BSD 2021-22 Equity Community Workshop Series

BSD Equity Community Workshop Series

BSD is excited to kick off another year of equity-focused virtual workshops! These workshops are free and open to the public. In 2020-2021, the Office of Equity introduced an “Equity Webinar” series. Moving this work forward, we have renamed this virtual series “Equity Community Workshops” for 2021-2022 in order to provide more than just a traditional webinar as they include space for authentic engagement in courageous conversations and increased opportunities for dialogue.  

COMING UP NEXT!!!!!

Let’s Talk about Disability Advocacy Rescheduled for Wednesday, May 4th 6-7 pm

What is an IEP and a 504 plan and how do these protect students? Why is it important to focus on disability rights in schools? What are the struggles that people with disabilities have gone through in history and still persist today? Facilitated by BSD Office of Equity with BSD students and alumni panelists.

Join on Google Meet

Couldn’t attend the virtual workshops that were already offered? Many were recorded so you can listen at your own convenience. Scroll down to access previous workshops.

Let’s Talk about Whiteness Tuesday, March 8, 2022 6:00-7:00 pm – Why is it important to discuss “whiteness” in anti-racism work? What is white privilege, white fragility, and white supremacy organizational culture, and how do these show up in schools? Why is it important for white people to do the work to dismantle these systems and eradicate racism? Facilitated by BSD’s Equity Instructional Leader Autumn Bangoura, and BSD’s Youth and Family Restorative Liaison Virginia Litchfield alongside youth panelists. 

Gender Identity and Expression – February 8, 2022 6:00-7:00 pm

What is the gender spectrum and how can we support transgender and non-binary youth in our schools and our community? What is the difference between Gender Identity and Gender Expression? Facilitated by BSD staff, Nikki Ellis and Billy Ray Poli who will be joined by student panelists.

Let’s Talk about Student and Family Rights Wednesday, January 19, 2022 6:00-7:30 pmWhat rights do students and families have? What are the protected identity categories under Harassment? What responsibilities do schools have to respond to bullying incidents? What can you do if you or your child is being bullied? How do schools hold people accountable? Facilitated by BSD’s Director of Equity, Sparks, and BSD’s HHB Coordinator Jay Lawson along with a group of student panelists. 

Let’s Talk about Restorative Practices from Thursday, October 21, 2021 6-7 pm – What is happening with implementation of Restorative Practices (RP) in BSD? How do students and staff engage in circles throughout their school experiences? How does RP serve as a tool for equity? Participate in a virtual Restorative Circle facilitated by BSD students. Facilitated by BSD’s RP Coordinator Mika Moore and BSD student facilitators.  

Let’s Talk about Anti-Racism

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 6:00-7:30 pm 

How are students and teachers learning about race and racism in BSD? What does examining systemic racism look like in K-12 schooling? What is Critical Race Theory and why is there so much controversy surrounding it? Facilitated by UVM Doctoral Candidate Eliaquin Gonell alongside guest student facilitators from the Summer Racial Justice Academy and YPAR.

BSD 2020-21 Equity Webinar Series – Click here to view details about the 2020-21 Equity Webinar Series

December 17, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
An Introduction to Restorative Practices What are Restorative Practices? How are Restorative Practices being used at BSD? Participants practiced a virtual Restorative circle led by BSD student circle facilitators. Watch the webinar below.

February 3, 2021 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Racialized Trauma Explore the Intersectionality of Racism and Mental Health and participate in a conversation with a multigenerational panel from the BSD community.  Cosponsored by the Howard Center. Facilitated by Courtney Casper and Zachary Key. https://www.wcax.com/2021/02/03/burlington-school-district-to-host-racial-trauma-webinar/

Combating Ableism – April 8, 2021 6-7 pm What is ableism and how does it show up in schools? 

A moderated conversation about disability advocacy facilitated by BSD Student Alumni Zaley Deleonardis-Page and Eva Edwards-Stoll followed by Restorative Circle discussions in breakout rooms.  

AAPI Affinity Spaces May 7, 2021 5:00-6:00 PM This virtual event is hosted by the BSD Office of Equity and is open to all Asian, Asian-American, Pacific Islanders and non-Asian parents of Asian children in the greater Burlington community.  Come learn about what BSD is doing to address Anti-Asian racism and participate in breakout rooms to share your concerns and make recommendations to the school district.  Vietnamese, Karen, Burmese and Nepali translation is available. 

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth May 12, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Come learn more about how to support LGBTQ+ youth in schools and at home in partnership with Mara Iverson from Outright VT and a BSD multigenerational panel.