We are excited to share an important initiative from our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW) Department: the DEIW Resource Hub. This digital repository will serve as a central space for exemplary curricular and instructional resources that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our schools. One example is our new DEIW Cultural Calendar, currently under construction!

This detailed letter outlines the purpose of the DEIW Resource Hub, its significance, and how you can contribute. Your expertise and creativity are vital to the success of this project, and we encourage you to share any relevant resources you may have.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all our students. Together, we can make a lasting impact in our community.

A Message from the Director of DEIW

Dear Belmont Public Schools Community,

As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, we take this opportunity to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month-long celebration began in 1968 as a week-long event, which expanded to four weeks and was enacted into law in 1988. It reflects the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the achievements, contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latin American people, providing us with a vital opportunity to recognize their impact on our society. 

This month is not only a celebration but a vital invitation to create mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors that center our Latine/a/o/x and Hispanic cultural identities (Bishop, 1990). Mirrors reflect our own identities and experiences, allowing students to see themselves in the curriculum; windows offer views into the lives and cultures of others, fostering empathy and understanding; and sliding glass doors provide opportunities for engagement and connection with diverse narratives. It is essential that we integrate these identities into our curriculum year-round, while also highlighting and celebrating them during this dedicated period. By doing so, we empower our students, especially our Hispanic and Latine/a/o/x students, to see themselves reflected in their education and to understand the diverse narratives that shape our shared experience as a community.

As of 2023, Hispanic and Latino Americans constitute nearly 20% of the U.S. population, totaling over 65 million individuals. In Belmont Public Schools (BPS), as of October 2024, our Hispanic/Latine/a/o/x student population was 5.8%. This vibrant community plays an essential role in shaping the nation’s economic, cultural, and political landscape.

We encourage families to participate in local and statewide events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our community and appreciate the vibrant Hispanic culture. Consider attending festivals, parades, and educational workshops that highlight the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Please see the full text of this letter for links to valuable educational resources, as well as information on other observances taking place this fall.

Sincerely,

Darnell Thigpen Williams
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW)
Belmont Public Schools

Belmont Public Schools invites you to help shape the future of our schools by joining our Climate Survey Task Force.

This diverse group will bring together students, teachers, staff members, families, and community partners. The task force will design surveys, plan implementation, and generally give voice to our students, families, and staff to influence decisions that affect our school environment.

Meetings will be scheduled throughout November through April. Please see this flyer for more details.

Interested? Please email Darnell T. Williams at dwilliams@belmontschools.net to learn more or sign up!

A Message from the Director of DEIW

Dear Belmont Community,

I am thrilled to announce the return of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW) news and events page on BPS DEIW News. This page serves as a hub for the latest news, events, and initiatives highlighting Belmont Public Schools’ commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.

On this page, you will find:

• Announcements and Events: Stay tuned for exciting upcoming activities and important announcements that promote DEIW within our community. This section will feature events hosted by BPS as well as initiatives from our broader community partners. Check back frequently to ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities to engage, learn, and celebrate together.

• Updates on Initiatives: Information about our current DEIW programs, from hiring practices to professional development resources.

• A Calendar of Events: Details on upcoming community forums, workshops, webinars, and heritage month celebrations.

• Spotlights and Stories: Profiles of diverse team members and narratives that celebrate their unique contributions to our community.

• Educational Resources: Links to articles, videos, and guides to deepen our understanding of DEI topics and allyship.

This space is for everyone to stay informed, get involved, and celebrate the diverse perspectives that enrich our school community. We invite you to visit the page, explore the resources, and participate in upcoming events.

Additionally, we welcome community partners to share events, flyers, workshops, and other resources you would like us to post on this page. Your contributions are vital to our collective efforts.

Thank you for your commitment to making Belmont Public Schools a place where everyone belongs. Together, we can create a vibrant community that values diversity and inclusion.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Warm regards,

Darnell Thigpen Williams
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being
Belmont Public Schools