By Haneen Alkabasi, TBE intern
The Diversity Council held a panel discussion with students from Bristol Public Schools and had guests from the Bristol Childhood Alliance and United Way at its regular meeting in late March.
“The panel is to bring in students to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in their schools,” Diversity Council chair Jaymie Bianca said.
Two former students, Cassie Lattarulo and Emily Anastasio, sat on the panel to speak about their educational experiences in Bristol.
Lattarulo, a recent high school graduate, shared her experience from her involvement with Special Olympics. Anastasio, Miss CT Teen and former Ms. Bristol Teen, shared experience from actively volunteering within the community.
In addition, Bianca said representatives from the Early Childhood Alliance and United Way to discuss a potential collaboration and partnership with the Diversity Council.
Donna Koser from the Bristol Childhood Alliance and Donna Osuch from the United Way said they recently been bolstered by a significant $3.5 million grant allocated towards subsidized care.
They said their mission is to nurture children from birth to age 8 to ensure they enter school primed for learning, according to Bianca.
Bianca said the Diversity Council hopes to secure funding for upcoming initiatives, the resource list translations to Spanish and Polish and the culture night, through grants and the finance office. The family fun day is sponsored by the Bristol Early Childhood Alliance, she said.
“I definitely see a great partnership,” Bianca said. “The alliance can make sure we are aware of issues impacting families and young children, and we can collaborate on potential events.”
For business, the diversity council discussed subcommittees, resource list, and reiterated attendance policy.
Diversity Council members Jeff Israel and Dave Rackliffe were named to the religious diversity subcommittee. Rackliffe selected the racial diversity as well as the outreach subcommittee with members Alison Willette and Marcus Patton.
Antonio Lopes introduced the concept of an anti-racism subcommittee. acknowledging the importance of framing and direction in navigating this critical issue.
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