[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6689278,"mediaKeyId","2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307","parentId",2247907,"title","NKSD plans districtwide PD March 28; equity vision statement to be shared at school committee","audioSeconds",3770,"startMs",395000,"endMs",4165000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307&start=395&end=4165","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307/thumbnail_395000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6689278/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/NKSD-plans-districtwide-PD-March-28-equity-vision-statement-to-be-shared-at-school-committee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689278-dfffd0841f3d7f8a5ae57c7027b4271a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185059&Signature=lzDmQhEglPRReiL5uAKC00oWcTci6Y8tCJmQJ0GC9XJ~uaoWEYjIv0wG5Dc6png1WUNl50MW11zRqAi0ZLIQMTGq0J9spFUSUQQo60o3reefNrnkjVw7Z7vIpSYrciKYLpFcqjLYKkq1xQC03nnehssXyiC7ElcLi0eXBFc77E5CGpvMeyz5WneD6znOKl2BhBYHCfK8HYlKE1aUmfPy5qPMxPYRoQg5dCON24q842ks53TgokmZgLevErVZ77ImN0lWtNUkfqquitgLYBYzB-he0u01oJW19gkys-Rrfzw~stwLVXsabzkcLCnP0iMjBsgDbWA9ZLqYukTT3L3KFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Kingstown","date","2025-02-07T15:13:38.957Z","article","North Kingstown School District staff will hold a professional development day on March 28 that the DEI Advisory Committee said will include an all-staff opening and multiple breakout sessions focused on culturally responsive practices.

Sally Davidson, the district equity, belonging and community engagement coordinator, told the committee Jan. 5 that the morning session (about 8–11 a.m.) will convene staff from all buildings in the North Kingstown High School auditorium. “Rob is preparing a presentation about culturally responsive practices,” she said, describing the opening as an umbrella that includes culturally sustaining practices and culturally relevant pedagogy.

Why it matters: committee members said the PD day will be an opportunity to launch the district’s equity vision statement to a broad staff audience, provide choices for staff learning needs and surface additional professional development offerings tied to the district’s equity goals.

Key points

- The PD morning will be followed by two 50-minute breakout sessions in which staff can choose topics; organizers reported 18 proposed breakout topics and early survey responses showing interest across them.

- Topic examples include implicit bias and microaggressions, practices for maintaining high expectations for all students, and strategies for multilingual learners and students experiencing homelessness.

- The committee plans to share the equity vision statement with the school committee (the transcript notes the document will be presented to the School Committee at a meeting the committee chair referenced as “Tuesday”) and then use the March public launch to point staff and the public to additional PD resources and a potential web page linking to asynchronous options.

What committee members said

Paula (role: staff organizer) reported that an interest survey of staff indicated varied interest across all 18 breakout topics, and the committee agreed that offering choice would help staff feel involved. Committee members suggested using the March session to communicate the equity vision widely and to follow with additional career-long learning options such as asynchronous NHERI-style courses and district-curated PD lists.

Next steps and context

Committee members said they are preparing a short public launch of the equity vision statement and will align further PD offerings to the vision once the School Committee reviews it. The committee discussed compiling a list of existing PD activities attended by administrators, teachers and students so the DEI group can identify gaps and publicize options.

Quotes

“We will begin altogether as all NKSD staff from all buildings,” Sally Davidson said, describing the March morning session. “Rob is preparing a presentation about culturally responsive practices,” she added.

Ending

The committee plans to present the equity vision statement to the School Committee in the coming weeks and to use the March PD day to introduce the districtwide framework to staff; members said they will compile PD options to share at a later meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NKSD DEI SubCommittiee Meeting February 5th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","North Kingstown School District staff will hold a professional development day on March 28 that the DEI Advisory Committee said will include an all-staff opening and multiple breakout sessions focused on culturally responsive practices.","taxTitle","North Kingstown, School Districts, Rhode Island","taxId",73306,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689281,"North Kingstown DEI committee refines student survey; plans Student Union feedback session Feb. 12",2436,169000,2605000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307&start=169&end=2605","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/6689281/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/North-Kingstown-DEI-committee-refines-student-survey-plans-Student-Union-feedback-session-Feb-12","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689281-b8fe5c4108aefb566f01ed141af6b7c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185059&Signature=RONeuSfPb5PLAWwzjTJwnDQQFPoygr6bi0b~PldwRWsDlVMfnhkaE3PtcWNnOARydG3HPnq4X5h9MiqLzTinKN3MoapK8HJ3FlSEnJc9wZlVnylwS3VSJQQaYCg7F8t7GHxBluP5eaU4Pk3lTRXY0nbekgWcCzU5ejD0hMgPEN1zuz9f11LKmNwYvhRgfora~yCrcWVTKYjzBqS6l~0d58a0-mcqHvpHf8Yk3NR1IFda~P16TlpfM-iIva9XSd7Prjfwh6EkPgeUByZ7mTQGUbynHcsTFRs0cxQznJdWQ2P~eL6yzUnb-E~Lo39ONfx3--K21E3~k-02xUhEl7UFLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Kingstown School District Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee agreed Jan. 5 to test draft student survey questions with the Student Union before releasing a district-wide survey.

Committee members said the Student Union session will be a test run to check whether questions “land” with students and to gather suggestions that the committee can incorporate before recommending the survey to the school committee. Will Moss, a junior at MK High School, told the group he will present the draft questions to the Student Union and that the meeting with that group is scheduled for Feb. 12. “We’re just really waiting for the Student Union,” Moss said.

Why it matters: committee members said student input is central to designing questions about sensitive topics including microaggressions, discipline fairness, belonging/welcoming, racism, and supports for LGBTQ+ students. The group emphasized keeping questions age-appropriate, providing short definitions for complex terms, and offering response choices as well as open-ended fields to make the data usable.

Most important facts

- The committee will use the Student Union session as a pilot; feedback will be folded back into a final survey the committee will recommend to the school committee.

- Draft topics under review included: classroom management/discipline fairness; microaggressions (with suggested definition and wording choices); belonging/welcoming at school; actions to address racism; and supports for LGBTQ+ students.

- The committee discussed survey format options (multiple-choice with an “other” free-response vs. entirely open-ended questions) and recommended providing brief definitions and examples for terms such as “microaggression” and “racism.”

- Members agreed the survey should include information about trusted adults and how to report incidents, and that resources/contact information should accompany the survey to support students who are upset by the questions.

What the committee discussed in detail

On wording, members debated verbs and tone. For the microaggressions question, committee members suggested softer, student-centered phrasing; one member proposed the phrasing “if you see a microaggression, what would help you feel more confident addressing it?” Another recommended giving examples in parentheses (for instance, “Where are you really from?”) and defining the term before asking students to answer.

The group discussed whether to ask students whether they feel confident addressing microaggressions (which could assume a lack of confidence) or to ask what strategies or supports would help — and whether those supports should be phrased for the respondent (“what would help you”) or generically (“what would help someone address a microaggression”). Members suggested simplifying layered items and offering multiple-choice options (for example: ignore it, address it, tell a counselor) with an “other” box for full responses.

On reporting and supports, staff described existing channels at the high school level: school psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors and deans; students can also submit bullying or harassment reports online. Committee members raised the possibility that the person a student might turn to could be the same person who committed the microaggression, and recommended instructing students to contact an alternate trusted adult in that case. Committee members also asked that the survey include clear instructions on who to contact and where to find help.

Distribution and next steps

The committee discussed logistics: the Student Union pilot is next week’s engagement, after which the committee will refine questions and recommend the survey to the school committee. Members suggested distributing the survey during advisory periods once questions are finalized; the committee agreed to include accessibility accommodations (parents copied on student surveys, device support for nonverbal students) and to attach resource contact information with the survey.

Quotes

“We’re just really waiting for the Student Union,” Will Moss said about the planned pilot meeting. Sally Davidson, the district equity, belonging and community engagement coordinator, said the group should “provide a definition” of complex terms and keep wording simple and age-appropriate.

Ending

Committee members asked Moss to return with Student Union feedback at the next DEI meeting. The committee approved routine minutes at the start of the meeting and adjourned at the end of the session; precise vote counts were not specified in the transcript.

","Committee reviewed draft survey questions on discipline, microaggressions, belonging, racism and LGBTQ+ inclusion, decided to test questions with the Student Union on Feb. 12 before recommending a district-wide survey; members recommended definitions, multiple-choice options, and resources accompanying the survey.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689268,"DEI committee weighs discipline coding, restorative responses and staff diversity in NKSD",798,4230000,5028000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307&start=4230&end=5028","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307/thumbnail_4230000.jpg","/articles/6689268/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/DEI-committee-weighs-discipline-coding-restorative-responses-and-staff-diversity-in-NKSD","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689268-83eff4aa4b119c913950cc37fed0f8d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185059&Signature=U7YR~9Csxd-Sp0wupUOvotOVqQiTcPoU932ajbH8EQlcZibbroEstDiZ32lc2LRYFN-YLF0FKC~PX-oEUxMM1zuUWp7lbKq74-8aTrnuS8yTCEcYwctjpI22JuvnkHVWYyQR3ckkdFgRGi2HdBpSoDnTNRA~6OH644OX9GHvGr4nJ3F4UZ~kRTB623-093b~chJ7KrBA6rCce4bW-hNZ~f1UwlrOEXI0IfjYjRmCqmj~3PSgKfLZfYVR-Ax3bCUDXxjf8v2h1UmTpHNp5FDRYSElxq3iGJ0s5dgA1TnohDw2nN6l2D3h4djbBwO8pmEL5gtjQiZkkF~mD8xlzKV9yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Kingstown DEI Advisory Committee discussed Jan. 5 how the district documents and addresses hate-motivated incidents, the role of restorative practices in response, and ways to broaden staff recruitment to improve workforce diversity.

Committee members referenced recommendations from a recent equity audit that suggested stronger penalties and clearer coding for hateful speech and behavior; they also emphasized restorative education as a primary tool to teach and prevent repeat incidents.

Why it matters: committee members said incidents of hateful speech are sometimes coded under general discipline categories rather than using a hate-motivated behavior code, which obscures the scale of the problem and complicates district tracking. Members argued for both clearer coding and for restorative interventions that require students involved in incidents to demonstrate learning (for example, an assignment, art piece or presentation) rather than relying on punitive measures alone.

Details from discussion

- The committee debated how to balance punitive measures and restorative education. Committee members said restorative mediation — bringing parties together with deans or counselors to discuss the incident — is frequently effective when staffing permits, but they acknowledged that staffing constraints can limit restorative responses.

- Members noted the equity audit urged “greater penalties for hateful speech and behavior,” which the committee interpreted as both clearer enforcement (coding and consequences) and more consistent restorative follow-up and education.

- On recruitment and hiring diversity, members discussed practical steps to broaden candidate pools: inviting volunteers (including students) to interview committees, offering implicit-bias training to interview panel members, and expanding outreach beyond traditional posting sites to educator-preparation programs in Rhode Island and neighboring states.

Next steps

Committee members proposed: verifying whether incidents are being coded using hate-motivated behavior categories; assembling guidance or a template for restorative follow-up that includes evidence of learning; and piloting changes to recruitment practices such as training interview committee volunteers and tracking applicant diversity. A committee member said she would explore using search-committee volunteers and implicit-bias training ahead of the hiring season.

Quotes

“The equity audit recommended greater penalties for hate speech behavior,” one committee member said; another observed restorative follow-up that results in student reflection or a created piece is more educational than a solely punitive response.

Ending

Committee members agreed to bring policies, coding practices and candidate-recruitment options back to the next meeting for further discussion and possible referral to the School Committee or policy advisory group.","Members discussed coding of hate-motivated behavior, restorative practices after incidents, possible policy or penalty changes recommended by an equity audit, and steps to increase diversity in hiring, including implicit-bias training for interview committees and outreach to educator preparation programs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689273,"DEI committee proposes accessibility audit for NKSD facilities, including transportation and changing spaces",599,2967000,3566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307&start=2967&end=3566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247907-5dde67e393b3eaea1d8b980d78260307/thumbnail_2967000.jpg","/articles/6689273/North-Kingstown/School-Districts/Rhode-Island/DEI-committee-proposes-accessibility-audit-for-NKSD-facilities-including-transportation-and-changing-spaces","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689273-7173b9ce09fdc361ce7657d90dffef06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185059&Signature=Z2mjJpuUvL6EOJbaTJTKTZCBs6p~uwO7KjqWbiqL0KGy3uC790bhgcO7zqt39Wv5cIWi7I7ZNOIibqYOdJaOIDQN9ZhrThu1SO6Et9po3YNvPNzhDQaXL~fhj0Gn857e2UpJEX4eLqIPuOZrWnhnbhw3nmOY11B4nvamDB4zGgoV2ZTXeXrCPbWar~-00SVtRsba-h~58KNoEgS9r6MUNzkk9GmDRfvRYlHfmtj9OB6ZL3icfOxn~8bxxmhusB8~5s~-6TCWVydPbV4h42pYBO0qwiCI9czekAZKMzfCPYvkWCexoyoPHwbosnxkkJ81NQ5Nypmn~5YagPx4eoT4LA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Kingstown DEI Advisory Committee discussed Jan. 5 conducting an accessibility audit to establish a baseline of the district’s physical access and inclusion supports.

Committee member Mary (surname in transcript varies) presented a checklist of accessibility concerns she has encountered in school buildings and on district minibuses, urging a formal review of door openers, elevator reliability, accessible parking, bathroom facilities (including adult-size changing spaces), lighting accommodations and transportation equipment such as bus lifts and securements.

Why it matters: members said some issues are addressed case-by-case under individualized education plans (IEPs), but a districtwide audit could reveal gaps — for example, inconsistent access routes, restroom accommodations and transportation lift maintenance — that affect dignity and participation for students with significant disabilities.

Key details

- The checklist raised specific topics: automatic door openers at main entrances, elevator location/dimensions and mechanical reliability, accessible parking proximity to entrances, adult changing spaces in restrooms, softening fluorescent lighting and ensuring bus lifts and tie-downs are inspected and functioning.

- Transportation concerns included instances where minibuses could not deploy lifts on field trips and questions about whether ride times for some students are longer than necessary; committee members suggested consulting the transportation director for inspection and schedule practices.

- The committee discussed making visible what ADA upgrades are already planned under the district bond program and using an audit spreadsheet to track progress, needs, budget implications and policy gaps.

What committee members proposed

Members recommended producing an “accessibility audit” or checklist that documents building, transportation and program-level items; one member volunteered to transform the checklist into an Excel audit for cross-reference with current bond-funded ADA upgrades. Committee members also suggested seeking parent input about transportation experiences and reviewing policies to see whether language or guidance should be updated.

Next steps

A member volunteered to take the checklist and create a working audit spreadsheet for committee review and to bring the item back at the next meeting. The committee also discussed bringing questions and possible policy guidance to the School Committee or the district transportation director to resolve maintenance and scheduling matters.

Ending

Committee members said many accessibility fixes are doable but require documentation, coordination with facilities and sometimes budget allocation; the group will return with a scored audit and suggested next steps at a future meeting.","Members proposed a baseline accessibility review—checking entrances, elevators, restrooms, lighting and transportation equipment—and recommended visible reporting of ADA work already planned in the bond, plus parent input on transportation issues such as lift reliability and ride times.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

NKSD plans districtwide PD March 28; equity vision statement to be shared at school committee

North Kingstown DEI committee refines student survey; plans Student Union feedback session Feb. 12

DEI committee weighs discipline coding, restorative responses and staff diversity in NKSD

DEI committee proposes accessibility audit for NKSD facilities, including transportation and changing spaces