Each February, schools in Elmira recognize Black History Month to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. As part of this observance, the District is recognizing Black History month in a variety of ways. Once specific partnership, now celebrating its 10th year, is called the “African American Read-In.” Elementary classrooms across the District welcome volunteer readers in from Corning Incorporated and Corning Museum of Glass to read stories to students about black history and to ask students important questions around segregation, discrimination, fairness and kindness. This storytelling happens inside the regular classroom during English Language Arts time. This week, community volunteers are at Beecher Elementary School.
Not only are students reading but the teaching staff in Elmira is also reviewing important literature as part of professional development work in the area of diversity and equity. Staff recently finished a group read of the book The Equity and Social Justice Education 50: Critical Questions for Improving Opportunities and Outcomes for Black Students. The book study was facilitated by Jarvis Marlow-McCowin, the Elmira City School District’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Education Coordinator. The book study was co-facilitated along with Marnie Malone, Supervisor of Academic Excellence and Gina Beirne, Data and Curriculum Coordinator at Elmira High School.
In art class at Riverside Elementary, students in grades pre-K – 2 are spending the month creating hallway banners and posters that feature Black History Month. Students are collectively coloring one canvas that showcases the work of all student artists as one piece of art, an important metaphor for how communities can come together for kindness and equity.
In secondary schools in Elmira, both in middle and high school years, students can participate in the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program. MBK is an initiative for all students, and specifically boys and young men of color, to provide opportunities for them to reach their full potential. Community mentors and agency leaders have joined the ECSD team to help students who are in need of a positive role model and support networks. Mentors can be found in the hallways of our middle and high school buildings and out in the community with youth -- guiding and steering students in the right direction. This initiative is throughout the year.
Much of this work is supported by the Express Equity committee in the District, which has a focus of cultivating cultures of equity and excellence in our Elmira educational system. The Express Equity group’s mission is to design an Elmira educational system that aligns our practices in and out of school in ways that provide fairness and inclusion. The work of this group will continue with further discussion, professional development, and action as a way to support students, families, district staff and the community. The group has three working groups focused on Human Resources and Training Opportunities, Curriculum and Instruction, and Community Connections/Relationships.
>>Read more about our work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Elmira