No Room for
Racism
in Our Schools
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The expectation of our Kent School District students, parents, staff, and community members is that our schools provide a safe and caring environment where all students are treated with respect. In addition, every school must be staffed with loving, caring adults who value the individual differences in all our students. Unfortunately, sometimes our system is faced with incidences where this is not the case - especially with looking through a racial bias lens.
To address this complicated issue of racism in our schools, we cannot ignore the history of public education. The American public education system in this country from the Mayflower to this very moment never achieved an equitable education system.The structure was designed for centuries to ensure that SOME kids got an excellent education. SOME kids got a fair education. And SOME kids got an education that was an insult to the word "education". This racist practice goes against our ideals of freedom and equality; and it is our responsibility to fight it.
As union members and educators, we stand united in our support for diversity in our public schools and ensuring that all students are welcomed and supported. The Kent Education Association opposes racism everywhere, including in our classrooms, in our schools, and on social media. We strongly oppose and condemn the racist and bigoted comments recently made on social media by a Kent educator.
It is every educator's responsibility to deal with incidents such as name-calling, racial slurs and jokes and social media seriously. It is every educator's responsibility to encourage extracurricular activities where students can explore and celebrate their cultural heritage and backgrounds and individual differences. And it is the responsibility of every educator to call out racism when they see or experience it. Only then will we see improvement towards equality for all.
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Special Guest:
Maya Vengadasalam
Monday, February 3
4:30 6:00 pm
Kent Education Association
10427 SE 244th St.
Come, join the conversation, get involved and help us make a difference while
enjoying
free pizza
and
free beverages!
Please
RSVP if you plan to attend!
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Sound Off- Tell Us What You Want for Trainings
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 When members like you shared thoughts about WEA trainings by taking the WEA PreK-12 PD Survey in 2017, WEA responded with a variety of new courses in the highest priority areas you identified (certification, closing the opportunity gap, special education, STEM, workplace skills, etc.) offered in more regions.
As we move into a new decade, please help us shape our future offerings by participating in WEA's current Professional Development Network (PDN)
statewide survey
. Your time is invaluable, so we'll keep it short-about 10 minutes.
Together we can effect change. But only with your help.
We look forward to reviewing your opinions and ensuring you have access to trainings you need, and we thank you for all work you do for our public schools and students.
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Elections are Happening Now
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 Elections for WEA/NEA RA and the calendar vote are now taking place. Please see your building rep if you have not voted. The ballots are due back to the KEA office on Wednesday, February 5 at 5:00.
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KEA Teachers Rock:
Tacoma Stars Indoor Soccer Game!
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Come watch the Tacoma Stars take on the California Express
Friday, February 7 @ 7:30 pm at the Kent Showare Center
Join your KEA Family for some indoor soccer! These games are always high energy and a ton of fun! Tickets start at only $12!
Click here to purchase.
Click Here to purchase your KEA discounted tickets!
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Sick Leave Donation Requests :
Below are fellow KEA members in need of sick leave donations. If you have more than 22 days of sick leave and would like to donate, please download and complete the sick leave donation form and send it via district mail to the HR designee listed
next to the person you wish to donate to.
Pamela Esper:
Send via district mail to Elizabeth Stodgell
Misty Conners: Send via district mail to Elizabeth Stodgell
Tabitha Plotke:
Send via district mail to Elizabeth Stodgell
David Jarrell: Send via district mail to Elizabeth Stodgell
Laura Richards:
Send via district mail to
Elizabeth Stodgell
Brandi Egbert:
Send via district mail to Elizabeth Stodgell
If you are in need of sick leave donations please contact HR. They will notify us that you qualify and we can put your request here.
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Upcoming Events
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Pizza & Conversation
February 3
ESA Certification 101
February 4
Rep. Council Mtg
February 5
Elementary Conferences
February 10-14
Educators of Color Network
February 12
President's Day
KEA Office Closed
February 17
Executive Board Mtg
February 26
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KEA Classified Ads
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Have something you'd like to rent, buy or share?
Post here, look here!
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Visit Our Website
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up-to-date info on issues that affect you
being a member has lots of benefits! Check them out.
read your contract online
frequently asked contract questions
KEA Teachers Rock Events:
great events offered at discounted rates just for you- why? because you ROCK!
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