Students in all grades in St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) have received diversity training in the first few days of class this year. For some classes, the training extended into the first full week of school that ends with the Labor Day weekend.
The program was developed by the system’s new Diversity/Equity Specialist Dr. Charna Lacey. She told the school board at their August 29 meeting that the training was not only on race, but on differences such as disabilities and economic disadvantages.
Dr. Lacey said the mission given her was to make sure “the school system is a safe environment for all students where they are embraced and appreciated.” The hiring of Dr., Lacey was one of the responses to the racial incident last spring at Leonardtown High School.
Dr. Lacey was hired in June and she said her first order of business was to talk to the principals of each of the schools. She said the question she posed to them was, “What does diversity mean at your school/” Those answers have helped her to develop the plan now being carried out.
The diversity training also addresses the issue of bullying. That training starts in kindergarten where students are taught about similarities and differences among their peers. At the middle and high school level the discussions are about how students can engage in critical thinking.
Dr. Lacey explained the diversity program by showing a pyramid with three sides representing Empowerment, Inclusion and Engagement. Components within the pyramid were partnerships, community individuals, professional development, training, recruitment, advancement, teaching and learning.
Dr. Lacey’s office is located within the superintendent’s office. The superintendent told Dr. Lacey during the presentation to the school board, “We are so glad to have you here.” He noted that diversity includes diversity of thought processes. “Every idea matters,” he insisted.
School board member Mary Washington praised the accomplishments of Dr. Lacey in such a short period of time. Washington pointed out that Pax River is a multi-cultural community, building on comments by Dr. Martirano that students in the school system are living in a global economy, and they need to work with all kinds of people to be successful.
The world would be so much better if everybody was accepted,” Washington said.
The school system also helped some students in need have new shoes so they didn’t stand out in the crowd. The system accepted donations and worked with local businesses to give
