• The Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging (D.E.I.B.) Group exists to help the Montclair community do the work of creating a truly inclusive learning environment for our students and supportive, equitable collaboration amongst our families. All are welcome to participate in the ongoing conversation. The PTA Diversity Equity and Belonging Group meets the 3th Tuesday of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., usually virtually.

    Our goals and mission.

    We, the Montclair Elementary School PTA, are interested in learning more about what diversity and inclusion mean to you and our MES community of students, teachers, administrators, and families. How can we be more inclusive of the multiple identities we bring to our school community? How would you like the PTA to better engage with our community on this topic? What would help you feel better included in our community? And how can we, as a community, contribute to a more inclusive environment for all?

    Students, parents, teachers and administrators- together we can build and foster an equitable and inclusive school community.

    What is equity?

    Working towards equity means interrupting inequitable practices, challenging biases, and creating inclusive school environments for all and removing the predictability of success and failure that currently correlates with any social or cultural factor discovering and cultivating the unique gifts, talents and interests that every human possesses.

     

    National PTA statement.

    PTAs everywhere must understand and embrace the uniqueness of all individuals, appreciating that each contributes a diversity of views, experiences, cultural heritage/traditions, skills/abilities, values and preferences.

    When PTAs respect differences yet acknowledge shared commonalities uniting their communities, and then develop meaningful priorities based upon their knowledge, they genuinely represent their communities. When PTAs represent their communities, they gain strength and effectiveness through increased volunteer and resource support.

    The recognition of diversity within organizations is valuing differences and similarities in people through actions and accountability.

    These differences and similarities include age, ethnicity, language and culture, economic status, educational background, gender, geographic location, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position and tenure, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and work experience.

    We value collaboration.

    Your input and collaboration will help strengthen our diversity and inclusion priorities.  Interested in leading diversity and inclusion events at MES, parent education nights, planning Heritage Day, or have ideas and feedback- please feel free to email PTA VP for Diversity & Outreach at deib@montclairschool.com and please join our DEIB Committee on Konstella.