Mountain View Whisman School District embraces its role in establishing its commitment to equity in our district. It is our mission to establish and nurture a supportive culture where every student, staff, family, and community member feel valued and supported while working, learning, and partnering with MVWSD.
We envision a district where our students are empowered to reach their highest potential, acknowledging that this excellence is borne from a deep well of knowledge sustained through our diversity, not stymied by it. We will encourage our students not only to think and feel-- but act -- in a way that aims to disassemble power structures that marginalize historically underserved communities. Lastly, we will empower students to be active participants in a diverse democracy and learn how to be agents of change in their own lives and in the lives of others.
Better Together’s theme this year: Belong
This year, MVWSD is officially launching Better Together, a program designed to increase meaningful conversations in the classroom. For the 2022-23 school year, the theme is “Belonging is Elemental.” We look forward to the coming months with the launch of the monthly Better Together infographics, No Place for Hate programming at our middle schools, and the district-wide recognition of United Against Hate week in November.
Better Together events - click here
Monthly informational offerings
Our monthly offering towards MVWSD’s equity goals is titled
Together We Are a Better MVWSD.
Each month you will receive an infographic in both English and Spanish that offers educational tools and community guidance inspired by a national diversity calendar. The theme is guided by the calendared events that are taking place that month.
You’ll see:
* Lessons provided by grade level that are designed to be used by teachers to enhance work they are doing in the classroom.
* Activities provided to parents, which are meant to help bridge the gap between lessons at school and conversations at home.
* Organization spotlights to help us engage with our community and learn more about organizations doing equity work.
* Children’s books by authors who have either the lived experience or scholarly background to contextualize this topic for children and adolescents.
Please check back monthly for new topics and resources.
Celebrating Women's History: March
March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions women have made to society. However, we must acknowledge that not all women have had an equal chance to succeed. Inclusion is key to truly celebrating Women's History Month. Let's uplift and empower all women, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. As allies, we can listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and work together to create a more equitable society. Let's celebrate progress and continue to choose to be #BetterTogetherMVWSD.
Click on each graphic below to view the PDF
Celebrating Black History: February
In February, we honor Black History Month. As educators and parents, we can help our young people imagine a world where they are active participants in the dismantling of racist and oppressive forces. We can help them imagine a future where we are all #BetterTogether.
Click on each graphic below to view the PDF
Culture: January
For the month of January, we focus on the question of "how does my culture influence who I am and how I see others?"
Click on each graphic below to view the PDF
Exploring Differences: December
For the month of December, we explore how our experiences are similar to and different from those of people from different backgrounds. We will also explore Disability Awareness while building literacy around this important topic. The resources linked through the digital copy of this infographic help you and your students explore themselves and others respectfully and meaningfully with activities meant to enlarge our perspectives about people with disabilities.
Click on each graphic below to view the PDF
Native American Heritage Month: November
We wish you a meaningful and reflective Día de los Muertos. Running from November 1st and November 2nd (today) is this indigenous holiday that originated in southern Mexico and celebrates the remembrance of family members and friends who have died.
November also marks the recognition of Native American History month and #BetterTogether's exploration of self-expression.
What does it mean to find your voice? How can we uplift the voices of others?
Click on each graphic below to view the PDF
Hispanic Heritage Month: October
October straddles the latter half of our celebration of HIspanic Heritage Month. If you haven't yet, take a look at some of the resources offered in this infographic to incorporate topics related to celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage into your conversations about identity and labels.
How do the labels we use to describe ourselves and others influence our identities?
Click on each graphic below to view the PDF
Hispanic Heritage Month: September
During the month of September, we are exploring the topic of identity with students. September 15 - October 15 also marks the occasion to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Developing a positive self-identity can help students reorient their misperceptions about how our differences divide or isolate us. Exploring identity during Hispanic Heritage Month gives us all the opportunity to recognize that a collective celebration of our individual differences can actually bring us closer together.
Click on each graphic below to view the PDF
