October 13, 2011 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810

JEFFCO’S DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION EFFORTS WIN TOP RECOGNITION  
The work of Jeffco’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is being noticed with the honor of  the 2011 Institution Award from the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME).  NAME is a non-profit organization that recognizes innovative, outstanding work that makes major contributions in the field of multicultural education.

“We recognize the diverse population we have in our county of all races, ages, abilities and perspectives,” said director Irene Griego, office of diversity and inclusion.  “One of the great things we are doing is getting our newest, youngest and most energetic Jeffco leaders involved by giving them tools to mentor and build relationships with students – that’s our responsibility.”

The work of the department honors diverse perspectives of students, staff members and parents to create as we create learning communities that help all Jeffco students succeed.  

By promoting understanding, respect and appreciation of diversity, the department works to address the achievement gap in Jeffco.  The department’s success lies in improving school climates, mediating issues of difference and improving connections to schools.

School principals receive monthly diversity training sessions and more than 80 students from every single Jeffco high school make up Student Voices – a group that develops student leadership and meets regularly with the superintendent.