Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Northwood PTA

Source: Inclusion by Design: Insights from Design Week Portland; Gensler

As our Mercer Island community evolves and responds to local and national social justice issues and events, our PTA also seeks to acknowledge its impact in our community. To that end, our PTA recently passed an anti-racism resolution to affirm our position as an anti-racist organization and to guide our efforts moving forward.

In line with these efforts, our PTA added a new position to the Board: Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Fall 2020. The Director of DEI leads our PTA's DEI strategy and initiatives, and works in conjunction with the district-wide DEI team at the MI PTA Council and other MI school PTAs. Our hope is to support our commitment to respect and value each family and student. Northwood PTA aims to have all Northwood students benefit from a culture invested in diversity, while also practicing equity and inclusion - with the ultimate goal of a student body better prepared for their future.

The aforementioned efforts align with the National PTA’s commitment to DEI and that diversity is a representation of people including, but not limited to, “race, culture, religion, socio-economic status, age, geographic area, sexual orientation and gender identification, language, learning style and physical appearance.”

We know that this work is not easy. Changes will not come overnight and our community has a diverse range of viewpoints. And, it will take all of us to be successful. But, we also know that this work is important; and we are committed to it. We invite you to join us in getting involved and supporting this initiative. 

For More Information

Equity Work Across the Mercer Island Community

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resolutions and Statements from MI and NW PTA

OSPI Report Card & Diversity Summary for Northwood Elementary School

DEI Groups & Programs at Northwood PTA

Northwood PTA DEI Discussion Group

Special Services & Learning Differences Meet-Ups for Northwood Families

Learning Support Services at Northwood Elementary

Resources for Families with Disabled and Neurodivergent Children

Any questions, concerns or suggestions, please email our Director of Equity, and Inclusion - DEI@northwoodowlspta.org.

*Northwood Elementary also has a dedicated group of teachers serving as the school's Equity Team.