Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Mission & Vision

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all staff and students in Naugatuck Public Schools. We seek to provide active oversight of the K-12 equity and inclusion efforts of the district and to infuse equity into every aspect of the school system. The Office of DEIB plans and coordinates activities, programs and training related to diversity, equity and inclusion to advance a school culture where each and every member of the school district feels accepted, valued and empowered. 

Angela Griffin, Naugatuck Public Schools Director of DEIB, speaks to the mission and vision of the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. 

Diversity –   The wide variety of shared and different personal and group characteristics among human beings and the presence of different and multiple characteristics that make up individual and collective identities, including race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, language, and physical ability. Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. It is all-inclusive and recognizes everyone and every group as part of the diversity that should be valued. A broad definition includes not only race, ethnicity, and gender—the groups that most often come to mind when the term "diversity" is used—but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. It also involves different ideas, perspectives, and values. 

Equity – The process of identifying and removing the barriers that create disparities in the access to resources and means, and the achievement of fair treatment and equal opportunities to thrive. Equity takes into consideration the fact that the social identifiers (race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.) do, in fact, affect equality. In an equitable environment, an individual or a group would be given what was needed to give them equal advantage. This would not necessarily be equal to what others were receiving. It could be more or different. It ensures that everyone has the resources they need to succeed. An equity emphasis seeks to render justice by deeply considering structural factors that benefit some social groups/communities and harm other social groups/communities. 

Inclusion – Is creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully. Inclusion includes authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision or policy making in a way that shares power. Inclusion in education refers to the practice of creating an educational environment that is accessible, welcoming, and supportive for all students, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, backgrounds, or identities. It emphasizes the importance of providing equitable opportunities for learning and participation, where students with diverse needs are valued and encouraged to contribute to the classroom community. Inclusion means that everyone is included, visible, heard and considered.

Belonging - Belonging means that everyone is treated and feels like a full member of the larger community and can thrive. refers to the sense of being accepted, valued, and supported within a school or learning community. It is the feeling that one is an integral part of the group, where individuals experience inclusivity, respect for their unique identities, and a connection with peers, teachers, and the larger community. Belonging fosters positive emotional well-being and engagement, creating an atmosphere where students feel safe to express themselves, take risks in learning, and contribute to the collective success of the group. In such an environment, diversity is celebrated, differences are respected, and all individuals are empowered to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Equity Policy 8019

The Naugatuck Board of Education is committed to the success of every student in every class in each of our schools. Our mission is to ensure that all students graduate ready for college, career, and life, exemplifying our Vision of the Graduate. We believe that it is the right of every student to have an equitable educational experience within the Naugatuck Public School District and equity is a fundamental value necessary for a high-quality education. Additionally, we believe that the responsibility for the success of our students is broadly shared by our students, teachers, staff, families, and the greater community. We acknowledge the existence and range of inequities that exist across our nation, our schools, and our local community impacting our students. We are focused on closing opportunity gaps and creating learning communities that provide access for all students to engage in high-quality learning experiences that raise the achievement of all Naugatuck Public School students. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive district that fosters a sense of belonging for ALL. When we do this, we create a healthier, barrier-free learning environment in which all students grow and learn regardless of personal characteristics including, but not limited to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, economic status, the presence of any disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Based on our values and commitment to practicing educational equity, the Naugatuck Public Schools will: 

● Raise the achievement of all students while narrowing the gaps between the lowest and highest-performing students.

 ● Eliminate the racial predictability and disproportionality in all aspects of education and its administration. 

● Ensure all students regardless of race or class graduate from the Naugatuck Public Schools ready to succeed in a racially and culturally diverse local, national, and global community.

In order to achieve educational equity for our students, and ensure that all students graduate ready for college, career, and life exemplifying our Vision of the Graduate, the district shall: 

● Cultivate welcoming school environments where all members of the Naugatuck Public School community ensure that students, staff, and families feel a sense of belonging, and are valued and listened to as partners within the Naugatuck Public Schools. 

● Provide all students equitable access to a high-quality curriculum, instruction, facilities, and other educational resources. 

● Identify, address, and eliminate inequities that exist within our school system. We will continually assess and improve existing policies, programs, professional development, and practices to promote educational equity. We will also conduct ongoing analysis and data gathering to identify growth areas, develop and implement improvement strategies, and communicate indicators of success. 

● Design, implement, and continuously evaluate professional learning that promotes equity in all facets of the organization, ensures all students engage in culturally responsive learning experiences, and cultivates staff self-awareness and an equity focus. We will strengthen the skills, approaches, and practices all staff have to support all students. 

● Advance culturally inclusive hiring and retention practices that focus on hiring and retaining talented, inclusive, culturally responsive educators and support staff and ensuring that they are professionally developed and supported within our district.

Heritage & Cultural Awareness Calendar 

Coming Soon!