Belonging
"I feel I belong at my school when I experience a sense of happiness, inclusivity, camaraderie and personal fulfillment; and when I see all others experiencing those things, too."- BSD STAFF MEMBER
The Beaverton School District is an increasingly diverse district with 58% of students reflecting the global majority and more than 100 languages spoken in students' homes. Our staff values diversity, sees it as an asset, and continues to learn and implement culturally responsive practices that affirm each student’s identity. BSD students have shared that belonging to them is about relationships where they feel affirmed and respected. In addition to these themes, staff members have shared that belonging at BSD is about being seen, heard and valued. The respect and community that we're creating is one where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.
We work toward eliminating access, opportunity and expectations gaps in our daily practice.
Through continued implementation of our Equity Lens and Equity Lens Assessment Tool, our Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies and our Guiding Principles for Culturally Relevant Teaching in Professional Development, we strive to build and sustain learning communities in which all students, families and staff can feel a sense of belonging.
We continue to learn and grow.
We view learning as a never-ending cycle where we have an opportunity to self-reflect, challenge assumptions and continue to grow in our practice in order to improve student experiences.
We're working on the development and implementation of a systemic equity- and inclusion-focused professional development and collaboration program aimed at creating inclusive and culturally-affirming spaces for all students and staff.
There are multiple opportunities to keep learning at BSD. This includes our future administrator cohorts with Lewis and Clark College, school- and district-based professional learning teams, professional development opportunities, equity leadership teams (ELT), collaborating as part of a district cadre with the curriculum adoption process, and/or participating in one of the district affinity spaces.
WE BELONG
Videos
Check out Hazeldale Elementary School's cultural celebration. It's a chance for students and parents to share their diverse backgrounds with food, dancing and traditional dress.
Beaverton School District partners with the Native Wellness Institute to promote health and wellness in the Native community. See how having an Indigenous Games Night can help build community.
March is Music in our Schools Month. Meet Bonny Slope Elementary Music Teacher Clare Bourquein. In addition to spreading musical joy to thousands of children for the past 34 years, you'll also see she's quite the comedian.
Springville K-8 recently held their Global Gala. It's an opportunity for students, staff and families to experience all the different cultures that make up the Springville community. Take a look at their celebration!
You won't see a high school production of "Frozen" anywhere else in Oregon this year. See how Westview High School won the rights to this popular musical and why it will look different than the Disney movie version.
The International School of Beaverton just wrapped up Culture Week — a time for the school to celebrate and embrace the diversity of its students and families.
Cooper Mountain Elementary celebrated Lunar New Year by learning about Chinese paper cutting and welcoming Portland author Dane Liu.
Stoller Middle School has started a school-wide campaign called "No Hate November" in an effort to spread kindness and promote inclusivity at school. Watch and learn more.
Amanda Mendoza, pre-K teacher at McKinley, shares about her Native American heritage and how the school has been implementing classroom instruction around SB-13.
See how an instrumental music class is supporting students at Aloha High School.
Did you know that BSD has Newcomer Programs at three of our schools — Aloha-Huber Park K-8, Southridge High School and Beaverton High School — designed to support students and families who are new to this country?
As part of a schoolwide "Week of Kindness," see how 5th grade students at Elmonica Elementary are find ways to spread joy in their community.
The BSD is proud to announce the creation of the Verna Bailey Scholarship. Verna Bailey was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Mississippi in 1968.
In 2017, the Oregon Legislature enacted Senate Bill 13 to create K-12 Native American Curriculum for inclusion in Oregon public schools.
Students and staff at Raleigh Hills have been engaging in a self-portrait project.
Madison Lohn, a Westview senior in the Early College program, talks about her Native American heritage as well as the importance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
See how teachers at Sato Elementary School engage in conversations around anti-bias and antiracism themes with their youngest students.
STAFF AFFINITY GROUPS
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Staff Affinity GroupThis affinity group welcomes all BSD staff who identify as Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander. Example actions/work focus:
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Beaverton Education Association Racial & Social Justice Task Force (BEARSJ)This group meets to ensure that the teachers union (Beaverton Education Association) is expressing social justice values and to help support all union members in doing anti-racism work. Example actions/work focus:
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Beaverton LGBTQ+ Staff Affinity GroupThe LGBTQ+ Staff Affinity Group is open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ2SIA+. Example actions/work focus:
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Beaverton Minority Administrators Community (BMAC)This group is a space for BSD administrators from the global majority to be in community with one another. Example actions/work focus:
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Beaverton Multicultural Educator Committee (BMEC)This group serves as an affinity space for BIPOC educators and white allies. It works to creates a safe space for BIPOC educators and change in the district. Example actions/work focus:
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BSD Black Affinity GroupThis is an affirming space for Black staff to cultivate relationship, grow professionally, strengthen our community and support one another. Example actions/work focus:
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Disabled, Chronically Ill or Neurodivergent (ADCIN) Staff Affinity GroupThe ADCIN group welcomes Beaverton School District employees who identify as disabled, chronically ill or neurodivergent. Example actions/work focus:
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To learn more, please visit our Office of Equity and Inclusion webpage.
IN BSD...
WE BELONG |
WE LIVE |
WE GROW |
WE BENEFIT |
Please watch our video to learn more about living and working in the Beaverton School District.