Safety and Security Deepen Our Culture of We

January 24, 2020 was an exceptional staff in-service day as it was the first time every MUSD team member assembled together for a day of reflection and inquiry in conversation about the multifaceted aspects of Strategic Goal #1, Build a Culture of We. We established three commitments that day:

1.    Be an Upstander
2.    Learn about and recognize our own biases
3.    Be culturally inclusive so our students see themselves in what they learn

Earnest dedication to furthering what it means to live a Culture of We in MUSD illuminated the outlook for a year of promise. That promise is being realized in the way we have come together in spite of the disruption of nearly every aspect of how we live our lives. Our MUSD milestones are indicators of this: Continuity of learning since March 16th; Digital devices and WiFi provided for every student; Early Childhood Development Centers in operation since June; Black Lives Matter Community March; 260 person COVID19 Task Force work; Phase 2 of MUSD EducatEveryWhere with Learning Labs, Learning Pods, educators and community partnerships for in-person student support; Parent/Guardian/Staff support networks; City School COVID19 Partnership; Milpitas Alliance Partners for Future Ready Learners launch; Student produced Board Resolutions recognizing different cultures and needs; Milpitas Safety First Campaign; and more.

November 2, 2020 established our second all team Culture of We Sustainability learning day where our 3 commitments were explored more deeply resulting in equity work around policies and practices that hinder learner opportunities. Safety and security are upheld when we, as upstanders, identify actions, words or practices that erode the learning environment. Physical and emotional safety are vulnerable with COVID19, and they are paramount in our ability to launch Phase 3 of MUSD EducatEveryWhere. 

Our teachers, classified team members, principals, district leaders, board trustees, our students and their families -- all who are a part of our WE, have sacrificed and invested an astounding amount of time to develop meaningful learning experiences for all. WE want to see each other in person for instruction at all levels, and we can by assuring conditions are safe to do so. It takes steady progress, understanding, and continued communication to develop trust that every one of us is committed to doing our part. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance, together WE make possible reality. 

On November 4, watch for surveys from your school or department, these will inform our planning for Phase 3, scheduled to begin mid-January 2021.

#WeRMilpitas

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Cheryl Jordan

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