As a result of the racial equity and inclusion work that Kindred facilitated at Miner last spring, the Miner community established a formal Equity Team of parents, teachers/staff, and neighbors to continue these important efforts. The overarching goal of the Equity Team to share ideas and implement actions that will lead to a more equitable and inclusive environment at Miner, one where everyone’s voice can be heard.

The Equity Team will be holding a kickoff meeting on Thursday, October 3 with two identical sessions: one at 9:00 AM after drop off, and another at 3:45 PM after pick up. Both sessions will be held in the Large Group Instruction Room, on the second floor just above the library. Refreshments will be provided, and the afternoon session will have free child care.

This initial meeting will be to establish the “who/what/when/where/why” of the team, and then to share ideas and suggestions for actions to improve equity and inclusiveness at Miner for the benefit of all students and families. The Equity Team has created a short survey to collect initial feedback from those who may not be able to attend in person. A paper form and an online form are both available on the Equity Team’s website: www.minerelementary.org/equity-team.

For more information about Kindred, visit their website at kindredcommunities.org. On September 20, 2019, the Washington Post published an article about the work Kindred has been doing in DC schools, including at Miner: https://wapo.st/2IhMuVn?tid=ss_mail.

More information about the Equity Team, visit their page on Miner’s website: www.minerelementary.org/equity-team.

To be added to the Equity Team email list or for general inquiries, email MinerEquityTeam@gmail.com.

The Miner PTO wishes to thank everyone who donated snacks, drinks, and bathroom supplies for the teachers and staff this week! We also wish to thank Hannah Williams and Chad Lorenz, who helped distribute the donated items! The teachers and staff seemed to really enjoy the treats throughout the day, and the soaps and lotions were a welcome addition to the faculty restrooms throughout the school.
 
Since this event was such a success, the PTO Appreciation and Recognition Committee would like to continue offering drinks and snacks to teachers and staff on a regular basis throughout the year, around the first of each month. We will send reminders ahead of time, but if you would like to donate any snacks or drinks, or volunteer your time in helping to unpack and distribute the items, you can also contact Hannah Williams (williams.hannah@gmail.com). 
 
Thank you again to our Miner community for your help and support! ​