Sarah E. Yoder, a functional skills teacher at Goshen Middle School extended an invitation to GCS staff to visit her classroom and learn more about an innovative program being used with her students. According to Mrs. Yoder, since October, her … Continue reading →
Model principal, Mrs. Lynne Peters, was at the school board meeting last night, as Model Elementary was highlighted. Three kindergarten teachers, Londa Bontrager, Rachel Conley, and Amber Hochstetler, were the first to speak. They spoke about the many different ways … Continue reading →
Everyone getting what they need, not just getting the exact same thing.
Being welcomed and embraced as a member who belongs.
The Goshen Community Schools Equity & Inclusion Council began in 2020 and is comprised of GCS staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and students.
The Equity and Inclusion Council works to eliminate the systems in our school culture that sustain bias and discrimination so each student can reach their full potential and supports all stakeholders as they engage fully in this vital work.
We believe in the people of Goshen Community Schools; students, families, teachers, staff, administration, and school board. These people represent a wealth of diversity in nationality, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and abilities; yet, many are excluded based on these qualities and feel that they do not belong. Individually and collectively, the people of GCS must eliminate the systems in our dominant culture that sustain this bias and oppression so that each student can reach their full potential.
Eliminating bias and oppression is the focus of the Equity and Inclusion Council. However, it is not solely the responsibility of this council. We expect everyone to be involved in this vital work of restorative justice to heal historic traumas and to strengthen relationships in our community. This work is long-term in nature and will need to be pursued at systemic, professional, cultural, and personal levels. We challenge all to do this with courage, humility, empathy, and a curiosity to learn through sharing stories and listening to one another.
