Minh Nguyen of DESE’s Safe Schools Program Also Featured During Day-Long Training
BOURNE — Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou is pleased to announce that Bourne Public Schools staff engaged in a full professional development day that featured well-known speakers Dr. Kalise Wornum of KW Diversity, Inc. and Minh Nguyen of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Safe Schools Program.
The professional development day, which took place Tuesday, Jan. 18, was designed by Assistant Superintendent Barbara Starkie and the BPS Administrative team. This long-awaited presentation, which was planned over the summer, was attended by over 220 faculty and staff.
Topics for the day focused on diversity, equity and inclusion aligned with the BPS core values, “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe.” The professional development was an opportunity to listen, to learn, and to embrace concepts and practices that will strengthen BPS’s strategy to “Build community, Promote equity, and Strive for excellence.”
The presentations served to build on the work of the district’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which is comprised of staff, school committee members and community members.
“Today’s presentations from Dr. Kalise Wornum and the DESE Safe Schools initiative were integral in helping the district to make continued progress on building our system of multi-tiered supports for our students,” said Kelly Cook, the district’s 6-12 Curriculum Director. “The work today both affirmed that we have many of the tools in place to meet the needs of all of our students and that we are moving in a positive direction in order to ensure successful outcomes for all BPS students.”
Dr. Wornum’s presentation highlighted the role of teachers as “cultural translators” and “bridge builders.” She skillfully defined cultural proficiency and emphasized the importance of “knowing the child in front of you.” She briefed the staff on the guiding principles of cultural proficiency and challenged everyone to avoid deficit-based thinking.
Staff members interacted with Dr. Wornum via Zoom. They were active in the chat feature and visibly engaged in their work.
“Dr. Wornum is energetic and her passion for proficiency is palpable,” Assistant Superintendent Starkie said. “Her work builds on the desire of our staff to make all students feel welcome.”
“Much of what Dr. Wornum said helped me to reflect in my teaching and in my life,” added kindergarten teacher Doreen Whalen-O’Shea. “Specifically, her definition of culture struck a chord with me. Dr. Wornum defined culture as the filter we use to make sense of the world.”
Kim Iannucci, Bourne High School guidance counselor, added, “Dr. Wornum not only emphasized the importance of being open-minded and accepting when it comes to cultural proficiency, but also challenged us to be more curious about cultures other than our own. As a counselor, it’s natural for us to see students’ vulnerabilities and work with them to support their differences, but I am now inspired to learn more and dig deeper into all the various cultures of my students.”
DESE’s Nguyen boasted and met three very clear objectives in her presentation. She reviewed past and present LGBTQ+ terms and definitions, shared and elicited experiences of LGBTQ+ students and families, and reviewed policies and best practices.
“Minh spoke about some very relevant topics surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, especially when it comes to our students,” Iannucci said. “The teachers I work with are great in supporting our students and keeping an open mind, but it’s important to educate ourselves about an ever-changing world of expression and identity, and this presentation was certainly a huge help in doing so.”
“The training will go a long way to help BPS teachers support our LGBTQ+ and diverse students of all ages in class and within the school community. Understanding the unique needs of LGBTQ+ and diverse students will help us as we take proactive steps to ensure that students feel supported,” said Bourne Intermediate School Principal Jane Norton. “It is important that students are provided a safe and welcoming environment in order for them to reach their fullest potential socially and academically.”
The training allowed for staff to lean into the district’s longstanding goal of creating a welcoming and secure environment for all.
“Min Nguyen from Safe Schools allowed us to see things from more of the student perspective, and how to be a greater resource for not only our students, but also their families,” said Bournedale Elementary School Principal Liz Carpenito. “It was clear from the questions asked and discussions that the teachers are fully committed to creating a safe place in the community for all of our families.”
To learn more about Dr. Kalise Wornum and KW Diversity, Inc., click here. To learn more about DESE’s Safe Schools Program, click here.
###
