New Group Promotes Diversity and Inclusion in WSSD

In the early evening of February 11, the library at the Swarthmore Rutledge School hummed with energy and ideas. Groups of parents, grandparents, teachers, and staff rotated around the room, with its bright blue rug and imagination station, brainstorming strategies to better support and teach about diversity in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. 

Suggestions and opinions flew in a cheerful cacophony, though the content was serious. “Teachers need training,” someone said. “The administration needs training,” responded someone else. Questions followed upon questions: Can we adopt or adapt another school district’s policy? Do we know the demographics of children in gifted programs? What about using ethnic food as a means for dialogue? Volunteers sat at tables, writing everything down and putting stars next to ideas the group felt were particularly important. 

This was the third meeting of a new group, SRS Big Idea, modeled on a similar initiative in the Rose Tree Media School District. Big Idea was brought to SRS by third grade teacher Jennifer Kennedy, fifth grade teacher Liz Corson, parent and former school board member Wendy Voet, and parent Satya Nelms, a writer and community organizer.

At the February meeting, the emphasis was on generating ideas in four categories, representing four future subcommittees: curriculum, resources, data, and community development. About 30 people attended, not just from SRS but from schools throughout the district. The mood was positive, even as the size of the challenge became increasingly evident. As one parent said, “It’s a mind shift for a lot of people.”

WSSD Director of Student Services Megan McCullough

Over the course of its initial meetings, the scope of the group has grown. People have come with new concerns: What about kids with disabilities? What about LGBTQ+ kids and families? What about kids being raised by grandparents? What about kids whose identities include multiple kinds of difference? 

“I want [my son] to feel he’s part of the fabric of the society,” said one parent. “That he melds in, but he is still unique.” 

“I think we all agree that whatever the administration is doing... is quite limited,” observed another. “Our kids are getting a fairly whitewashed education, and that’s not acceptable.” 

The next meeting of SRS Big Idea will be Tuesday, March 10, at 5:30, in the SRS library. WSSD Director of Student Services Megan McCullough will talk about what the district is currently doing to support inclusivity and will answer questions. All are welcome.