Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mesa
Mesa Elementary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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 setting up the Little Free Diversity Library and the Buddy Bench at school, co-sponsoring the Mesa Multicultural Festival, bringing the YWCA’s Reading to End Racism program to Mesa students, hosting guest speakers for the parents on topics like how to talk to your kids about race, BVSD Youth Equity Council, ADHD and executive functioning, and how to talk to your kids about neurodiversity, and engaging experts for staff professional development.
We welcome participation from anyone in the Mesa community who is committed to the principles of DEI and our committee norms. We meet at Mesa on Thursdays about once a month, with childcare provided for after-school meetings.
Our meetings of the 2024-25 year are on the following dates. We aim to provide childcare for after-school meetings:
Thursday, September 5 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, October 10 - 8:15 am
Thursday, November 7 - Time TBD (tentatively 5pm)
Thursday, January 9 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, February 6 - 8:15 am
Thursday, March 6 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, April 10 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, May 8 - 8:15 am
We also want families to know they can reach out to us and report concerns. In general, and as noted in the Mesa FAQ, families can always contact their student’s teacher or reach out to the principal. And 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.
Additional links and resources:
Contact: Josh Baldner, principal, j[email protected]
2023-2024 Mesa DEI Committee Co-Chairs: Christine Chen, Sarah Thomas
2024-2025 Mesa DEI Committee Calendar
2024-2025 Mesa DEI Committee Meeting Agendas and Notes
We welcome participation from anyone in the Mesa community who is committed to the principles of DEI and our committee norms. We meet at Mesa on Thursdays about once a month, with childcare provided for after-school meetings.
Our meetings of the 2024-25 year are on the following dates. We aim to provide childcare for after-school meetings:
Thursday, September 5 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, October 10 - 8:15 am
Thursday, November 7 - Time TBD (tentatively 5pm)
Thursday, January 9 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, February 6 - 8:15 am
Thursday, March 6 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, April 10 - 3:00 pm
Thursday, May 8 - 8:15 am
We also want families to know they can reach out to us and report concerns. In general, and as noted in the Mesa FAQ, families can always contact their student’s teacher or reach out to the principal. And 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.
Additional links and resources:
Contact: Josh Baldner, principal, j[email protected]
2023-2024 Mesa DEI Committee Co-Chairs: Christine Chen, Sarah Thomas
2024-2025 Mesa DEI Committee Calendar
2024-2025 Mesa DEI Committee Meeting Agendas and Notes
Join Us for a Series on Allyship for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers
Session 1: Understanding Allyship March 13th, 6-7:30pm
Allyship means standing up for and supporting others, especially when they face challenges or unfair treatment as a result of under representation or bias. In this session, we’ll explore the basics of allyship, discuss how to recognize and address bias, and learn how to support children with dierent backgrounds or experiences, such as racial and ethnic, gender identity, neurodiversity, or other dierences. This session will provide participants with foundational knowledge and tools to foster inclusivity and respect within our community. See facilitator bio at betsygonzales.com. RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/MesaAllyshipMAR13
Session 2: Putting Allyship into Practice April 10th, 6-7:30pm
This hands-on session will dive deeper into the concept of allyship through group discussions and activities. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and role-playing exercises to explore how to address bias, encourage empathy, and create a supportive environment for all kids. This session will provide an opportunity to practice allyship skills and gain confidence in modeling and teaching them in daily interactions with children. See facilitator bio at betsygonzales.com. RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/MesaAllyshipAPR10
Join us for one or both sessions to strengthen your ability to support every child and build a more inclusive community!
Allyship means standing up for and supporting others, especially when they face challenges or unfair treatment as a result of under representation or bias. In this session, we’ll explore the basics of allyship, discuss how to recognize and address bias, and learn how to support children with dierent backgrounds or experiences, such as racial and ethnic, gender identity, neurodiversity, or other dierences. This session will provide participants with foundational knowledge and tools to foster inclusivity and respect within our community. See facilitator bio at betsygonzales.com. RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/MesaAllyshipMAR13
Session 2: Putting Allyship into Practice April 10th, 6-7:30pm
This hands-on session will dive deeper into the concept of allyship through group discussions and activities. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and role-playing exercises to explore how to address bias, encourage empathy, and create a supportive environment for all kids. This session will provide an opportunity to practice allyship skills and gain confidence in modeling and teaching them in daily interactions with children. See facilitator bio at betsygonzales.com. RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/MesaAllyshipAPR10
Join us for one or both sessions to strengthen your ability to support every child and build a more inclusive community!