Welcome
At Niskayuna, we cultivate learning environments where the diverse voices and identities of our students, families, and staff are actively recognized and embraced.
Equity Statement of Commitment: #24United
The Niskayuna Central School District stands together with the 24 school districts that comprise the Capital Region BOCES region in our shared responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. It is our commitment that the diverse experiences and perspectives of our students, families and staff will be recognized, reflected and embraced in our educational institutions.
While our 24 school communities in the Capital Region each have a unique makeup, we all share one commonality: Our desire to provide an equitable educational experience that ensures opportunities and the necessary support for success for all students.
It is our pledge to embrace the diverse experiences, values, beliefs, backgrounds and perspectives of our communities as we endeavor to prepare our students for the society they will encounter in life beyond our school systems.
Niskayuna Strategic Plan for Equity
Our district’s vision is to be an equitable community of lifelong learners. To achieve this, our Strategic Plan for Equity aims to implement policies and practices to ensure that all students are able to fully access educational experiences and services in our schools, regardless of their background.
Our schools cultivate the unique gifts of every student and ensure that all students feel valued, safe and welcome. Through building authentic relationships with students and families, our faculty, staff and administrators embrace the unique perspectives and contributions of all in our community. By preparing Niskayuna students to become responsible citizens who advocate for equity and justice, we are equipping them to succeed in the wider world.
Four Major Goal Areas
The Strategic Plan for Equity identifies four major goal areas around which our work is focused:
Professional Learning
The district is committed to providing continuous learning opportunities for faculty and staff at all levels focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Bias Response and a Welcoming and Inclusive School Climate
We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. The district’s discrimination and harassment reporting form and bias response protocols are important tools to foster an environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students and staff members.
Anti-Bias Recruitment, Hiring and Retention Practices
We have examined and are continuously refining our recruitment and hiring practices to ensure that our workforce is as diverse as the Niskayuna community.
Inclusive and Anti-Racist Curriculum and Instruction
Students learn best in a safe, supportive environment that respects and reflects their background and experiences. Learn how we are supporting the goal of Inclusive and Anti-Racist Curriculum and Instruction.
Desired Outcomes
What is the strategic plan for equity designed to do? Desired outcomes are:
Students
who…
- Experience academic success.
- Are socio-politically conscious and socio-culturally responsive.
- Have a critical lens through which they challenge inequitable systems of access, power, and privilege.
- Understand identity, bias and culture related to themselves and others and the role that these play in education.
Faculty and staff members who…
- Take responsibility for learning about students’ cultures and communities and use these as a basis for learning.
- Engage in diversity/equity professional learning. Respond immediately and appropriately to breaches to a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment.
- Communicate high expectations.
- Understand identity, bias and culture related to themselves and others and the role that these play in education.
A Learning Community that…
- Ensures that faculty and staff reflect the rich identities of our students.
- Ensures that curricular materials reflect a variety of identities and world views, and prepare students to critically engage in understanding and responding to these materials.
- Ensures every individual has relevant avenues for input into strengthening our school culture.
Religious Observances, Cultural Celebrations and Commemorative Dates
We embrace the rich diversity of our school community! Throughout the year, our students participate in a wide variety of cultural and religious traditions. We fully support our families and understand that participation in these observances may take precedence over school activities.
District Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee is furthering the district’s mission and vision through the use of relevant research and best practices in DEIB.
This team is focused on ensuring that all Niskayuna students feel they belong in our community of learners and are empowered to advocate for equity and justice as they take their place in the wider world.
The DEIB Committee examines district data, and provides input into district professional learning design, with a focus on elevating student voices and creating a welcoming and inclusive school community. We do this by recommending best practices related to community building, curriculum and instruction, recruitment, hiring, and retention of a diverse staff. We will also prioritize the inclusion of stakeholder voices in appropriate spaces.
Focus on a Diverse Workforce
Research shows that having teachers of color enhances the learning experience for all students: They are more likely to see the potential of Black and brown students and serve as mentors and role models for them. Interacting with a diverse set of adults better prepares all students to be part of a diverse workforce and society.
Inclusive and Anti-Racist Curriculum and Instruction
Students learn best in a safe, supportive environment that respects and reflects their background and experiences. To support this goal, we’re:
- Reviewing and updating curriculum and materials using the NYSED Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education Framework and other research-based practices for achieving equity
- Prioritizing social and emotional learning and implementing restorative practices
- Building the capacity of leadership and educators to be culturally responsive practitioners
District Policies
Report an Incident
If you are experiencing harassment because of your race, culture, or diversity, please report it immediately to a trusted teacher, counselor, or your principal, who will launch a prompt, confidential investigation and strictly protect you from any retaliation.
- Learn more about our work to ensure Safe, Positive & Respectful Schools.