Knowledge is Power!
The FACE office at GRPS believes that our district is strengthened through our diversity. Part of building relationships is learning more about the diverse groups of students and families that make up our district. “Diversity” can mean many things: Cultural diversity, racial diversity, religious diversity, sexual orientation, ability level, language diversity – the possibilities are almost infinite!
For us in the FACE office, these differences are exciting because they present our school community with the opportunity to form friendships with all types of people, right in their classrooms.
Did you know?
- Approximately 40 million people in the U.S. speak a home language that is not English.
- More than 40 languages are spoken in West Michigan.
- One quarter of GRPS students are English language learners.
- GRPS has families and students from over 60 countries of the world.
Here’s a closer look at the foreign-born student population at GRPS, which includes first- and second-generation immigrants, migrants, and refugees:
Source: Grand Rapids Public Schools Student Information System
Developing good relationship skills includes knowing how to establish and keep rewarding and positive relationships with friends, family and others from a wide range of backgrounds. Learn more here!
Families with younger children may enjoy this cute video, which shows children sharing their home languages during Show and Tell:
This video might interest families whose children are older. It talks about a project that connects families from around the world. In each family, the kid shows their favorite toy. The founder of the project hoped that “it would connect people, by showing that we all have the same basic needs, but different solutions.” Remind your child that different doesn’t equal worse!
Did you know?
The GRPS Office of Equity and Inclusion has its very own website dedicated to connecting families and community members with relevant resources! Follow this link to view all that their website has to offer, including articles and videos, books, opportunities for learning, and much more.
Interested in understanding more about the cultural landscape of our district? Check out this Student Data Snapshot:
The GRPS Equity and Inclusion Office is headed by Maleika Brown and Mayra Bahamonde-Gunnell. They can be reached at the following contacts: