Skip To Main Content

Community Recognition

The Webster Groves School District's Equity in Action Committee provides an opportunity for members of the community to recognize individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations who make everyday contributions towards creating and cultivating a culture of dignity that values all human beings within the WGSD. 

Criteria Guidelines
The individual, school, business, or organization must directly impact the students and staff of the WGSD. While we realize there are numerous ways of demonstrating a culture of dignity, the recognition should exemplify one or more of the following criteria: 

Demonstrate a commitment to equity by taking action.

  • Example, but not limited to - 
    • Students: Form a student-led "Culture Club" that hosts events celebrating diverse holidays and traditions, where students from various backgrounds share their experiences with their peers, fostering awareness and inclusion.
    • Families: Organize a "Diversity in Careers" day, where family members of different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds volunteer to discuss their careers, showing students a range of future opportunities and breaking down stereotypes, securing donations for students who need items for extra-curricular activities (ex.instruments, cleats, etc.)
    • Community: A local business sponsors a mentorship program, offering under-resourced students job-shadowing opportunities and college/career readiness workshops, aiming to bridge opportunity gaps
    • Staff: Leading a school-based equity team that designs initiatives to foster a more inclusive school culture.
       
    • Exhibit traits of an inclusive leader.
      • Example, but not limited to -. 
        • Students: A student council member creates a feedback system where all students can suggest changes or improvements to school events and policies, ensuring even quieter voices are heard and represented.
        • Families: A family-led committee organizes a “Community Story Hour” where family members volunteer to read diverse, culturally representative stories in classrooms, creating a welcoming environment for all students and increasing cultural awareness.
        • Community: A local nonprofit collaborates with the school to host cultural workshops for teachers, students, and community members, promoting empathy and understanding across cultural lines by encouraging open conversations on diversity.
        • Staff: Volunteering to lead or participate in a program, event, or community service project.
  • Advocate for systemic equity changes.
    • Example, but not limited to - 
      • Students: A group of students petition the school board to provide free or reduced-price access to Advanced Placement exams and college application fees for economically disadvantaged students.
      • Families: A family advocacy group campaigns for improved school transportation access, especially for students in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring all students can attend extracurricular activities and stay involved in school.
      • Community: A local healthcare provider partners with the district to provide free mental health screenings and follow-up services in schools, recognizing the need for accessible mental health care for all students and staff.
      • Staff: Actively serving on district-wide committee(s) that focus on advocating for systemic equity changes.

How to Submit a Recognition? 

  • Any person may submit a Recognition Form for an individual, school, business, or organization that operates within the WGSD and meets the criteria listed above. 
  • Complete the Recognition Form. 

Deadline 

  • April 4, 2025

Process
The EIA Committee will use a rubric to review each submission. The entities who meet the criteria will be named on the WGSD EIA’s website. The recipient’s name, affiliation, and brief summary of their equity work will be listed on the website. The recognizer’s affiliation will also be listed on the website. The recipients’ names will be rotated after each submission deadline, but will be housed under “Previous Recipients”. Please make sure to submit accurate contact information for the recipient because we must contact them prior to sharing their name and accomplishment on the website.

Questions
Please contact Dr. Shane Williamson, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, at williamson.shane@wgmail.org or Mrs. Tina Clark-Scott, Director of Student Learning, at scott.tina@wgmail.org.