The Office of Diversity and Inclusion was created in 2009 by the district to ensure that our graduates know and understand more about themselves, others and the world. Jeffco is committed to supporting a diverse student body and staff. The district welcomes culture and diversity that embraces race, ethnicity, gender, transgender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability. It also includes life experiences and personal attributes that can enhance the scholarly and learning environment, openness, and awareness of the spectrum of values and backgrounds that enrich our environment.
Jeffco Public School's Cultural Proficiency Team is comprised of the superintendent and representatives from every department in the school system. The Team's charge is to promote, support and implement cultural proficiency district-wide. We are committed to raising student achievement across all cultures and among diverse learners.
- Team Members - 2012-13
The Jeffco Community Diversity Advisory Council is a network of parents, staff and community members. The council advises Jeffco Schools about its work toward achieving cultural proficiency with an emphasis on educational access and equity.
- Team Members- 2012-13
Jeffco Public School's Cultural Proficiency Team is comprised of the superintendent and representatives from every department in the school system. The team is called upon to mediate diversity issues that arise within the district and school community.
- Team Members - 2012-13
The Minority Educators Advisory Committee provides support and guidance for each Jeffco Public School department around cultural proficiency. The committee also engages in networking opportunities amongst colleagues across the district.
- Team Members - 2012-13
Jeffco Student Voice is a district-wide initiative involving high school students. The goal is to provide district leaders with opportunities to learn how to help diverse students have positive and successful experiences in school. Jeffco Student Voice is a forum for student self-advocacy and leadership.
- Team Members - 2012-13
In 1940 a group of grubby 10 year old campers, on their way back from a week in the mountains, could hardly wait for their promised swim at the local country club. They lined up eagerly at the entrance to the fenced club and began to enter. One of the campers Mary Ota, an Asian American, was stopped and told she could not enter. Without saying a word, her fellow campers all turned around and got back on the bus, their eyes filled with tears at the affront to their friend. One of those campers was ten year old Wayne Carle. Since that incident so many years ago, Dr. Wayne Carle, former Superintendent of Jeffco Schools, has remained devoted to promoting cultural understanding and respect. His impetus for this work generated the Wayne Carle Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Diversity and Equity in Jefferson County Public Schools.
Individual schools sponsor a number of programs to improve cultural awareness including:
- Be the Change Group
- Peace Jam
Please see the district's policy against discrimination - Policy AC
The concern for the educational success of diverse learners has moved Jeffco Public Schools to examine our curriculum and teaching to ensure it is effective and relevant to students of all backgrounds.
We provide teachers with resources to support cultural proficiency in the classroom, professional development seminars and workshops.
See an overview of Culturally Responsive Curriculum Resources.
Irene Griego, Ph.D.
Director
Office of Culture and Diversity
E-Mail: igriego@jeffco.k12.co.us
Phone: 303-982-6955
Angelique Acevedo-Barron, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
E-Mail: aacevedo@jeffco.k12.co.us
Phone: 303-982-6067
Fax: 303-982-6993
Joyce Rogers
Assistant
E-Mail: jrogers@jeffco.k12.co.us
Phone: 303-982-6955