During a recent special meeting of the Forest Hills Board of Education, significant strides were made in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the district's schools. One of the standout initiatives discussed was the successful implementation of "Inclusion Week," which took place last week. This event aimed to directly engage students in meaningful conversations and activities centered around belonging and inclusivity.

The idea for Inclusion Week emerged from previous DEI efforts that, while well-intentioned, did not reach a broad audience. Past events, such as "Mason Moves Forward," attracted only a small group of already informed attendees. Recognizing the need for a more impactful approach, the district sought to create an event that would resonate with students and foster a sense of community.

Collaboration played a key role in the success of Inclusion Week. The Forest Hills team partnered with Northfield Public Schools, leveraging insights from their own successful inclusion initiatives. This partnership allowed Forest Hills to develop age-appropriate activities that engaged students across various grade levels, ensuring that the themes of belonging and inclusion were accessible and relatable.

Feedback from parents regarding the content of the activities was overwhelmingly positive, with no significant pushback reported. This response indicates a strong community support for the district's efforts to enhance inclusivity in schools.

In addition to the discussions on Inclusion Week, the board looked ahead to upcoming end-of-year reports from school leadership teams, which will provide further insights into ongoing projects and future steps. These reports are expected to highlight the progress made in various initiatives and outline the challenges that lie ahead.

As Forest Hills Public Schools continues to prioritize DEI efforts, the community can anticipate more initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for all students, reinforcing the district's commitment to addressing the diverse needs of its student body.