JEDI

The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee at McKinley Elementary believes honoring and celebrating differences is the foundation of the International Baccalaureate Program, which uses education as a powerful tool to drive intercultural understanding and respect. 

Our role is to convene and promote programming furthering JEDI ideals; to serve as a consulting resource for school leadership and community members; and to actively work to make McKinley a place where all students, parents and guardians, and faculty and staff members feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.

The JEDI mission statement, created when the committee was established in the spring of 2021.

JEDI programming has included:

• Development and distribution of the JEDI Lens – an evaluative tool for school leaders and community members to assess inclusivity and compel action when creating curriculum and programming
• Monthly book collection curation and list distribution for the McKinley library celebrating diverse heritages and identities
• “Community Conversations” programming featuring guided, intentional discussion for parents around the topic of belonging
• Educational meetings for McKinley parents, guardians, and caregivers with presentations and discussion: topics have included personal pronouns; Black History Month; helping children understand their identity; and effective allyship
• Collaborative art projects for students at McKinley all-school community events
• Advising to McKinley fundraising initiatives (e.g. Jog-a-thon, SoNoFest, and Gala) regarding equitable programming and communication to promote community and connection
• Supporting Student Council in selecting beneficiaries of community service programming and nonprofit donations 
• Holding space for the community in the wake of national tragedies

2023 - 2024 JEDI Public Meetings

• 9/20 - Community Conversations
• 10/18
• 12/6
• 2/21
• 4/17
• 5/22