Our Philosophy
Stoneleigh PTA Statement of Purpose:
The SES PTA is committed to promoting an environment of inclusion and equity and fostering diversity for all the SES Community. The PTA will communicate these beliefs and definitions with other PTA members and committees and critically reflect on areas where our PTA has successes and where we have challenges when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will work with all PTA committees and stakeholders to ensure events and activities promote an environment of inclusion and equity and foster diversity. See our full DEI Statement.
Goals:
- Collaborate with our faculty, staff, guardians, and community to develop sustainable solutions that work for a diverse range of children and families, especially those underrepresented and/or marginalized in our communities.
- Facilitate ongoing conversations in order to evaluate areas of improvement for ourselves and the greater SES community, including educators and policymakers.
- Solicit input from diverse members of our community, especially those underrepresented and/or marginalized in our association and incorporate the input in visible and meaningful ways.
- Account for cultural and communication differences and understand the power dynamics at place in the SES community and our PTA.
- Provide a safe space for all members of our community to engage in conversation and learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Work with all PTA committees to ensure events, outreach and engagement are done with the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Monthly Spotlight
Diwali – Oct 31, 2024
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a fun and colorful celebration that Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, in India and around the world enjoy! Diwali is celebrated over five days, with the fourth day marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change each year, but it usually falls in late October or early November. This year Diwali starts on October 31st.
The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights”. The festival is based on the story of Rama and Sita, who were banished from their kingdom by their stepmother. The story symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the importance of being kind, brave, and honest.
During Diwali, families clean their homes, decorate with beautiful lights and colorful rangoli (art made with colored powders), and set up tiny oil lamps called diyas. People light lamps at Diwali to show that light is more powerful than darkness, and good is more powerful than evil. Diwali also celebrates new beginnings.
This celebration brings families and friends together. People exchange gifts and sweets, and enjoy lots of delicious food! Fireworks light up the night sky, making it an exciting time for everyone. Many people pray to goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, asking for good luck in the coming year.
Diwali is a time for family, joy, and celebrating together!
DEI Committee Meetings
- Next meeting: Wednesday, May 1st at 6:30pm
- Email ses.pta.dei@gmail.com for upcoming dates and location information
- All are welcome!
DEI Contact
- Kerri Cohen, Committee Chair
- Monique Whitney, Committee Co-Chair
- ses.pta.dei@gmail.com
DEI Books and Book Lists
- The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler and illustrator David Lee Csicsko
- Parents for Diversity – Diversity Library
- How to Teach Your Child Positive Reactions to Neurodivergent Traits
- The Chicago Museum’s Race, Diversity, & Inclusion Resources for Parents & Caregivers
- How to Answer Kids’ LGBTQ+ Questions
Resources for Caregivers
- Gender Diversity in the Workplace
- Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup
- BCPS Reading Resources about Race