Page 15 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Cultural Infusion Initiatives

African, African American, Latino, and Holocaust Studies are vital to provide
an educational experience that culturally sustains all students and reinforces
a positive school culture on our campuses. Academic engagement is positively
impacted when all students’ cultures, perspectives, and unique experiences
are affirmed in schools. The Department of Secondary Education provides
school sites with the support needed to establish such an environment in
schools. This includes the development of curriculum and instructional
materials, job-embedded professional learning, and programmatic offerings
that accurately represent students from diverse racial identities and
ethnicities while highlighting their societal contributions.
The “See What I Can Be” book series,
Summer Institutes with author Michael Woodward
FY24 concluded with The E.L.I.T.E. Summit (Elevating Learners by and Seminole Trails ES students
Innovating Teaching and Education), a five-day workshop aimed at assisting
educators in refining their teaching methodologies to enrich the learning
and educational journeys of all students. Accompanied by curriculum and
instructional design experts, the summit revolved around teaching content
literacy through the arts and project-based learning. Workshops illustrated
how to incorporate Hispanic and African-American history into social studies
and ELA instruction to enhance literacy among underperforming subgroups.

“See What I Can Be” Series
The “See What I Can Be” book series consisted of books designed for grades
K-5, showcasing the accomplishments and life journeys of individuals often
overlooked in standard curricula. Penned by African American authors,
these books portray characters from the African Diaspora. Students had the
opportunity to participate in interactive read-aloud sessions with the authors, Conniston MS students during the
establishing a stronger bond with the stories. Participating schools received a “En un Lugar de La Mancha
generous supply of books to enhance their classroom libraries. (In a Town in La Mancha)” series

Hispanic Studies Read-Aloud Series
The “En un Lugar de la Mancha (In the town of La Mancha)” lesson series
was presented during Hispanic Heritage Month. This series guided students
through a script inspired by Don Quixote de la Mancha’s encounter with the
windmills. Through this instructional session, students had the opportunity
to explore a timeless classic while drawing connections between physical
science and language arts standards.

Holocaust Survivor Series
Holocaust survivors shared their poignant and captivating stories with
numerous elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the
District. This outreach is aimed to enhance awareness of our local community’s Holocaust survivors and several Board
rich histories, cultures, and social dynamics. The “Hate Ends Now: Cattle Car” members visit Emerald Cove MS
exhibit also traveled to eleven high schools and held sessions at two middle
schools. This unique exhibit presented a 360-degree film within a replica cattle
car used to transport Holocaust victims alongside artifact displays, providing
students with a powerful and immersive learning opportunity.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE 15