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
Eid a Fitr
On April 10th we celebrate Eid a Fitr, the end of Ramadan. The PTA DEI Monthly Spotlights highlight a person, place, or event of significance to a marginalized community with the understanding that we can always learn something new!
Ramadan is a special time for Muslims all around the world. It’s a celebration that lasts a month where Muslims show their love and devotion to God, called Allah. During Ramadan Muslims fast, which means they do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. This helps them understand how some people feel when they don’t have enough food to eat.
Fasting isn’t just about not eating. It’s also about being kind, patient, and helping others. During Ramadan, Muslims spend more time praying and reading the Muslim Holy book, called the Quran, and they also try to do good deeds like giving to charity, volunteering, and being of service to others. Every night during Ramadan Muslims say special night prayers called Taraweeh. These prayers are held in mosques and brings Muslims together to listen to the Quran, and reflect on the learnings in the Quran.
Every year Ramadan comes approximately 10 days earlier. That is because Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar, which follows lunar months (354-355 days in a year), instead of the Gregorian calendar that is used in most parts of the world and is used in the United States, which uses the Earth’s rotation around the sun (365 days in a year).
At the end of Ramadan, there’s a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr (Eid is pronounced “Eed” which rhymes with “feed”; al Fitr is pronounced “al fitter”), where Muslims come together with family and friends to feast and give thanks for the blessings they have. It’s a joyful time when they feel closer to each other and to Allah. Muslims say special Eid prayers to thank Allah, visit their families and friends, and exchange gifts. Depending on moon sightings, this year Eid al-Fitr will be likely on April 10th or April 11th. Help your friends, peers, and colleagues celebrate Eid by saying “Eid Mubarak!” which means “Blessed Feast”!
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