‘Know, Value, and Empower Every Student to Achieve Their Dreams’ Is Critical Equity Work

My decision to become a part of the EAE team came from my profound desire to engage in district-level equity initiatives -- a chance to navigate the intricate landscape of educational systems and cultivate meaningful change. Little did I know that I would discover a role that offered so much more by joining!?- Yessica Hardin Mercado - PK-12 EAE TOSA

The Equity, Access, and Engagement Team of Hillsboro School District passionately serves the HSD community in a myriad of ways. From professional learning opportunities, family engagement events, connecting with district and community partners, ensuring equitable and inclusive practices throughout the district, elevating student voice and engagement, and nurturing a positive and healthy culture and climate in all HSD schools. Our 19,000 students, each representing unique backgrounds and cultures, are at the heart of our team's efforts. The EAE team is composed of a diverse group of professionals committed to the district’s goal to “Know, value, and empower every student to achieve their dreams.” Each team member brings unique and relevant perspectives, critical thinking, an assets-based mindset, and strategic approaches that reflect the heart of the Transformative social-emotional work that the team champions throughout the district.

Reflection is at the core of my professional practice. Through reflection, I consider my own identity as a Black middle-aged woman born in Tennessee and now serving students and families in Oregon.? Being a part of a team that practices critical reflection and curiosity, as we challenge ourselves and each other, has been empowering for both my professional and personal growth. - Dr. Xylecia Fynn-Aikins,PhD - (Former) Universal Supports Secondary TOSA

The depth of topics and wide range of needs of students, staff, family/caregivers, and community members, as related to equity issues, requires the team to constantly challenge their biases and assumptions for deeper curiosity, reflective listening, and collaboration. The team relies on consistent collaboration and reflection to support its work. To achieve this collaboration, the team members invest in building and nurturing their relationships and building trust to support each other’s work. True collaboration can be nothing short of transformative for a team. Throughout any given period, challenges can arise that test individual skills and the bond within the group. However, when true collaboration is embraced these challenges become opportunities for growth and cohesion. Collaboration has increased each team member's self-awareness and inspired their curiosities for how they can get better individually and collectively. Although each team member has a designated set of duties and responsibilities, they share work and thoughts to build capacity and sustain their services throughout the district.?

At the heart of my professional pursuits is the promotion of engagement, collaboration, and the elevation of all voices. I proudly identify as a Pacific Islander born in Los Angeles, and my multi-racial upbringing strongly influences my role as the leader of the Equity Access and Engagement Team. Together, our team prioritizes collaborative efforts, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and valued in all our endeavors. This team is magical and our success is built upon the relationships and interactions we are honored to engage with. - Francesca Sinapi , EAE Officer?

Because the work of the team is critical to the district’s goals and students’ success, Francesca Sinapi , Equity, Access, and Engagement Officer and the team’s supervisor, established the EAE Team Huddle to ensure transparent and timely communication, sets attainable goals, establish priorities, outline relevant supports, and strengthen accountability. For example, team debriefing is essential to the accountability and capacity building for the department’s work. Members ask probing questions that challenge each other’s thinking and prompt the consideration of new approaches and perspective-taking. This pushes the work beyond a linear status quo of checklists to be more transformative, inclusive, and reflective of the needs of a diverse HSD community.

“I joined the EAE team in 2022. I was eager to channel my skills and passion into fostering Belonging, Community, and Engagement for all students and families in HSD. Never did I expect to be embraced, challenged, and inspired by such a diverse group of educators. As a white middle-aged woman, I had the opportunity to hear the voices that are so many times absent from the tables we sit at when making decisions in education. And this time, these voices weren’t merely providing isolated feedback, they were leading the work of Transformative SEL and truly igniting change in the social and academic norms for our students. I will be eternally grateful for this team, their friendship, and the profound personal growth I have experienced.” - Jennifer Williams - Universal Support & SEL PK-6 TOSA

The team in collaboration with district partners supports numerous initiatives designed to serve HSD students, families, and caregivers. The EAE team is responsible for the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in all schools which is critical for developing positive relationships and nurturing healthy school climates where every student feels they belong, are seen, and are heard. This work not only invites but also elevates the narrative and stories of students as critical components of their achievement. Additionally, Family Engagement is a top priority in which this work is led through robust efforts to partner with families and caregivers through ongoing meetings with Parent and Family Advisory Committees providing opportunities for insights, feedback, and recommendations for how to improve school experiences. Moreover, the PACs provide opportunities for families and caregivers to gather and deepen their own relationships and support networks within their communities.

The work of the EAE team is anchored by and centered on the HSD vision to know, value, and empower every student to achieve their dreams. This vision means that all students have access to opportunities that enable them to thrive in their individuality, uniqueness, and exceptionality.

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