The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District stands united in support of all students, families and staff members. We are committed to providing a safe, caring, inclusive, equitable and challenging learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and to building a community that recognizes diversity as one of our greatest strengths.
Equity is not giving all students the same experience; it is about giving each student what they need to meet their potential and have full access to the opportunities that make up a Jamesville-DeWitt education.
Our commitment to equity will help guide how the district creates and implements policies and practices.
Equity Work at a Glance
Building Equity Teams
Building Equity Teams are dedicated groups of stakeholders who work together to evaluate school culture, identify areas to improve, and implement inclusive practices. They ensure fair access to resources and foster a safe, welcoming environment for all members of the school community. Teams at each building will meet throughout the school year as they work towards their identified goals.
Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-SE)
Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-SE) is a teaching framework designed to create inclusive learning environments that affirm students’ racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. CR-SE work involves validating diverse student identities, using inclusive lesson materials, and setting high academic expectations so every student feels valued and supported.
The district is moving forward with CR-SE work while ensuring efforts align with shifting graduation requirements. The New York State Education Department’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative defines the essential skills and competencies all students should possess to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. The statewide requirement for instruction to be aligned to the portrait begins with students entering grade 9 during the 2029-30 school year.
All new staff participate in CR-SE training as a part of their new staff orientation and onboarding.
CoAction Collective
This is a teacher-led initiative focused on implementing culturally responsive practices in classrooms. Participants are guided through a design thinking process in which they reflect on student belonging and engagement, deepen their understanding of their students’ experiences, identify possible solutions, and implement strategies in their classrooms. This work takes place in two cycles, one in the fall and one in the spring.
Equity Leadership Team
This is an internal group composed of the facilitators for each of our equity initiatives. The group meets monthly to share logistics and plans and to problem-solve any district-wide equity issues as necessary.
Professional Development
The district works to provide staff with ongoing equity learning opportunities like facilitated book studies and workshops during Superintendent Conference Days.