The Elmira City School District recognizes the value of providing access to enriching educational opportunities. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central tenets along our collective quest to ensure that all members of our district community are supported and safe, are affirmed, and have endless opportunities to excel. Learn more about some of our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in action.
Community Schools
The Elmira City School District partners with the community to integrate strong instructional programming with student-centered health services, after-school academic enrichment, mentoring, parent engagement, and more. The Community Schools initiative is an educational philosophy that is a critical component of the Elmira City School District’s Improvement Plan. Elmira School leadership has identified Community Schools as a way to re-imagine the school system in a way that continues to deliver high quality academic instruction along with social, emotional and physical health support for students. This model addresses the whole-student and recognizes that students and families who face chronic obstacles to learning in the classroom, from hunger to health, can be connected with programming to improve student achievement.
Our equity work is grounded in the belief that every student should have equal access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Across the District, Community Schools initiatives like Night School, Credit Recovery, Free Haircuts, the Boost Summer Program, Student Closets, and free dental and vision screenings and more reflect our commitment to meeting students and families where they are and removing barriers to success.
>>Learn more about the inclusive and equitable programs offered through our Community Schools model in Elmira
Council of Champions
The Council of Champions is designed to enhance student voice and agency and to cultivate upstanding behaviors among students. The program is currently at Ernie Davis Academy, with plans to expand across intermediate schools. The curriculum is aligned with NYS SEL Benchmarks (Equity Revisions) by ensuring that youth, particularly grades 5-8, have opportunities to develop self-awareness, nurture positive sense of identity, enhance their cross-cultural skills to effectively connect across difference – all while learning skills to become agents of positive change within their communities. In addition to the updated NYS SEL Benchmarks, the curriculum also aligns with the NYS Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) Education Framework and DEI Policy Guidance. To learn more about the Council, contact James Perry ([email protected]) or Sarah Lambert ([email protected]).
Multicultural Club
The Multicultural Club is a welcoming space where students and staff celebrate diversity, foster connections, and engage in meaningful conversations about culture, identity, and inclusion. Through fun events, educational activities, and community-building initiatives, the club encourages appreciation for the unique backgrounds that make our district community special.
By participating, students and staff will have the opportunity to:
· Celebrate different cultures through interactive events & discussions
· Break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusion
· Connect with peers and build lifelong friendships
There are currently 3 chapters of the club (EHS, EDA, and BWA).
To learn more about the club and upcoming events, contact Monique Shepard by email at (mshepard [@] elmiracityschools.com).
Social Justice Committee
The ECSD Social Justice Committee is a dedicated cohort of staff committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and community empowerment across our schools. Spearheaded by team members who participated in the NYSUT Social Justice Academy, the committee fosters community and belonging by fostering brave spaces, addressing systemic inequities, and supporting staff voice. Through professional learning, policy advocacy, and culturally responsive practices, the committee aims to cultivate a more just and supportive environment for all.
To learn more about the committee and upcoming events, contact John Liquori by email at joliquori [@] elmiracityschools.com.
My Brother's Keeper
My Brother’s Keeper
The Elmira City School District has been awarded the NYSED "My Brother's Keeper" Grant Award, providing funds from 2021-2025 to support programming. The New York State My Brother’s Keeper initiative seeks to “Change the Narrative” of boys and young men of color, and all students, by closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps they face and helping them to reach their full potential. To this end, grant-funded opportunities are available in specific areas to develop programs and strategies to help boys and young men of color and all students realize their full potential. Are you interested in applying to be a mentor (6-hours a week/paid position).
>>Learn more about the grant and how to become involved.
Inclusion for All Students
Elmira City School district has focused on our inclusion initiative since 2017, and our staff and students are committed to gaining a better understanding on how to support and celebrate our neurodiversity. The term inclusion captures, in one word, an all-embracing societal ideology. Regarding individuals with disabilities and special education, inclusion secures opportunities for students with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers in general education classrooms. We are committed to making our schools a place of acceptance for everyone, every day.
>>Learn more about Inclusion in the Elmira City School District
Regional Equity Network of Educators (RENE)
RENE is a partnership between GST BOCES and Corning Incorporated's Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity, designed to provide opportunities for educators to gather and enhance their capacity to learn and lead for equity. The group typically meets monthly and has an annual summer conference.
Join the listserv to stay informed about upcoming RENE events
SafeZones
The Chemung County SafeZones Program provides middle and high school students with a safe, empowering and non-judgmental environment to learn about LGBTQ+ history, culture and relevant topics. SafeZones promotes diversity and encourages acceptance for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
>>Learn more about SafeZones in Elmira