Committees

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

The mission of the DEI Committee is to work to celebrate diversity of all kinds and promote inclusive practices for students, families, and staff throughout the entire Newman Elementary School community. 

Guiding principles of the DEI committee

  • Be open and inclusive
  • Solicit input from the full Newman community and be responsive to it’s needs
  • Integrate DEI into “business as usual” at Newman and the PTC
  • Coordinate with key stakeholder groups (Needham Public Schools, Metco, DEI committees at other Needham schools, DEI groups operating in Needham and the greater Boston community) to share resources and ideas to maximize impact

Goals of the DEI Committee

  • Help the Newman Elementary School Community continue to grow as a supportive and welcoming environment for all students, parents, and teachers.
  • Promote productive dialogue, reflection, exploration, personal development and growth.
  • Work toward a shared understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Identify opportunities where our Community may improve capacity and commitment to equity and engage in ways of being inclusive.

DEI at Newman and in Needham Public Schools

DEI Resources for Parents

Many parents have questions when it comes to discussing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is challenging to understand what is appropriate to discuss with children at different developmental stages, knowing how to communicate effectively with children on these topics, and how to handle questions from children when they arise. The resources below (as well as the information from the Needham Public Schools and Newman staff linked above) are intended to help parents answer some of these questions.

Racial Literacy Curriculum Presentation with Principal Jessica Peterson – Winter 2023

Parent Welcome Mixer – Fall 2022

Author Ty Allan Jackson – Spring 2022 Guest Speaker

T-Shirt Fundraiser – Spring 2022