A space for EVERY Bulldog

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Briarwood

During the 2021-2022 school year, Briarwood’s PTA executive committee established an initiative to help support and advance a unified, equitable, and inclusive culture within our Briarwood community.   

 

Together with Briarwood’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, our PTA executive committee is working hard to make its PTA-sponsored programs accessible and available to all members of the Briarwood community.  Through these and other efforts, we hope to increase knowledge, awareness and respect for all groups. 

 

In addition to collaborating with Kansas PTA, SMSD and the Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA, our committee members also work with the Deep Equity Trainers at school to support teachers in their efforts to create a more inclusive classroom. DEIB committee chair is also a PTA executive committee member.

 

Following are examples of adjustments we’ve made at Briarwood in the last couple of years...

- Free admission to Briarwood community events - Bulldog Jog and Carnival
- Price spirit wear as low as possible to increase affordability
- Eliminated fee to participate in Chat & Chew 
- Bolstered Used Book Fair where books start at .25 cents
- Initiated Briarwood’s involvement in Special Olympics Unified Champions program
- Created DEIB committee to discuss key topics, issues and brainstorm
- Created DEIB page on Briarwoodpta.org outlining our initiative and commitment
- Created DEIB section of PTA newsletter to create awareness for under-represented audiences
- Provided all classrooms with Crayola Colors of the World crayons that represent all skin tones
- Transitioned PTA newsletter to online platform that automatically translates content into 100+ languages

 

If you are interested in taking an active role in diversity, equity and inclusion at Briarwood, please contact PTA Chair of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Telma Weisman at telmaweisman@gmail.com.

 

Additional Resources

Parent Resource: How to Talk to Your Child About Race and Injustice in America

Parent Resource: Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast