Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI)

How This Work is Happening

To bring our priorities to life, we’ve implemented structures and supports that have been operationalizing DEAI efforts across the district:


Equity Leaders in Schools: 

  • Each school has identified an Equity Leader who has been receiving professional development and support throughout the year. These sessions have shifted from foundational knowledge-building to direct implementation at the school level.

Use of Culture and Climate Data: 

  • We’re using multiple tools and methods to monitor progress, including: 
  • Staff, Student and Family Climate and Culture Surveys
  • Anecdotal feedback from staff, students and families
  • School  Success Plans
  • Regular check-ins with Equity Leaders and school teams
  • Quarterly reports to the  DEAI SubCommittee

School-Based Strategic Goals: 

  • Each school has been developing DEAI-aligned strategic goals to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment. Ongoing support has been provided to help schools make progress.

Progress Monitoring:  

  • District teams have been reviewing implementation progress through listening sessions, quarterly reports to the DEAI Sub Committee.

Our DEAI Priorities

Newtown Public Schools has been identifying and refining the following key priorities:


  • Leadership Commitment: District leadership has been advocating for and supporting DEAI efforts throughout every level of the system.
  • Data-Informed Practice: We have been working to cultivate a culture in which data and feedback inform decisions, deepen understanding, and guide strategic planning in DEAI.
  • Capacity Building: A primary focus has been building staff and leadership capacity to implement meaningful, responsive DEAI practices.

Our Ongoing Commitment

This work has been driving our broader mission: to increase student achievement, strengthen engagement, and ensure all students experience a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.

Newtown Public Schools remains deeply committed to advancing DEAI. Planning has already been underway for the coming school year as we reflect, refine, and build on what we’ve learned.

We believe that prioritizing people and fostering a diverse, human-centered culture is essential to serving our students, staff, and community with excellence.

To learn more about the trainings click here

School Year 2018-19

Spring, 2019

  • Understanding and Supporting Transitioning Adolescents

School Year 2019-20

Fall, 2019

  • Understanding and Supporting Transitioning Adolescents


School Year 2020-21

November, 2020

  • “Reframing Diversity”
  • "How Do You Become an Antiracist
  • When You Don’t Know How to Talk About Race.”
  • Embedding SEL Practices into the Classroom 
  • Mindfulness
  • Growth Mindset

April, 2021

  • Let’s Talk: Facilitating and Engaging in Challenging Conversations

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Instructional Core: Guidance from Research and

Practice




School Year 2021-22

August, 2021

  • BOE Resolution & Diversity Self-Reflection

November, 2021 

  • DEI Overview, District Goals, Building Plans 

April, 2022

  • DEI: Definitions, Terms, & Resources
  • Gender Identity & Pronouns

May, 2022

  • Curriculum Development Training

(including use of Equitable Practices Rubric)


School Year 2022-23

August, 2022

  • Introduction:  What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

September, 2022

  • Why the 4 Pillars of Affirming Race and Diversity as a Framework 

October, 2022

  • Micro Behavior (Aggression, Assault, Invalidation, Insult)

November, 2022

  • Instructional Strategies for ELL Newcomers and SLICE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Life Experiences)
  • Conceptualizing DEI Planning & Implementation Using the 4-Pillar Model
  • Understanding Bias

March, 2023

  • Current State Assessment of DEAI efforts at Individual Schools


School Year 2023-24

November, 2023

  • District Equity Leaders Training 

February, 2024

  • Equity Teams Reflection Session

March, 2024

  • Holding Space for Necessary Conversations

April, 2024

  • Equity Leaders Professional Development 

May, 2024

  • Fostering a Culture of Collaboration



School Year 2024-25

July, 2024

  • Building Capacity for Equity Teams

October,2024

  • Individual School Support Around DEAI Strategic Priorities: To review each school’s DEAI strategic priorities and create a plan for next steps

November, 2024

  • Individual School Support

December, 2024

  • Individual School Support

January, 2025

  • Workplan and Priorities Reflection Session to Plan the Path Ahead 

March, 2025

  • Analyzing Culture Data & Charting the Path Forward 

April, 2025

  • Strategic Planning with Equity Leaders