Around Town

Diversity and Cultural Awareness: Talking about Differences with Children

Thursday March 6, 2014 and Thursday March 13, 2014

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library

An instructional team from Empowering Multicultural Initiatives (E.M.I.) will provide a two-part diversity/cultural awareness workshop for parents that will focus on understanding the unconscious biases that all of us hold and awareness of the impact of our multiple group memberships (e.g. gender, race, age, sexual orientation, country of origin, class). We will consider what parents - and media- may communicate, often unintentionally, about people who are 'different' from themselves. Parents are invited to bring challenging situations or dilemmas they have faced in responding to/talking with their children about issues of race/ethnicity or other differences, in order to discuss options of ways to initiate conversations or respond to comments and questions from children. Sponsored by Wellesley Free Library and World of Wellesley. The expectation is that participants will attend both sessions. This workshop is free, however space is limited and pre-registration is required. Register on wellesleyfreelibarary.org or call 781-235-1610 x 1107.

Sign up to attend HERE.

Talk Together about Diversity

Thursday March 27, 2014

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library

Wellesley resident Michelle Chalmers, MSW, gives parents and teachers a tool to use to feel comfortable talking with children about racial differences. Her book, 'The Skin on My Chin,' is a rhyming picture book geared toward children ages 2 to 8. Don't miss this opportunity to raise awareness and acquire practical tips on having honest and open family conversations. Co-sponsored by World of Wellesley and Wellesley Free Library.

Sign up to attend HERE.

"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced."

-- James Arthur Baldwin Wellesley Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Meeting Wednesday, January 15th 7pm at the Wellesley Middle School Library Linda Waters, the Director of Student Services of Wellesley Public Schools will present a brief overview of the district’s Special Education program and services.  Afterwards, the SPED Department Heads and Linda will host an open forum. All those interested in any and all aspects of Special Education in Wellesley are welcome.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about SPED in Wellesley!   To learn more about the Wellelsey SEPAC, please visit www.wellesleypac.org Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Monday, January 20th, 11-2 pm at Wellesley High School. Presenting the film, 'Our Friend Martin', an animated educational video for families.  Movie, pizza and cake will be included, as well as a children's orchestra performance. Please see HERE for more information.