Over the 21-22 school year, every staff member participated in training focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The sessions ended in reflection, as each member identified areas where we, as an organization, do well and where we can do better when it comes to creating a more inclusive school and work environment.

That staff input will help serve as a baseline for Monroe One as we continue to build off our foundation as a culturally responsive and trauma-informed organization.

The following slides consolidate many of the thoughts and feedback provided by staff. The feedback in its entirety has been shared with every department head to review and reflect on changes that can be made.

Monroe One staff identified areas where we do well when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• We create programs that meet the individual needs of students, including learning and behavior plans tailored to that specific student.
• Teachers utilize DASA to create an inclusive, safe classroom culture at the beginning of each year.

• Monroe One creates opportunities found in general education high schools for students to participate in regardless of varying abilities.
• • Ex. cheerleading, best buddies, chorus, band, fashion and talent shows
• Restorative circles are used for students and staff to build connections and understand each other better.

• There is access to and the availability of special items to help students who may have different sensory needs.
• Adaptive technology is available to help every student thrive, including items such as weighted utensils, braille writer machines, screen readers, and devices for students who are unable to see or hear.

• Staff have access to tuition reimbursement and internal promotions.
• A number of professional development opportunities are available to all staff.
• Through the TIG team and the Employee Assistance Program, staff feel there are a number of support systems in place.

• Monroe One offers gender-neutral bathrooms.
• Interpreters are available for families.
• Technology assists families in being able to translate parents communication and the Monroe One website into their preferred language.

Monroe One staff identified areas where we can improve when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Install additional elevators.
• Increase starting pay.
• Look into transportation challenges that prevent people from considering Monroe One as a place to work.
• Provide training and support surrounding pronouns.

• Provide a safe place for adults to learn and engage in conversations surrounding D.E.I.
• Look at the cost of programs and the barriers that may create for certain component districts.
• Celebrate more holidays and cultural events - not just in the classroom but throughout entire organization.

• Become intentional with each subject area and the curriculum used to include various points of view.
• Incorporate more speakers with different backgrounds so students can connect with their individual stories and how they were able to overcome challenges.
• More diversity in teaching and administrative staff.

• Strengthen training for staff transitioning into unique programs and locations.
• Review policy surrounding do-rags and hats.
• Continue to increase training around social-emotional learning and consider socio-economic challenges for both families and staff.

• Increase availability of translation services, such as for in-the-moment phone calls and paperwork.
• Thoughtfully plan to include students more in the process, such as through student government and GSA.
• Provide training specifically geared towards unconscious bias.

• Ensure that all roles have a voice in the organization.
• Provide more opportunities to connect staff-to-staff so everyone feels part of the team.
• Look into tech equity and access.
• Resources, such as posters, books, and other visuals, lack diversity and can better represent our school community.

RETURN TO OUR EQUITY JOURNEY