HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2013-03-07 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
March 7, 2013
Present: Joan Hernandez, Aaron Draganov, Mary Hulvey, Kathleen Gantz, Mellody Matthes
Absent: Verna Seal, Charlie Penor, Brenna Arnesen, Nate Robinson
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
The minutes from the February 7 meeting were reviewed, but since minor edits had been made, Joyce
will circulate copies to members who were unable to attend tonight's meeting, and we will finalize the
minutes at the April meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Mellody shared information about "Girls on the Run" and check into having Karen Brosh, or someone
else, make a short presentation to the group at an upcoming meeting.
The March 4 Council meeting had initially included a presentation by the Somali community, but had to
be postponed due to an illness. Joyce will try to keep the Commission members advised when it is
rescheduled, so that folks can attend if interested.
Kathleen advised the group that 5 school district staff are taking Somali language classes.
The group discussed the benefits of having school staff as part of the Commission, and encouraged them
to share updates from the School District that might be of interest to the group, as a regular agenda
item for future meetings.
Kathleen and Mellody shared information about "We Day" — a program that started in Canada and
involves 6th — 12th grade students who do local and global projects. It encourages students to be active
and give back to the community. A pro -golfer who grew up in the Tukwila area is providing a special
medallion to kids from our district who participate in We Day. Since this is the first We Day in the US
(March 27 in Seattle), there is still much to learn from this first event. Joyce suggested having some of
the kids make a presentation at a future Council meeting.
Mellody also shared that the District is implementing a state-wide "standard" which may provide better
outreach to daycare providers. We have a lot of work to do, preparing young children for kindergarten,
including educating parents and providers, and developing tools that can be utilized in the home
Equity & Diversity Minutes
March 7, 2013
Page 2
environment. We've learned that early learning is very important in helping students be successful
when they reach school age.
The Commission members discussed the opportunity to sponsor a book drive. The month of May would
be a perfect time to host the drive, for the month, and then make the books available to parents and
students before the summer break. Bins could be placed in various places throughout the City. It was
felt the best target level would be elementary school.
Joyce will work with members via email to develop a flyer, collection points for books, etc.
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
DUE TO SPRING BREAK
NEXT MEETING APRIL 11, 2013