Community Cafés

Inclusion means making an environment where people feel seen, valued, and free to meet their needs

How do you define inclusion? What does inclusion/being included mean to you? 

• People see me and don’t look past me
• A sense of belonging, feeling comfortable in a safe space
• Feeling welcome, finding community
• Making an environment where people feel seen, valued, and free to meet their needs
• Recognizing differences, embracing them
• Being aware of who is there and who isn’t
• Being aware of all the different ways as humans we marginalize each other and choose to exclude
• Respectful disagreements – open mindedness
• Staff look like students
• Feeling wanted by peers and others, regardless of my thoughts and looks, or what my motivations are
• Needs are met for individuals who need accommodations

Describe a time when you felt included at NTPS. What makes you feel included? 

• Mentorship from the Multicultural Action Council
• During the most difficult time of my life, members of the district reached out to me with genuine compassion
• I felt included at Minority Educators’ Roundtable
• Space to be who I am
• Latinx Club at Salish
• Being part of the home visitor program
• Early intervention program
• The Latinx café
• A student said thank you
• My child was included when staff worked with him
• Different languages are taught

Describe a time when someone could have made you feel more included within NTPS.

• Slow response to incidents of inequality
• Lack of communication/delays regarding certain issues
• When students are discriminated by other students and admin did not take it seriously – dismissive
• Not enough conversation about equity and inclusion
• As a para, I feel I’m seen as not important
• Subbing at an elementary school – people were kind, but I didn’t see people who looked like me
• I was one of two people of color at my school staff – did not feel I belonged

Based on the feedback tonight, what needs to change/happen to increase a sense of inclusion? 

• More staff of color needed to create a sense of belonging, to make connections, for students to feel more comfortable
• See everyone, support staff as educators
• Re-visit curriculum for equity
• Students need to see themselves in every aspect of education– reading, environment, people
• See their language at an early age in schools
• Use Zoom/technology to access meetings/events
• More community engagement to share language, culture, traditions
• More training for staff around equity and multiculturalism, English language learners
• Special education: IEP process
• Streamlined communication with parents
• Intentional hiring – retention of staff of quality, of color
• Quicker response to incidents of inequality
• More bilingual staff
• School needs a program that supports new students
• More LEP volunteers and paras
• Opportunities for basic Spanish lessons for staff so they can talk to kids
• More staff training on different cultures within our district
• Staff that look like students
• More staff training on different cultures within our district

Extended thoughts

• I was thankful for the opportunity to share my thoughts/feelings and vulnerability. Thank you.

• What does inclusion (or exclusion) mean to you?

  • Being included feels: happy, special, joyful, grateful, thankful, carefree, loving, and caring
  • Being excluded feels: upset, mad, sad, frustrated, lonely, unhappy, and disappointed
  • Being included sounds like kind words. “Do you want to play?” “Is everything okay?” “Do you need help?”
  • Being excluded sounds like: “You can’t play with us.” “You can’t sit here.” “Go somewhere else.” “That’s mine, not yours!”
  • Being included looks like: sitting together, sharing tools, and playing together
  • Being excluded looks like: alone, leaving people out, ignoring people

  Describe a time when you felt included.  

  • On the first day of school, everyone said hi.
  • I found a friend.
  • My teacher helped someone feel included.
  • On the first day.

• Share summary document with Community Café attendees.
• Share summary harvest with Multicultural Action Council and Equity Advisory Team for conversation and reflection.
• Share summary harvest with Multicultural, Latinx club members and advisors.
• Provide space for district leaders to review and reflect on themes.
• Consider opportunities to educate on district policies regarding nondiscrimination and gender-inclusive schools.
• Bring themes to Parent Advisory Council and Student Advisory Council for reflection and discussion.
• Review professional development opportunities relating to supporting Latinx families, student, and staff.

Being here and meeting new people, professional people, I feel very welcomed.

What does inclusion mean to you? 

• Celebration differences/similarities
• Being comfortable speaking up
• The feeling of being seen, understood, represented, and celebrated
• Making it allowable for everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin, no matter who they are
• Being accepted and invited
• Being in a group of people that look like you
• ‘I see you’ – Cherokee Nation joining with NW tribes

Describe a time when you felt included at NTPS. What makes you feel included?

• Veteran events for families
• How my school specialized in performing arts
• Language programs
• All voices/opinions heard at community cafes
• Native Student Program and activities
• Clubs and student unions accept all
• Messaging from administration about inclusion and equity
• The first time I felt included was here at the Native Community Café – a sense of inclusion – loved being all together solving problems – felt awesome
• Fun Fair
• Sports
• Seeing the Nisqually flag flying at Chambers Prairie elementary

Describe a time when you did not feel included at NTPS.

• Needed approval to wear regalia
• Leaving out Native education in elementary schools
• Not having enough Native Ed teachers
• Religious background not understood
• Tribes should be more of an integrated part of our community

What needs to change/happen to increase a sense of inclusion?

• More focus on multicultural events in the schools
• Tribal flags at all NTPS schools
• Acknowledgment of all Native tribes, not just surrounding tribes
• Integration of all cultures in the curriculum, especially Native culture, history, art, nature
• Come up with more activities to bring tribes together
• I would love to learn more about my language
• Include opportunities to learn from other tribes/traditions
• More engagement with families, community, and university groups, beyond Head Start
• More staff representation
• An annual event – Potlatch – we need to know fellow Natives better
• More field trips to learn history, Native culture
• MS/HS elective Native crafts
• More time with nature, not just in science

Extended Thoughts

• I would love to learn about my language and visit other Native communities instead of just making bags, necklaces, and beading. I want to do arts and crafts in my culture.
• I am hopeful there will be further training for the staff to have the language of inclusion and the capacity to have these hard conversations that arise when their bias is challenged in the classroom and by the families they work with.

What does inclusion mean to you?

• It feels awesome, being part of something, I feel happy
• Your voice matters, being listened to, listening
•  ‘Do you want to play with us?’ ‘Do you want to be my friend?’ ‘Do you want to come with me?’
• Helping each other, sharing with people, helping, giving people a turn
• Accept hearing about struggles

Describe how being excluded feels?

• It feels like you are in an empty world. It makes me feel lonely, makes you feel disappointed. It makes you feel sad.
• Leaving people out, ignoring people, someone sitting alone
• ‘You are so boring,’ ‘You can’t play with us,’ ‘You cannot come with me,’ ‘You cannot sit with me,’ ‘Don’t be near me.’

• Share summary document with Community Café attendees.
• Share summary harvest with Multicultural Action Council and Equity Advisory Team for conversation and reflection.
• Share summary harvest with Native Student Program staff and any Native Student club members.
• Provide space for district leaders to review and reflect on themes.
• Bring themes to Parent Advisory Council and Student Advisory Council for reflection and discussion.
• Review more opportunities relating to supporting Native American families, student, and staff.

How do you define inclusion? What does inclusion/being included mean to you? 

• Knowing and feeling that everyone’s voice is valued. 
• Seeing diverse representation in leadership positions. 
• Celebrating the differences in people and identities. 
• Ensuring everyone is welcomed and included. 
• Not judging people or assuming things about their identity based on appearance. 
• Feeling safe in bathrooms and around the building. 

Describe a time when you felt included at NTPS. What makes you feel included? 

• Seeing the Pride flag displayed in school buildings. 
• Pizza Klatch events. 
• Having administrators and teachers who respect advocacy for individual students, are open to feedback about needed change. 

Describe a time when you did not feel included at NTPS. 

• The Gay Straight Alliance not mentioned in event when other clubs were.
• No access to gender-neutral bathrooms.  
• When educators and leaders don’t respect advocacy, and don’t respect or acknowledge same-sex households.
• Lack of support for Pizza Klatch.
• Lack of recognition for Pride Month.

What needs to change/happen to increase a sense of inclusion? 

• Safe places for transgender students.
• Increased student voice to support youth advocates.
• More acknowledgement during Pride Month, but pride isn’t just in June.
• More diversity (race, gender, sexuality) so students see themselves in their educators.
• Restorative practices.
• More family nights and opportunities to meet teachers and principals so families feel included.
• More awareness of district policies around nondiscrimination, gender-inclusive schools.
• Updated curriculum to include bullying, inclusive sex education.
• Staff and family training on how to support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students.

What does inclusion look like?

• Everyone has a say, and opinions are respected.
• Freedom to be ourselves.
• Feeling wanted.

Describe a time when you felt included at NTPS. What makes you feel included?

• Pizza Klatch.
• My school’s Gay Straight Alliance.
• When teachers recognize my pronouns.

Describe a time when you did not feel included at NTPS.

• When I was harassed in a bathroom.
• When an adult misgenders me.

Advice/What needs to change/happen to increase a sense of inclusion/things teachers and staff can do to make LGBQTIA+ kids feel safe/accepted/included at school?

• Ask about pronouns.
• Be kind.
• More clubs.
• Using my preferred name.

• Share summary harvest document with LGBTQ+ Community Café attendees.
• Share harvest with Multicultural Action and Equity Advisory Team for conversation and reflection.
• Share summary harvest with LGBTQ+ clubs and advisors.
• Provide space for district leaders to review and reflect on themes.
• Consider opportunities to educate on district policies regarding nondiscrimination and gender-inclusive schools.
• Bring themes to Parent Advisory Council and Student Advisory Council for reflection and discussion.
• Review professional development opportunities relating to supporting LGBTQIA+ students and staff.
• Ensure Pizza Klatch is supported and well-understood among district staff.

How do you define inclusion? What does inclusion/being included mean to you? 

• Being seen and accepted. 
• Feeling respected, heard, and having a voice at the table.  
• Providing equal access. 
• Made to feel welcome in an inclusive space.  
• Having more educators who look like us.  
• Celebrating diversity  
• Accessibility – language, economic and physical.  
• A sense of belonging; comfortable.  

Describe a time when you felt included at NTPS? What makes you feel included? 

• Cultural assembly  
• Football game 
• River Ridge High School. I felt welcomed, no barrier, welcomed the partnership.  
• Black Student Union 
• Having a Black teacher who understands and accepts your child 
• Positive experience in enrollment; welcoming district compared to other states.  
• A historical recognition of my culture.  

Describe a time when someone could have made you feel more included within NTPS?  

• Teachers making racists comments and opinions 
• Being gaslighted when speaking my truth. 
• When I was hired but nobody engaged with me. I didn’t feel welcome.  
• Never felt comfortable joining the PTA; it felt cliquish.  
• When something inappropriate is said, handling it in the moment 

What does inclusion look like? 

• Being accepted into all friend groups 
• Recess where everyone is included, no worries.  
• No feelings of discomfort.  
• Making space that isn’t owned by anyone, but everyone is free to enter without judgment.  
• A sense of safety when addressing difficult topics 

Describe a time when you felt included at NTPS. What makes you feel included? 

• When diverse murals are up, when groups invite us and many more 
• When I joined the Native Student Program, and they welcomed me as if I was one of them 
• Acknowledging everyone and keep having an open mind  

Describe a time when someone could have made you feel more included within NTPS?  

• We need more support for mental health, such as social anxiety 
• We should have clubs where you can talk about personal things with people who are in the same boat as you are.  
• When clubs put people in a specific group and (we) get teased and laughed at. And they could check up on us every day.  
• When teachers call you out in front of the whole classroom.  

Based on the Harvest, what are some key possibilities we can create together so that our Black/African American families can feel more included and welcome in our schools?   

• Hiring more People of Color (POC) to be leaders and teachers in our schools. 
• Review Professional Development training around racism and micro-aggressions.  
• Curriculum that is relevant to Black American culture and history. 
• More opportunities for the Black community/students/staff to work as partners with the district to find genuine resolution around issues of equity.  
• Broader two-way communication with Black families and students around issues of racism and solutions from the school or district.  
• Having advocates and a safe space for Black and BIPOC students to be seen, heard, and validated when asking for support around racism and discrimination. 

• Share summary document with Community Café attendees.

• Share summary harvest with Multicultural Action Council and Equity Advisory Team for conversation and reflection.

• Share summary harvest with Black Student Union Advisors and club members.

• Provide space for district leaders to review and reflect on themes.

• Consider opportunities to educate on district policies regarding nondiscrimination and gender-inclusive schools.

• Bring themes to Parent Advisory Council and Student Advisory Council for reflection and discussion.

• Review professional development opportunities relating to supporting African American/Black families, students, and staff. 

How do you define inclusion? What does inclusion/being included mean to you? 

• Equal opportunities for all
• Being accepted even if we have different opinions
• Feeling welcome, respected, listened to, and valued
• A sense of belonging and feeling included
• Make sure all voices are being heard

Describe a time when you felt included at NTPS? What makes you feel included? 

• Sports, clubs, theatre, Step Team, Black Student Union, assemblies
• Having student ambassadors welcome new students to high school
• Respecting a student's personal boundaries
• Staff making my children feel welcome and included; celebrate their differences
• English as a Second Language teachers spoke my language
• Restorative practices at schools
• Regular communication by teachers
• Community Cafés
• Military families inclusion/help with transitions

Describe a time when someone could have made you feel more included within NTPS?  

• Staff need more anti-bias training; cultural sensitivity; microaggressions 
• Felt unwelcome based on the color of my skin by other staff
• Teachers focusing on skin color of a student or group of students in a negative way 
• Need more representation of BIPOC people on staff/coaches
• Have community liaisons for families that they can go to when they have conflicts with NTPS staff. Someone they can connect to and feel safe.

Based on feedback tonight, what are some key possibilities we can create together so that our Multiracial families can feel more included and welcome in our schools? And something you heard you wish everyone else heard too?

Key Possibilities

• Address multiculturalism and multiracialism at lower levels, not just upper-level schools  
• Modeling – diversity of leaders and educators 
• New students welcome committee / being intentional 
• Provide a safe space for students and parents to have more of a a voice to share they feel about school policies or staff 

Something you heard you wish everyone heard also

• Some students feel a power dynamic with certain teachers  
• Children do not do what they are told, but what they see – mutual respect 
• Students are not vocal about what they experience – provide more Community Cafés or forums at schools for students 
• Students and parents want to feel heard, not just listened to out of obligation. “What I hear you say is….”  
• Student athletes on fields despite beliefs 
• Non-attributional feedback system – survey, suggestion box 
• Students who discriminate against students should be punished 
• Improved access to more bathrooms and water fountains so students are not late to class  
• Respect when a child does not want to speak, allow them space to process emotions 
• Students of color would like to have more staff of color for more connection and understanding. 
• Providing students with a safe place to have their voices heard and talk freely about topics like inclusion and cultural/racial differences. 
• More communal conversations at the schools on topics such as equity and inclusion. 

What does it feel like to be new at school? 

• Sad, nervous, scared, not knowing if you will meet friends 

What does it feel like to belong?

• Awesome 
• Boring – you have to worry about fitting in; you don’t want to be put into a category 

What things/traditions do you have that represent who you are?

• Kente cloth hung up at home 
• Birthday traditions 
• Speaks Spanish 
• Holiday traditions – Christmas pjs 

What makes you feel welcomed at school?

• When they listen 
• Make you feel like somebody 
• When people say hello in the morning

Is there a time when someone could have made you feel more included at North Thurston?

• Being left out of groups
• Not knowing why we are being made fun of
• Wanted to feel smarter
• Make me feel less than

• Share summary document with Community Café attendees.  

• Share summary harvest with Multicultural Action Council and Equity Advisory Team for conversation and reflection. 

• Share summary harvest with Multicultural and Black Student Union club members and advisors.  

• Provide space for district leaders to review and reflect on themes. 

• Consider opportunities to educate on district policies regarding nondiscrimination and gender-inclusive schools. 

• Bring themes to Parent Advisory Council and Student Advisory Council for reflection and discussion. 

• Review professional development opportunities relating to supporting Multiracial families, student, and staff. 

How do you define inclusion? What does inclusion/being included mean to you?

• Nondiscrimination (age, gender, race, abilities/disabilities)
  • Special needs can do same activities and share same experiences as other students
  • Highly supported students are embedded into the general education scene
  • We are diverse, but we come together
• Nobody is left out—all welcome
  • Included in already established friend groups
  • Being welcomed in a new community 
  • A person to bridge you together (the middleman)
  • Being informed at a new location – maybe a booklet with programs, places to shop, etc. (work source/education) 
  • Belong and being part of something 
  • Food and music bring people together 
  • It’s like a quilt. Everyone is different but patches united by a thread. If a thread is unraveled, it needs to be mended.
• Everyone feels safe and valued
  • Common ground and respect 
  • Holding space for differences of opinion 
  • Making children feel valued 
  • Sense of security
  • Acceptance; mutual respect; zero tolerance for bullying 
  • Making self and others feel welcome 
  • Caring about each other and our schools 
  • Team – Unity
  • Sensitive 
  • Belonging
  • Intentional 
  • Making space for everyone 
  • Trying to understand people’s circumstances. Working toward equity 
• Schools 
  • One on one connection/validation of our kids 
  • Support for military kids/family 
  • Themed events for kids and families (family involvement) 
  • Parent volunteer opportunities 
  • School Clubs 
  • High schools present a “4-year award” but it doesn’t feel inclusive for military kids who moved in part way through high school education. 

Share a personal experience when you or your child felt welcomed and included within NTPS.

• We wanted our children to enjoy a diverse education since they are children of color and NTPS welcomed and included our children.
• The Military Community Café 
• All felt welcomed within NTPS 
• Club for kids, pertaining to ethnic inclusion 
• Military lunch groups and clubs 
• Having military-focused events for families and kids 
• Parent; daily welcomes to parents and kids every morning 
• Remembering names throughout multiple school years 
• Knowing kids’ names
• North Thurston School District demonstrates inclusion and belonging better than other districts in the area, and they do a good job of welcoming and making kids feel included 
• Lunch Buddy Program 
• First year at high school was able to meet other military kids and pick a leadership position 
• Military counselor (MFLC) talks with my daughter and has consistent email exchanges and this is the first time I’ve ever had this happen 
• MFLC always stands in front of the school in the morning welcoming students, parents, and staff 
• Monthly lunches for military kids – Ambassadors clubs 
• Kids immediately welcomed – military lunch group every Tuesday 
• Sharing experiences about military life 
• Military assemblies (Veterans Day) with kids running the show – they are so proud! 
• Kids make connections with other military kids 
• My student has felt nothing but positive, welcoming warmth since he arrived 

Describe a time when you did not feel welcomed or included within North Thurston Public Schools.

• I felt less welcome at an elementary school located in an area where there aren’t many military families 
• Daughter went to two NTPS high schools and felt more welcomed at the more diverse school (she is bi-racial) 
• There was trouble receiving transcripts from overseas school 
• The military spouse event was not engaging pre-covid 
• Hard to break into friend groups within school as kids had friend connections from early elementary and on 
• Increase community circles within schools 
• Team sports 
• Including kids with deployed parents 

What could NTPS do better/improve in this area? 

• School and District Level
• Each school to communicate with their military families by their admin 
• MFLC schools provide more support for students and to have teachers be trained on what this program can provide 
• More support for military kids – more often than just during Veterans Day
  • Involve military parent/s in programs/events 
  • Please invite parents to events honoring veterans (photos not a substitute)
  • Luncheons with the military parent in uniform 
  • A day before school where kids meet and greet 
  • A group to connect new students with other new students
• Being able to meet other military connected families to form friendships, play dates, support system
• Military students need more support when the service member is deployed but also more support for the spouse/partner left behind
  • District and schools have access to all active-military families, with that, reach out to them early and often with items
  • Connect/collaborate with military units on base to help support
  • Military Units to Sponsor a School
    • Soldiers want to volunteer, when available
  • Adopt a family program when new military families come into the district
    • Intentionally integrating local families with new or military families
  • Welcome signs for deployed soldier (create with teachers or art class)
    • Deployment activities to keep children connected in the absence of parent
    • School knowing extra support to student
      • Care packages and letters
• Supports and Resources
  • Create a newcomer package/info for military families (physical or digital)
  • More support and resources to assist with mental health for parents and students
  • More information on graduation and New Market Skills
  • Military Resource page (expand)
  • Better connection to JBLM resources – invite them to speak/attend schools
  • Some difficulty as a single parent integrating
  • Idea: have a civilian liaison for community connectors, as a military personnel switches out regularly 

What does inclusion/being included look like to you?

• People include you in games and activities.
• People are willing to ask if you want to play.
• Getting to meet with a military counselor.
• Special events for military children—whole school participation and all voices being heard.

Describe a time when you felt included.  

• Military lunch groups
• Playing together
• Counselor and lunch groups
• Going-away parties

Describe a time when you did not feel welcomed or included.

• Some people not involved in a military party.
• Gifts for people in military families, but not given to everyone.

What would you like NTPS to do to make you feel welcomed and included?

• Feel more supported when parents are deployed 
• Teachers having more information about military children and deployments 
• More activities to honor Month of the Military Child – purple up!, spirit week, etc. 

• Share summary with Community Café attendees.

• Provide space for district leaders to review and reflect on themes.