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DEI April Newsletter

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SPOTLIGHT: SCHIRLEY SOTO CUBILLOS
Schirley Soto Cubillos is originally from Colombia and a product of Arlington! She graduated from Washington-Lee High School and started working with Arlington Public Schools in 2002. She has had the opportunity to work with various departments while at APS. She is currently enjoying her work as the Administrative Specialist with the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids, family, and friends. She is passionate about DEI and enjoys being a part of the much needed changes and work that is happening. Favorite quote: The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people. – Unknown

SPOTLIGHT: CORVE WILCHER
Corvé Wilcher is the Executive Administrative Specialist for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department working directly with the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Liberal Arts from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. She has many years as an educator in Prince George’s County (PGC), Maryland. While in PGC, Corvé taught 7th grade Language Arts for middle school students as well as 9th grade Language Arts for high school students for almost a decade. Corvé switched careers and transitioned from the classroom to work directly with executive leaders as an Executive Assistant in Prince William County Public Schools. She worked side by side with executive leaders of Division Counsel and the School Board as well as all stakeholders to provide excellent educational services to all. Corvé values education and believes everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. She is an advocate for students and families and believes that all students and families should have equitable access to resources to meet his/her individual needs. Corvé is excited about the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Arlington Public Schools.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Arab-American Heritage Month
Autism Awareness Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
Earth Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Volunteer Month
Month of the Military Child
World Autism Awareness Day – April 2
Passover begins – April 5
International Day of Sport for Development of Peace – April 7
World Health Day – April 7
Good Friday – April 7
Easter – April 9/10
Passover ends – April 13
National Day of Silence – April 14
Laylat-al-Qadar – April 17
Yom Hashoah – April 18
Start of Ridvan – April 20
Eid-al-Fitr/End of Ramadan – April 21
Earth Day – April 22
World Immunization Week – April 24-30
International Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) day – April 27
World day for Safety and Health at Work – April 28
International Jazz Day – April 30

IN THE CLASSROOM:
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Equitable Practices

Indicator 5. Analyzes, selects, and integrates texts, materials, and classroom resources that reflect cultural inclusivity and the needs of all students, including for gender, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities.

Teacher Practices:

  • Teacher has identified omissions from the curriculum, selected and utilized materials that reflect cultural inclusivity and the needs of all students.
  • Teacher integrates contemporary materials and resources to supplement/complement existing curriculum.
  • Teacher encourages students to incorporate their lives and identities into their learning.

AROUND NOVA:
Earth Day Every Day Festival on Langston Boulevard April 23 – 11:00am-5:00pmat Lee Heights Shops 4500-4550 Lee Highway Arlington, VA

This free, family-friendly festival features music, children’s activities, food and drink, environmental booths, raffle, and more! More information at LBA Earth Day (earthdayonlangston.com)

WHAT WE’RE READING:
Please use this link to share your thoughts on what we’re reading and offer suggestions to expand our library and collective knowledge. Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work – Ruchika Tulshyan Our office’s professional library of resources – click here to access.

TERM OF THE MONTH:
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.”(National Institute of Mental Health, 2023)

More News

Superintendent’s April 24, 2024 Update

This is the time of year when our staff and students are preparing for end-of-year assessments in May and working incredibly hard to finish the school year strong.

School Board Public Hearing April 23, 2024

For closed captions, click the “CC” button in the bottom toolbar of the video window once the meeting starts...