Mission, Texas- Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) partnered with Village in the Valley (ViVa) in November of 2022 to begin implementing the Illumination Project to create a more inclusive, supportive school community for students, teachers, administration, and parents. The program culminates in a “Blue Ribbon Week” that will be observed throughout the district from February 6-10. Each day of the week will focus on aspects of kindness and diversity. Students and staff will also have the chance to have a little fun with different attire each day to reflect the topic of the day.
Leading into Blue Ribbon Week, students have been participating in special exercises designed to help them learn more about how they can create a more inclusive school environment.
There are five main goals for the Illumination Project program.
- Create a more inclusive and supportive school community for all students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Develop positive and proactive actions to create an ideal learning and social environment.
- Help everyone gain insight into, and to assume personal responsibility for the role they each play in creating the school’s culture.
- Create an overall plan for fostering even better relationships among all groups into the future.
- Better understand cultural diversity and provide acceptance of cultures within our schools.
The process began in the fall, by bringing together a cross-section of district representatives that includes students and parents for a steering committee. This group will help oversee the project plan. Listening groups were also implemented to gather input as a part of the plan development.
ViVa is a nonprofit organization that was created to connect the black community with each other, as well as to bridge the gap with the various cultures that reside in the RGV.
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