Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Equity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Allegheny students honored as NA Empower celebrates expression contest and committee work
Summary
The North Allegheny School District’s NA Empower committee presented its mission and survey findings May 20 and recognized winners of its annual expression contest, marking the program’s largest year with over 250 submissions and calls for greater student voice and equity.
The North Allegheny School District on May 20 highlighted student storytelling and equity work as the district’s NA Empower committee presented its mission and read winners of the annual expression contest.
Superintendent Dr. Highland opened the segment by thanking families in the audience and turning the presentation over to committee leaders Dr. Frasier and Mrs. Bajarelli. Dr. Frasier said NA Empower’s goal is to “promote a school environment where our students feel connected, their voices are encouraged, heard, and valued,” and described a district survey of exiting grade cohorts that the committee uses to assess school climate and incidents of harassment or discrimination.
Mrs. Bajarelli explained that each building has NA Empower “champions” — teachers, administrators, counselors and staff — who meet with subcommittees and hold open meetings for parents and community members. She invited attendees to join future meetings and participate in planning.
The board screened a video of student entries and announced more than 250 submissions this year, up from about 180 the prior year. The recorded student narrations and artwork emphasized identity, resilience and cultural stories; one student in the video described being deaf and using art and storytelling to share a perspective others might not experience.
Following the presentation, Mrs. Guest, principal at Peebles, and Dr. Frasier presented certificates and small gifts to winners across K–3, grades 4–8 and 9–12. The winners were photographed on stage with administrators; presenters encouraged continued participation next year.
Why it matters: NA Empower’s survey‑driven approach and outreach are intended to guide district policy and programming relating to climate, equity and Title IX processes. The committee’s public meetings and invitations to parents aim to increase community input on curriculum and student supports.
The board then moved on to other agenda items; the NA Empower presentation concluded with the awards and photo opportunities.
