Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mesa
Mesa Elementary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is a group of volunteer parents, teachers, and administrators working together to make the Mesa community a more welcoming and equitable place for diverse populations. We aim to create a space for shared learning and collective growth. Projects have included bringing the YWCA’s Reading to End Racism program to Mesa students, hosting guest speakers for the parent community, and engaging DEI experts for staff professional development.
We welcome participation from everyone in the Mesa community who is committed to the principles of DEI and our committee norms. We meet after school about once a month with childcare provided (dates are on the calendar link below).
The DEI Committee is excited to introduce the new Little Free DIVERSITY Library (LFDL) to the courtyard as a way to bring diverse books to our students and community. We bring you the LFDL as a way to increase understanding, empathy, and inclusion. Books can be a window into experiences that are different from our own and a broader awareness of the diverse life experiences in America can break down barriers and nurture a deeper understanding of our society’s inequities. Visit the LFDL to borrow or share a book!
We want families to know they can reach out to us and report concerns. In general, and as noted in our Mesa FAQ, families can always contact their student’s teacher, can reach out to the principal. And, as will be noted as an ongoing ‘footer,’ in our Mesa Weekly, if families have something of concern for which they don’t feel comfortable, for some reason, reporting to teacher or principal, they can reach out to Mesa’s counselor- Naomi Moddel.
As BVSD has updated and refined its policies and practices for Bullying Prevention (found among other helpful links on the Parent Resources page), we have developed a Protocol for Reporting and Responding to Bias-Based Incidents. A bias-based event is invalidating, degrading, oppressive, or threatening words or behavior that targets an individual or groups based on race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected category.
2023 Upcoming Events
- Nov. 6th - Reading to End Racism, in-class for students
- Nov. 16th - Next DEI Committee Meeting at 3 p.m., childcare provided
- Nov. 29th and Dec. 6th - Reading to End Racism from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., parent only training. Childcare not provided. Parents are encouraged to attend both sessions.
Contact: Josh Baldner, principal, josh.baldner@bvsd.org
2023-2024 Mesa DEI Calendar
2023-2024 Mesa DEI Committee Meeting Agendas and Notes
2023-2024 Mesa DEI Committee Co-Chairs: Christine Chen, Sarah Thomas and School Counselor, Naomi Moddel.