Dear Canton Public Schools' Community:

Two of the five key attributes of our Vision of the Canton Public School Graduate are that our students will be compassionate citizens, locally, nationally, globally and will be effective collaborators. We expect our students to:

• Be kind
• Empathize with the needs of others
• Act with integrity
• Understand the local, national, and global impact of their actions
• Contribute their time, talents, knowledge, and resources to benefit others
• Take ownership of their academic, civic, and social responsibilities
• Contribute their ideas toward a common goal
• Promote discussion and respond in ways that lead to positive outcomes
• Listen to and consider different perspectives
• Adapt and compromise with others

We are committed to ensuring that each of our graduates, beginning in Pre- Kindergarten, has these necessary skills to create a safe and inclusive school and classroom environment, where each and every student is ensured access to pathways of success. 

Last Spring, the Canton Board of Education developed a policy on Equity and Diversity and the Guiding Coalition on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a group of over 40 stakeholders, created a Canton Public Schools Equity Statement.

A Community Conversation on Equity was held last May. We want to continue to gather as a community to discuss what equity means to our school district and community. It is important that community voices are heard. 

We have scheduled four (4) Community Gatherings to take place this school year, the first of which will be next Thursday, December 16th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. This virtual meeting will be held through ZOOM. The topic of this first gathering will be an overview of the professional development the staff is engaged in related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  There will be an opportunity to share thoughts and ask questions. This session will be recorded and posted on our website for those unable to attend. A link to the meeting will be forthcoming in the next week.

We will also host gatherings on January 20th, March 23rd, and May 18th. Please save these dates on your calendar. 

I have attached a copy of the Vision of a Canton Public School Graduate, a copy of the Canton Public School District Equity Statement and a copy of Board of Education Policy #0523 - Equity and Diversity.

Please also see the attached video clip on this topic. https://openmic.link/w2h

Thank you for your continued partnership as we prepare our students for success in the 21st century.

Vision of a Graduate.pdf 

Equity Statement.pdf 

#0523 Equity and Diversity Policy.pdf 

Sincerely,

Kevin D. Case, Superintendent of Schools