Nov. 3, 2023
Dear Hudson City School District Community,
11-3-23 HCSD DEI Update Letter
We are making great strides in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Hudson City School District. The district has always been devoted to providing exceptional education, opportunities, and services to all students of diverse backgrounds and demographic markers. Initiatives being launched, blended with ongoing programs, will further ensure that we provide a culturally responsive, rigorous, and high-quality education.
In August 2023, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the New York State Attorney General released guidance for school districts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools. With our new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, Dr. Tia Pressey, in place, we are excited to report on our progress.
We will shortly survey students, teachers, and families to assess how well our schools provide welcoming, affirming environments for all; the connections students have with their teachers; and how well students feel they are included in all aspects of their education.
This exploration will examine information and insights in four major areas:
- Teaching and Learning
- Equity and Inclusion
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Family and School Relationships
The data collected will serve as a springboard to formulate action steps to ensure that every child is at the center of each educational journey. By frequently and consistently monitoring each student’s progress, we can identify their areas of strength and resources to support their areas of need.
This fall, we will train district and school-building leaders on New York State’s DEI Policy and Culturally Responsive Sustaining Framework across our three schools. Our faculty and staff will receive the training in the spring.
Dr. Pressey met with our equity ambassadors from all three schools and a DEI team of community business leaders and families to discuss students’ needs and to identify resources. The groups will collaborate consistently with school teams to support all students.
Dr. Pressey has shared her view that it is not enough to say it takes a village to raise a child. Instead, she says, “It takes a united village to teach all children the 21st century skills to set them up for success in college, careers, and life.”
We share Dr. Pressey’s belief and our conviction that in Hudson, #TogetherWeCan.
Sincerely,
Dr. Juliette Pennyman, Superintendent
Dr. Tia L. Pressey, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Hudson City School District Board of Education
- Willette Jones, President
- Mark DePace, Vice President
- Kjirsten Gustavson
- Selha Graham
- Lauren Jones
- Calvin Lewis
- Lakia Walker