act of housing desegregation led to racial violence and intimidation and culminated with a local version of the anticommunist ‘Red
Scare’ that swept the nation in those years,” said historian Catherine Fosl, the Anne Braden Institute director who co-curated the exhibit. “The
case made major national headlines and affected many lives locally but is often neglected in textbooks that cover the Cold War and civil rights
eras.”
Partners include University of Louisville Libraries’ Archives & Special Collections, Louisville Free Public Library, The Courier-Journal and
GRIDS: The Grassroots Information Design Studio. For more information, contact Fosl at (502) 852-6142.
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Wanted: Safe Zone Coaches
By Diane Herrick, JCPS School Pshycologist
Would you like to be a proactive ally for our LGBTQ students? The JCPS Advisory Committee for LGBTQ is looking
for a representative from every school to become a Safe Zone Coach.
"Safe Zone" is a term used to indicate to students that those individuals are safe to talk to about any issues they may be
having. We will be offering a series of trainings during the 2016-17 school year to provide Safe Zone Coaches with resources,
training materials, and guidance to take back to their home schools. Coaches would also serve as a liaison between the district
LGBTQ committee and their schools.
There will be an introduction/information session for those interested on September 8, 2016. If interested or have a question,
please email either Diane Herrick at diane.herrick@jefferson.kyschools.us or Dr. Monica Lakhwani at
monica.lakhwani@jefferson.kyschools.us.
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Books for Young Readers
Trombone Shorty
By Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews
and Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015
For Ages 5 and up
Listen, Slowly
By Thanhhà Lee
Harper Collins Children’s Books, 2015
For Grades 3-7
Troy “Trombone Shorty” shares his inspiring life story in picture
book form. The musicians of New Orleans heavily influenced
the author’s life at a very young age. After finding a discarded
trombone at age 4, Andrews taught himself to play putting in
many hours of practice. He now resides on the world stage of
musicians, was nominated for a Grammy Award, and has a
foundation in his name to preserve his hometown¹s musical
heritage as well as give children the gift of music. This book was
honored with the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award of 2016.
OCDaniel
By Wesley King
Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016
For Grades 3-7
Twelve-year-old Mai was looking forward to spending her
summer vacation on the California beach chasing boys, but her
plans quickly change as she is tasked with accompanying her
grandmother, Bà, on a trip to Vietnam. Mai’s family doesn’t talk
much about the disappearance of her grandfather or what
happened to their family during the Vietnam War. Many of her
impressions of the country are gleaned from a PBS documentary
so she has no idea what to expect of the culture but she
experiences a great reluctance to be in the position of caretaker
for her Grandmother traveling halfway across the world.
Throughout the story we are shown a portrait of contemporary
Vietnam as Mai grows closer to her relatives and gains an
understanding of their home culture.
Daniel is a typical 13-year-old boy in that he sort of
plays football, spends time hanging out with his best
friend, and deliberates on who to ask to the school
dance. Things that set him apart are the fact that he is
secretly writing an adventure novel and that he suffers
from undiagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
expending a lot of energy masking its expressions.
Things get shaken up in his life when a girl slips him a
note thus eliciting his help in unraveling the truth
behind a mysterious disappearance as well as showing
Daniel that he is not alone in his mental illness.
Images obtained from Google Images.
Information provided by Natalie Thompson,
Louisville Free Public Library
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University of Louisville/Yearlings Club Forum Series
Presents
Parenting 101: Preparing Your Students for Entry into College!
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2016
Time: 3:30-6p.m.
Location: The Yearlings Club, 4309 W. Broadway
Join us for an informative session as presenters discuss with parents and family members how to
prepare their students for college from counselors, university admissions and counseling staff.
They will be joined by parents and community programs who will discuss their programs.
Presenters will discuss REQUIRED curriculum for college-bound students, and WHEN you need
to start preparing your student for admission into college or vocational schools.
Finally, the discussion will provide parents with a “roadmap” on preparing their students for entry
into college from the 8 th grade to their senior year!
The University of Louisville/Yearlings Club Community Forum Series brings university faculty,
community leaders and the African American community together to discuss important issues.
For over a decade this exciting partnership has served the community, especially West Louisville
and is recognized as an important university community engagement initiative.
Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, Office of the Dean, Office for International,
Diversity and Engagement Programs, admission is free and open to the public. Light
refreshments served. For additional information, please contact Clest Lanier (502) 852-3042 or
cvlani01@louisville.edu
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Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation Summer Camps
Registration is now open for Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
summer camps! This year’s camp theme, “Amazing Adventures 2,”
reflects an array of daily on-site programs focusing on fitness, the
arts, the environment and education. Camp programs are designed
for all children in the community between the ages of 6 and
12. Featured activities include: a Belle of Louisville cruise; Youth
Health Initiative programming; Reds Rookie Success League; weekly
field trips, special programs and daily on-site activities. Youths and
teens will have the opportunity to socialize, make new friends, and
build relationships in a safe, fun-filled environment.
From June 13 through August 5 camps run Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, such as
registration times and documentation needed for registering
campers, please visit bestparksever.com.
Training Educators in Conflict Resolution and Peer
Mediation
The Peace Education Program will host a training workshop that
will address basic conflict resolution theory and the specific issues
related to starting and maintaining a mediation program including
selecting mediators and training them. It has a strong emphasis on
small group practice with supervision and guidance from trainers
who have created site-based mediation programs. Participants will
experience hands on activities, learn cooperative games and be able
to practice. Each participant will receive a training manual with
outlines and activities for teaching mediation and conflict resolution
in elementary, middle, high school and neighborhood settings. This
training has been approved for 15 hours of leadership credit by the
Kentucky Department of Education.
The training will be held on July 12, 13 and 14, from 9:00 a.m.
to p.m. The fee for all three days is $350 or $650 for a two-person
team. Register online or by downloading the form at
PeaceEducationProgram.org.
The Peace Education Program office is located in Central
Presbyterian Church 318 West Kentucky Street, 40203.
Making Media that Matters - PeaceCasters Summer
Camp
Know any 12-17 year olds who might be interested in a good
summer camp experience? The Peace Education Program’s
PeaceCasters camps are divided between exploring and deepening
the basic skills around affirmation, communication, cooperation and
diversity that are core to Peace Ed's work and the fundamental skills
of digital video-making. During this four-day camp participants will
create short videos about youth and peacemakers in our community
who are helping to create a better world. The PeaceCasters camp is
designed to build skills while also providing a fun experience.
Activities will include plenty of cooperative games and visits from
some special guests such as youth activists and local experts from the
world of videography and filmmaking. Participants must be ready
and willing to interact in small groups.
The PeaceCasters camp will be held on June 13-16 from 9:00
a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee for the camp is $50, but some scholarships
are available. Register online or by downloading the form at http://
peaceeducationprogram.org/summer-camp/. The Peace Education
Program office is located in Central Presbyterian Church 318 West
Kentucky Street, 40203.
Camp Earth Stuff
Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the Louisville Nature Center will
host Camp Earth Stuff on July 18-22 (for ages 10-12) from
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on July 25-29 (for ages 6-9) from
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The camps will be in Chickasaw Park is
free of charge. Campers will enjoy fun activities and explore the
lives of wild stuff in the mornings. In afternoons, the hard, wet and
invisible stuff will be explored. All activities will take place indoors
and outside. Spaces will fill up very quickly, so request an application
as soon as possible from the Louisville Nature Center at (502)
458-1328 or contact Judy Gardner at
jgardner@louisvillenaturecenter.org. The application due date is
July 8, 2016. Campers will be selected based on a written piece
telling about their love of nature and two written adult
recommendations. The camps have a maximum capacity of 20.
The Louisville Nature Center is located at 3745 Illinois Ave,
Louisville, KY.
Y-NOW Children of Prisoners Mentoring Program
It is estimated that there are currently over 20,000 youth in our
Louisville community living with a parent incarcerated. At YMCA
Safe Place Services, the Y-NOW Children of Prisoners Mentoring
Program is working to address this issue and stop our community’s
youth from following in the footsteps of their incarcerated parent.
The Y-NOW Program works with youth between 11-15 years old to
guide them through an intensive one-on-one mentoring and skillsbased
curriculum program each year, focusing on educational and
personal growth. The next program begins in September 2016
and continues through July 2017. Mentors and a host of other
volunteers are needed to make a difference in the lives of these
youth. No experience is necessary, just heart and commitment. For
more information on volunteering, contact Sadie at (502) 855-5143
or email saschbacher@ymcalouisville.org. To refer a youth between
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11-15 years old who has a parent incarcerated, please contact
Brittany Bryant at (502) 635-4393 or email
bbryant@ymcalouisville.org. Volunteers must be at least 21 years
old and agree to complete all necessary paperwork, screening, and
training. Youth must be between 11-15 years old and have at least
one parent incarcerated.
Weekly visits between mentor and mentee are required throughout
the 10-month program. Group meetings are held every two weeks
on Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m., as well as some
additional weekend activities throughout the year. YMCA Safe
Place Services is located at 2400 Crittenden Drive Louisville, KY
40217.
LFPL Offers Diversity Programs in spring
For more information, visit http://www.lfpl.org.
Family Learning Program: ESL Classes
The new family learning programs serves children and their
parents who want to learn English as a Second Language or
improve their reading and math skills to earn a GED credential.
Every Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Main Library (301 York Street, Louisville KY)
Call (502) 574-1719. No form of ID is necessary to enroll in the
program. Registration is ongoing.
Family Learning Program: GED Classes
The new family learning programs serves children and their
parents who want to learn English as a Second Language or
improve their reading and math skills to earn a GED credential.
Every Monday through Thursday. 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Main Library (301 York Street, Louisville KY 40203)
Call (502) 574-1719. No form of ID is necessary to enroll in the
program. Registration is ongoing.
English Conversation Club
The English Conversation Club allows non-native speakers to
practice English in a relaxed, informal setting with others.
Participants should have some basic knowledge of the English
language before joining. Assistance can include conversation,
homework, or citizenship test prep.
Middletown Library (200 N. Juneau Dr., Louisville, KY), every
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Shively Library (3920 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY), May 11
and 25, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Main Library (301 York Street, Louisville KY), every Wednesday,
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Jeffersontown Library (10635 Watterson Trail, Louisville, KY),
every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Cultural Showcase: Berbers of Algeria
This event will feature lectures, music, and food from the Berbers of
Algeria.
May 1, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Iroquois Library (601 W. Woodlawn, Louisville, KY 40215)
Blacks in Mass Media
This event is a panel discussion on visual imagery and the portrayal
of African American/black stereotypes in mass media.
May 28, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Bon Air Library (2816 Del Rio Place, Louisville, KY 40220)
Editor—Catherine Collesano
Editor, Photo Contributor—Abdul Sharif
Credits
Special thanks to all the contributors to this month’s special edition of Envision Equity, the Louisville Free Public Library,
and all of our other community partners and educators who helped make this publication possible.
Envision Equity is a publication of the JCPS Department of Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs. All submissions should be sent
to Catherine Collesano at catherine.collesano@jefferson.kyschools.us or Abdul Sharif at abdul.sharif2@jefferson.kyschools.us. If
you are interested in becoming a subscriber or a contributor to Envision Equity, please contact one of the editors at the above email
address.
www.jefferson.kyschools.us
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Offering Equal Educational Opportunities
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