Equity at Emerson
Equity is a fundamental pillar of our mission at Emerson. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a school community where adults actively take responsibility for ensuring that every student is treated equally, receives an equitable education, and sees their culture and background honored and seamlessly connected to teaching and learning. Though the work is ongoing, we are inspired by the unwavering commitment of our families to foster a truly equitable learning environment for all our children
Emerson Equity Plan
The Emerson community has endorsed a Desired Racial Equity Outcome Plan, known simply as the Equity Plan. It was drafted by a racially diverse group of parents and staff, who were guided by a professional facilitator, and approved by the Emerson PTA Board in 2015. The goal of the Equity Plan is to build a culturally inclusive, racially equitable and welcoming school that empowers the Emerson community to achieve cultural competency. It also aims to remove cultural and racial barriers that prevent every student from reaching academic proficiency.
Serving as a strategic roadmap for our equity initiatives, the Equity Plan offers actionable recommendations to help us move closer to our objectives. Read the Plan here.
The Fall 2025 Equity Shelf Book Club
Join us for the launch of our PTA-sponsored book club, Equity Shelf! We’ll read and discuss books that spark conversation about equity and community.
Our first read is Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World by Ijeoma Oluo, a powerful and practical guide to building change in our daily lives, our communities, and beyond. Whether you’re new to these conversations or have been on this journey for a while, this is a space to learn, share, and connect with other parents.
Wednesday, September 24, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Book: Be A Revolution. RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/EquityShelf
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
This event is open to parents, caregivers, educators, and staff. Food and childcare will be provided. Please note: Childcare is limited to Emerson students.
Spring Equity Circle
Each year, Emerson PTA hosts the Racial Equity Circle, a workshop in late winter, early spring which addresses racial and ethnic barriers to student achievement and parent involvement that arise at our school. The Equity Circle is run by a professional facilitator and consists of a group of parents, guardians, teachers, and staff who meet to engage in dialogue and problem solving. We share different perspectives and experiences in a safe environment, create shared accountability and collaborate on actions that impact attitudes, practices, and policies.
Stay tuned for dates and logistics for the 2026 Spring Equity Circle!
2023 Equity Circle
Fall and Spring Festival Multicultural Family Events
Each year, the PTA organizes a Fall Festival and a Spring Festival, offering families the chance to connect, share meals, and enjoy fun outdoor activities. This year, the Equity Team is excited to add a special Multicultural Family Event to both festivals. Families are invited to bring games, activities, or food that reflect their cultural heritage and identity.
Fall Festival: Sunday, November 2nd, 9 AM – 12 PM
Spring Festival: Saturday, May 2nd, 9 AM – 12 PM
If you’d like to contribute food or activities to celebrate your cultural background at either festival, please contact equity@emersonelementary.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Emerson Equity Team is seeking volunteers to assist with the following:
· Order food for Book Club Events and Spring Equity Circle Meetings
· Help Organize Fall & Spring Festival Multicultural Family Showcase
· Help the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) translate documents (Mandarin and Arabic native speakers needed)
Interested? Email equity@emersonelementary.org
Your 2025-2026 Emerson Equity Liaisons:
Henriette Ako-Asare and Lauren Markofsky, (PTA Equity co-VP’s), Lily Howell, (Office of Family Engagement and Equity), Sarah Tarshis (OFEE lead volunteer)
Support Black Lives at School All year long
The Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action is a national coalition organizing for racial justice.
The Emerson community stands in solidarity with and works towards embodying the guiding principles of BLM. Explore ways that we can educate ourselves, discuss with our families, and take action to create the more equitable world we envision for the next generation.
