Drake University Character Award Nomination Application Questions and Answers Submitted May 1, 2021 by Allison Brundy, parent in Ames Community School District. 1. Introduce us to your nominee. Be as detailed as possible so we can get to know more about them. The Ames Community School District (ACSD) was first established in 1870, and now serves over 4,800 preschool-high school students. The ACSD Purpose Statement reads: "The Ames School District commits to equity and access that empowers every individual to reach their full personal and educational potential." Ames is where Iowa State University is located, and the community has been enriched by a variety of cultures that are represented in the Ames Community School District. ACSD has 5 elementary schools, one preschool, a state-of-the-art middles school, and Ames High School consistently rates high in reports by sources such as U.S. News and Niche. Many families that move into the Ames Community School District have been impressed with the variety of enriching programs and opportunities available to students. I am nominating the Ames Community School District (ACSD) for their important and inspirational impact on the lives of their students, families, and teachers with their commitment to equity and critical consciousness in the district through a variety of projects and initiatives. I would specifically like to recognize the important positive impact that ACSD has had on the lives of students through initiating this year’s first Black Lives Matter Week of Action in School that took place February 1-5, 2021. Please see resources related to the Black Lives Matter at School curriculum: https://www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com/ https://www.teachingforchange.org/blm-at-school-week-of-action-2021 https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/aspiring-educators-black- lives-matter-week-action Also, please see how the Ames Community School District describes its goals to address equity: https://www.ames.k12.ia.us/district/district/priorities-and-goals/ https://www.ames.k12.ia.us/school-news/critical-consciousness-building-implementation/

2. How has the nominee impacted your life and/or the lives of others? Provide several, specific examples. *ACSD positively impacted the lives of students and families through courageously teaching the district’s first Black Lives Matter Week of Action in School curriculum. A few examples of the positive impact are: • During the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Week of Action in School, my remote elementary school child and I enjoyed the engaging and enriching learning activities that were shared. It was inspiring to hear stories that celebrated the beauty of Black American experiences, as well as stories of struggle and resilience. We especially appreciated listening to a variety of excellent children’s books with diverse perspectives that helped us have important conversations about equity in our country. My child at Ames Middle School felt that the BLM curriculum was valuable, relevant, real-world learning that helped students better understand, talk about, and imagine solutions to racial injustices in our country. As a parent, I was grateful my children were having these challenging and important conversations with their teachers and peers at school. I am also thankful for the conversations that the Black Lives Matter Week of Action at School curriculum inspired for our family at home. • Teachers reported that students expressed that Black Lives Matter Week of Action at School curriculum made them feel seen, that this curriculum made them feel the teachers do care about them, and that they exist to the schools. Some students shared they were not sure what the Black Lives Matter Week of Action at School was going to be like, and that they were a little nervous. However, at the end of the week, they felt the week was a very positive experience overall and wished it could have been longer. They felt they had many conversations at school that were important to have.

3. In what ways do you feel the nominee demonstrates the Six Pillars of Character? The Six Pillars of Character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. ACSD has demonstrated the Six Pillars of Character through the following examples: • Trustworthiness: March 26, 2021, ACSD issued a statement of support for members of the Asian American/Pacific Islander community in response to the dramatic increase in violence towards this community, stating their commitment “to dismantle all forms of racism and bias that exist in our schools and the surrounding community.” • Respect: February 26, 2021, Ames High students led the creation and implementation of Black History Month Mini-Conferences to celebrate the culmination of Black History Month with educational sessions led by students, former students, and community members. • Responsibility: January-May 2021, ACSD Equity Director Dr. Anthony Jones has facilitated a critical consciousness workshop series with families once a month. I have been grateful to personally attend and learn from Dr. Jones’ deep understanding and skillful facilitation of discussions about our responsibility to address systemic racism. • Fairness: In 2017 ACSD began intentional and concerted efforts to build critical consciousness through high-quality professional development. ACSD defines critical consciousness as “the willingness and ability to see how power and privilege are at work to systematically advantage some while simultaneously disadvantaging others.” This professional development has continued to be provided to ACSD administrators, as well as many teachers and staff. • Caring: In March 2021, Ames Middle School Associate Principal Nicole Coronado and teacher Genya Coffee were recognized as “Women of Achievement” from the Ames YWCA for work “eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.” • Citizenship: March 1-5, 2021 Ames Middle School (AMS) teacher Katrina Williams and Ames High School (AHS) counselor Jean Mohammed facilitated participation in the “Many Shades of Color Young Women’s Conference”. AMS students and AHS students participated in this conference which strives to celebrate and empower young women. Additionally, two AMS students presented at the 2021 conference.

Dear Selection Committee: April 23, 2021

We are thrilled to help nominate the Ames Community School District (ACSD) for a 2021 Iowa School of Character Award. As parents, community members, and faith leaders, we have seen over and over how the ACSD exemplifies the Six Pillars of Character: responsibility, respect, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, and good citizenship. We are so proud of the leaders in our district who have struggled to embody these pillars of character , and of all of our district educators who are working hard to instill these pillars of character in our children.

The ACSD has recently been focused on reform to better meet the needs of children and youth of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, ability levels, genders, and sexual orientations. In the process, it has provided many examples of the Six Pillars.

Responsibility: In the fall of 2016, the ACSD began a process of honest self-examination and professional development to try make sure it was providing equitable experiences to all students in the district, with the vision that all students should thrive. As a part of that process, in the 2017–18 school year, local university professors guided professional development participants in conducting equity audits of their own buildings. The following year, the district conducted a broader audit of the middle and high school levels in the entire district. The results showed severe inequities. For instance, students receiving free and reduced-price lunch in the high school received two-thirds of suspensions and detentions despite making up only a third of the student body.

What exemplifies responsibility is the ACSD’s response to this new knowledge. Rather than stop with the results from these reports, the ACSD instituted new professional development programs and initiatives to try gradually to implement a culture of equity in the district. As the district’s vision statement says, the ACSD “commits to equity and access that empowers every individual to reach their full personal and educational potential.” Nothing exemplifies this spirit more than the Black Lives Matter in School Week of Action this February, which constituted a district-wide week of curriculum oriented to help students understand principles of equity in age-appropriate ways.

Moreover, the ACSD is eager for feedback and information on an ongoing basis. It has been working hard to increase response rates to its annual student, parent, and educator survey in order to have an accurate picture of how the district is doing. Then, the district’s leaders report the data back to the community, emphasizing both areas of gains and areas that need improvement. In addition, the ACSD has defined measurable and ambitious goals for the

217 6th Street | Ames, IA 50010 | 515-232-9323 |amesucc.org medium-term, ranging from improved equity outcomes for students to professional development to mental health and well-being. All of these efforts demonstrate that the district is taking responsibility for self-improvement.

Respect: The examples above already exemplify respect for all students and families in the district, across lines that often divide communities. However, we have seen the ACSD model respect not only in its large initiatives, but by really listening to all people in the district. Here are just a few examples:

• We have had some intense and very long school board meetings in the past year, some with comment periods that stretch for up to two hours. The school board has exemplified eagerness to listen. School board members regularly sincerely thank community members for their contributions. • District staff have incorporated high school student groups as full partners in their planning for initiatives such as the Black Lives Matter in School Week of Action, demonstrating respect for the high schoolers’ experiences, desires, and autonomy as members of the community. • Beyond the school board, we regularly see a culture of kindness and respect in the ACSD’s employees: from Superintendent Jenny Risner enthusiastically acknowledging her staff in board meetings, to teachers and aides treating students with kindness and respect. At the same time, we recognize that the ACSD is committed to making sure that groups that have been historically marginalized in the community are treated with the same level of respect as those who have been historically advantaged. • The ACSD has eagerly sought parent involvement in all of these initiatives, exemplifying respect for parents’ views and assets.

Fairness and caring: All these examples demonstrate an abiding sense of fairness and caring for the community—a desire to see all individuals in the Ames succeed.

Trustworthiness: The ACSD is building trust through its openness, transparency, and focus on measuring its own progress. The ACSD’s leadership is demonstrating that it will hold itself accountable for self-improvement—and wants the community to engage in the process.

Good citizenship: Our elected school board exhibits clear awareness that they represent and are accountable to the local community. They provide spaces for and encourage local civic engagement among parents and students, from school clubs on up. Some recent initiatives— most prominently, the Black Lives Matter in Schools Week of Action—have been controversial in certain circles that are hesitant to embrace cultural change. In the midst of this intense community discussion, the ACSD has been steadfast in exemplifying respect both for all viewpoints and for students marginalized with respect to race, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The district has also demonstrated state-level leadership within Iowa. For instance, district leaders recently testified in the Iowa House of Representatives to discuss the Black Lives Matter in Schools Week of Action.

217 6th Street | Ames, IA 50010 | 515-232-9323 |amesucc.org In brief, we are proud of the leaders in our district, and strongly believe that the ACSD is a model of Iowa Character. We are grateful that children, youth, and families in our faith community are able to participate in these important initiatives.

Thank you for your service on this award committee.

Sincerely,

Amy Erica Smith (parent of two children in the district), signing on behalf of the Social Justice and Outreach (SOJO) Committee Chair of SOJO Ames United Church of Christ

The Rev. Eileen Gebbie Senior Minister

217 6th Street | Ames, IA 50010 | 515-232-9323 |amesucc.org Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames

Growing . Creating . Striving for . Learning to .

April 21, 2021

Iowa Character Awards Nominating Committee The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, Drake University

Dear Nominating Committee;

On behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, it is our pleasure and honor to write in support of the nomination of Dr. Anthony Jones, the Ames Community School District Director of Equity; the Ames Community School District (ACSD); and the ACSD Board of Directors as recipients of an Iowa School Character Award. The Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action (February 1 to 5, 2021) was developed and offered during a critical time in the history of our country, state, and city. This groundbreaking program is affirming and empowering to Black students by centering the voices and stories of their lives beyond the slavery narrative. To accomplish this, teachers and staff received preparatory education and critical consciousness training to be able to provide age appropriate lessons and activities in alignment with Black Lives Matter at School Guiding Principles: restorative justice, empathy, loving engagement, diversity, globalism, queer affirming, trans affirming, collective values, intergenerational, Black families, Black villages, unapologetically Black, and Black women. This curriculum has the capacity to transform lives. In a culture that repeatedly “sends the message” that Black lives don’t matter, the Black Lives Matter at School Week offers a much-needed and critical addition to the education of the children in our community that all Black lives matter. The week-long program provides essential learning opportunities that are historically absent from most school programs. As the children learn and grow, the values represented by the program are transforming and liberating for the traditionally marginalized and oppressed individuals in the school system and our community. This courageous initiative supports Black lives and all people of color. It is also transformative for students identifying as white who have not had the opportunity to learn about Black lives, history, or the benefits of living in a diverse community. This program has the capacity to be lifesaving. The inclusion of Black culture, Black women, queer, and transgender affirming lessons as essential components of the program generate sensitivity, better understanding, acceptance, self-esteem, and the potential for inclusivity and empathy for marginalized individuals who are disproportionately impacted by bullying and violence in our schools and community. The Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action broadens our students’ and teachers’ understanding of what it means to be a good citizen in the classroom and in the community. A better and positive understanding of difference guides all of us towards the path of justice, equality, compassion, respect, and love. With this initiative Dr. Jones and the Ames Community School District have exemplified and embodied the Six Pillars of Character as shining lights of possibility and growth. They deserve recognition for their leadership and for serving as pillars of character in our city and state. Sincerely,

Rev. Kent McKusick, Minister Sarah Carlson, Interim President of the Board

1015 Hyland Avenue | Ames, Iowa 50014 | 515.292.5960 | www.uufames.org  Founded 1946  A Member Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association

April 18, 2021

Dear Nomination Committee,

It is my pleasure to write this letter of support for the Ames Community School District for their Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action curriculum. The Ames CSD took a risk and showed great courage by delivering this curriculum, which as stated on their website was a push to improve schools for Black students, teachers, and families. The curriculum also touched on issues relevant to the LGBTQ population.

Sadly, many of the youth we see at YSS and Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, have experienced racism, sexism, and homophobia. Almost 100% of our minority and LGBTQ clients identify as having experienced some form of harassment, discrimination, sexism, bullying, or similar trauma. Additionally, while the African American population in Iowa is approximately 4%, Youth of Color make up almost 17% of the foster care population. Approximately 30% of youth who age out of the foster care system will find themselves homeless and approximately 40% of all youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ.

These numbers tell us that we must take action to address the lack of understanding and empathy for those that deviate from the stereotypical white heteronormative male. We must support curriculum that teaches loving engagement, diversity, empathy, and justice. It is imperative we start creating space, both in and out of the classroom, where all youth are empowered to stand strong, and where they can be confident and safe fully expressing themselves.

This award recognizes individuals and organizations that stand by the Six Pillars of Character. By having challenging conversations about difficult, and potentially divisive, topics, for the purpose of creating a safe, inclusive, and positive space for ALL youth and families, the Ames CSD clearly demonstrated trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The entire curriculum was designed to ensure that these traits apply to everyone in the entire school district.

It is vital to the future of the nation that we learn to embrace our differences if we are to move forward as one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We are not born to hate; it is taught, and so we must teach tolerance, kindness, compassion, equity, and love. I commend the Ames CSD for taking a step in the right direction and creating space for youth to discuss, challenge, and learn about race and diversity, particularly in the face of opposition, which is a true sign of character.

Best Regards,

Andrew Allen

YSS President and CEO