Author Archives: jhubert

Posted on by

Library Department DEI Faculty Meeting, 10/21/20

Submitted by: Jennifer Hubert Swan

What are we doing well?

  • Collection development
  • Book promotion (readaloud choices, booktalk titles, summer reading titles)

The Library Department is mindful of diversity, equity and inclusion when choosing books for the 4s-12th grade collection and when choosing titles to share with students through readalouds, booktalks and summer reading lists. We stay current in our DEI practice by reading reviews and articles that reflect this work in our professional journals and by participating in committee and roundtable discussions in our professional organizations. The journals we write for and the organizations we belong to (The American Library Association, The Hudson Valley Library Association, School Library Journal, Booklist, The Horn Book) are all actively engaged in this work and their standards and guidelines keep us accountable. 

Where are the gaps?

  • Despite our best intentions, we know our collection does not reflect every possible identity and/or viewpoint. We are looking at conducting a diversity audit of our collection in targeted areas this year as the schedule and space allow, and a more thorough audit in future school years. 
  • Programming, specifically in bias education: the Library Department is poised and ready to collaboratively teach bias in research and the media and are currently being underutilized by the institution. We could partner with and/or provide resources for any curricular topic in terms of identifying and developing critical thinking skills around bias, fake news, disinformation, misinformation, and other forms of media manipulation. 
Posted on by

Math Department Meeting #1 2020

Submitted by: Pat Higgiston

The Math Department talked about centering our work in the math program on both the mission statement and the diversity statement; holding the tension between “regular” math and critical math, teaching math as a mirror and a window, and teaching the kids so they can “play the game and change the game”. Here’s a pdf of the Jamboard that we shared for the meeting.
For next time, members of the math department will make a small material change to the structure of their class that addresses equity. It could be a routine of looking at a graph or data to start class (thanks Michelle!). It could be an election night assignment. It could be a project or a journal on math history for kids to work on.
We will endeavor to keep it simple, understanding that this is a “draft” change that will develop further with one another’s support. No reason to do this challenging and long work alone.
Posted on by

Library Department Meeting Notes, 10/1

Submitted by: Jennifer Hubert Swan

The LS librarian shared an LREI archives update, the MS librarian checked in about the execution of the digital literacy thread and shared what she and and the MS tech integrator have taught in 5-8 so far, and the HS librarian provided a HS library renovation update, and proposed a potential  e and audio book rollout to Lower/ Middle school.