PS 321’s Equity & Inclusion Mission Statement:
PS 321 strives to be a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all parents, caregivers, and children. We aim to support educators and students with resources to ensure that anti-bias and diversity are an integral part of the school community. Utilizing a framework developed by the Anti-Defamation League, PS 321 is committed to combating bias, bullying, and hatred.
The PTA Equity & Inclusion Committee at PS 321 works to embrace equity and inclusion as more than just a concept. All caregivers and parents are automatically apart of the PTA, and any PTA member is welcomed to participate in the committee. Equity and Inclusion is a conscious space focused on building community, fostering an environment of belonging and understanding through conversations and awareness.
Equity & Inclusion Committee Community Norms:
- Speak from your own experience & learn from the experience of others
- Listen with the intent to understand
- It’s okay to disagree, but no shaming, blaming, or attacking
- 1,2,3, then me
- Be okay with not knowing and non-closure
- Presence over performance
- Confidentiality – what we say here stays here, what we learn here, leaves here
- Welcome the feelings
- Impact over Intent – think about how words land
PS 321 Anti-racist Mission Statement:
PS 321 affirms our identity as an educational institution practicing antiracism. We condemn racism, discrimination, and bigotry in all forms. As Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We are striving to counteract racism, promote the dismantling of systems of oppression, and empower our community in working towards these goals. We recognize that racism is systemic and self-perpetuating. Therefore, the work of consistently identifying, describing and dismantling it requires a sustained systematic approach to examining structures, policy, practice, attitudes, and outcomes. We will work to build the tools and skills that all members of our community—students, staff, and families—need to actively engage in conversations about privilege, racism, and bigotry. We will do this in age appropriate ways with our students. Our hope is to empower community members to enact change that leads to equitable outcomes for all, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color who have been historically marginalized
Historic Events in which the Equity & Inclusion (E&I) Committee Has Participated
Around the World in 80+ Minutes – Spring
Note: This event is led by International Parents, with support from E&I.
This is the Equity & Inclusion Committee’s flagship event of the year. Families are invited to share and celebrate their cultures with the entire school community. Upon arrival, children receive a passport, mark their origins on a world map, and embark on a journey “around the world.” The first floor of the school transforms into a vibrant cultural fair featuring interactive and educational activities hosted by parent and family volunteers. Past highlights include Indian henna tattoos, Japanese fan-making, Brazilian Capoeira, Australian dot painting, Guatemalan weaving, Iranian calligraphy, Nigerian mask making, Spanish flamenco dancing, and World Cup soccer—among many others.
Celebration of Black Lives Quilt – February
Throughout February, students explored the lives and legacies of Black authors, leaders, and heroes. The month began with Black Lives Matter in School Week on January 31, during which students engaged with the 13 Guiding Principles of the Movement for Black Lives. Their learning culminated in the creation of quilt squares honoring either a principle or a historical figure. These squares were assembled into the Celebration of Black Lives Quilt, now displayed throughout the school.
Family Affinity Groups
For the past couple of years, we have worked on building some groups for providers and caregivers to connect in small groups around shared identities and experiences. In a school as large as ours, we believe that helping to create ways for families to come together is an essential part of the 321 community and PTA. The equity and inclusion committee is hoping to do that here with these affinity groups. Our goal is to connect caregivers and families with shared identities and then hand it off to you to figure out how best to meet up. It might be that you just share thoughts through a google group or it might be that you organize some in person or zoom get togethers.
In all cases “grown-ups” includes all guardians, parents or caregivers who are part of the 321 community. If you have any questions, please reach out to equity-inclusion@ps321.org
As per chancellor’s regulations, these groups are open to all grown-ups who wish to participate. These groups have been created based on needs within the 321 community. If you or others feel like another group needs to be created, please reach out. We also encourage all members to join us at our monthly Equity & Inclusions meetings.
Join an Affinity Group
- AAPI Group
- BIPOC+ Identifying Group (this includes those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latino/a/x or other group)
- Latino a/x/eIdentifyingGroup
- White Families Collaborating on Antiracism and Allyship
- LGBTQIA+ Group (for LBTQIA+families and children who are LGBTQIA+ and LGBTQIA+ questioning or curious)
- Families of Neurodiverse Learners Group
- International Family Group
- Spanish Speaking Families Group
- Solo Caregiver Community
- Jewish Families Support Group
- Muslim Families Support Group
- Women’s Health Support Group
Additional Community-Building Events
- AAPI Heritage Month Bulletin Board
- Brooklyn Pride Parade
- SLT-Led Affinity Groups
- Parents of Color Night Out