10/9/2018 MASHPEE INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Minutes

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their home environment. Ms. DeBoer emphasized teachers to make school the best 6 '/z hours of a student's day. The schools worked to bring in speakers for assemblies and resources to address issues. The high school hosts clubs such as Human Rights Club, Gay/Straight Alliance, Peer Leaders,MVPs (mentors trained to prevent violence) and Teen Task Force. Ms. DeBoer referenced an essay indicating that students may have felt sheltered at Mashpee and not exposed to more challenging topics, so an effort was being made to ensure that valuable conversations were occurring about issues. At the lower schools, a similar mindset was in place whereby staff and teachers supported kids facing challenges and programming for teachers was available to learn how best to address student issues and any resulting behaviors. Ms. DeBoer noted that Mashpee had a very strong guidance staff to support each of the schools. Ms. DeBoer also referenced the benefit of connecting and developing personal relationships, which would make a difference in students' lives. The Chair inquired about issues that the district was facing and Ms. DeBoer responded that the temptation of drugs was an issue they had been working to address with students and parents. There was discussion regarding the importance of being involved and knowing the right questions to ask. Ms. Johnson-Graham thanked Ms. DeBoer for the district's honoring of Indigenous Day, in place of Columbus Day. The Chair inquired the ways in which the MIDC could help the school. Ms. DeBoer referenced a recent course offered about Wampanoag culture provided to educators, stating that the culture represented the face of the classrooms and teachers could better understand the background of their students with similar programs, exposing staff to different perspectives. The Chair added that teachers have greater responsibilities beyond teaching. The Chair suggested the idea of sharing personal experiences with students at the school through identifying representatives from different groups. The Senior Center would be a resource representing many different experiences. Ms. DeBoer agreed that first-hand accounts provided a very strong connection for students. The Chair shared a photograph from a very diverse former Human Rights Club and a student experience who had her photograph scratched out, but asked to keep it in place as a reminder of the issues of diversity and hate. Mr. Gonsalves agreed that the school was a tight-knit community, with supportive groups of friends. Mr. Gonsalves appreciated seeing the Wampanoag community coming together and reaching out to others in the community. It was Mr. Gonsalves' opinion that students at the school showed an appreciation of different culture and beliefs. The Chair emphasized a need to focus on what unites and praising it. Mr. Horner asked that his books be given to Ms. DeBoer as a resource for their library. Ms. Johnson- Graham noted that the school housed a good library, which included books about the Wampanoag culture. The Chair referenced the Town Library and their efforts to promote inclusion and diversity. The Chair emphasized the importance of recognizing Mashpee's specific needs, referencing recent comments made regarding the Wampanoag community. The Chair encouraged all members to share information about events planned or attended, with the Committee. The Chair shared her experience attending a recent Tribal meeting, inviting non-members, to learn more about issues being faced by the Wampanoag community. The Chair found the meeting very informative, passionate and appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Wampanoag concerns and was able to share about the establishment of the MIDC. Ms. Johnson-Graham noted that non-Natives could assist the Wampanoag with a bi-partisan bill by expressing support to legislators: Ms. Johnson-Graham emphasized the importance of moving land into trust for the longevity of Tribal and Native American culture and 2