Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Overview
Waterford School District is proud of its diverse student and staff population and we aim to support everyone in our community. The ultimate intent of our DEI work is to ensure each student has access to the opportunities, supports, technologies and materials that will encourage their growth and learning. It also goes without saying, we want each and every student, staff member, and family to feel accepted and respected within the Waterford School District.
On Nov. 17, 2022, the Waterford School District Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the following Equity Statement, which we firmly uphold:
Our commitment to equity and quality education is reinforced by our strategic plan and mission statement, which states that Waterford School District is committed to ensuring an equitable and respectful learning environment for every student, family and staff member. We embrace everyone for their:
- Race
- Gender
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
- Socioeconomic Status
- Ability
- Home or First Language
- Religion
- National Origin
- Age
- Physical Appearance
Mission, Vision and Belief Statements
MISSION
We provide exemplary educational experiences for each student to thrive
VISION
Inspired, Educated, and Empowered to Thrive
BELIEF STATEMENTS
We believe in a collaborative school community that values:
- Relationships that foster trust and respect
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Student voice
- High expectations
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Life-long learning
FOR ALL!
Professional Development for Staff
The following is a list of topics our administration and staff have participated in:
- Equity in Education
- Culturally Responsive Listening
- Equity-Centered Coaching & Coaching Interventions
- Adaptive Leadership
- Equity Leadership Competencies
- The Waterford Student Six
- Implicit Bias
- Microaggressions
- Cultural Schema
Student Six
The Student Six began in Spring 2022 when 40 students - who represented all three of our high schools and a variety of backgrounds and cultures - came together to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. The students worked together, drawing from their own personal experiences, to pinpoint six researched-based strategies. They also developed training they felt would be important for WSD to use going forward, while also promoting an inclusive learning environment for ALL students.
These six strategies are:
- Acknowledging Racism
- Check for Understanding
- Visibility
- Connecting to Students' Lives
- Goal Setting/Connecting to Future Selves
- Cultural Promotion
In addition to learning more about the six strategies they selected, the Student Six was also able to share this information with teachers and administrators. The hope is that by doing this, the six strategies will continue to be reflected in our classrooms, helping to cement these efforts across the district.
Student Six is a wonderful way to allow us to include our students in this very important DEI journey.
