Equity Team
Booker T. Washington Middle School has established an Equity Team whose goals include enhancing and improving efforts to ensure academic success by closing opportunity gaps and providing equitable and inclusive working and learning environments for all students, families, staff and communities. Additionally, it is intended that increase in diversity and equity and establishing these conversations will lead to tangible and intangible results such as increased cultural understanding and decreased discipline rates. The specific goals of the Equity Team will be determined by its committee so that we can determine the focus most appropriate for our school.
The NYC Department of Education has established the Equity and Excellence for All program with the intention of supporting diversity in New York City public schools. For the NYC Department of Education "Equity" means meeting every student where they are, and providing the support, resources, and high expectations for them to achieve at consistently high levels.
District 3 has asked that all schools create a distinct Equity Team comprised of parents, students, faculty and administration to begin the process of assessing what equity and diversity means for their school community and begin the process of establishing an open dialogue.
The definition of diversity includes: Socio-economic, Region, Disability, Gender, Race, Sexual Orientation, Language, Age, Religion.
The DOE is committed to creating and supporting learning environments that reflect the diversity of New York City and with the belief that all students benefit from diverse and inclusive schools and classrooms.
NEWS and resources
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMSThe Equity Team has compiled a list of free educational opportunity programs that provide academic support, enrichment activities, mentoring, and preparation for high school admissions for low-income and underrepresented students. We encourage parents/guardians to check program websites over the summer as some application deadlines are in the fall. If you need assistance with the application process, contact the Equity Team.
El Equipo de Equidad ha elaborado una lista de programas de oportunidades educativas gratuitas que ofrecen apoyo académico, actividades de enriquecimiento, tutoría y preparación para la admisión a la escuela secundaria. Estos programas están dirigidos a estudiantes de bajos ingresos y con poca representación. Sugerimos a los padres que consulten los sitios web de cada programa durante el verano, ya que algunas fechas límite de solicitud se cumplen en otoño. Si necesita ayuda con el proceso de solicitud, comuníquese con el equipo de Equidad.
PRINTABLE PDF OF THE ABOVE OPTIONS African-American History MonthThe Equity Team invites MS54 students and families to delve into the rich and meaningful legacy of African American History and its impact on our daily lives. From the democratic principles we cherish to our unyielding pursuit of freedom and self-determination, so much of what we value has roots in African American freedom struggles and ingenuity. We encourage families to reflect on these ideas and write down some of their reflections, in the form of poetry, song, rap or short essays. We would love to publish your reflections on our school’s website, so do not hesitate to submit your contributions by March 17.
For inspiration and guidance, you may want to explore the Poetry Foundation’s collection of poems, essays and podcasts on African American History. The National Archives and the Smithsonian have a collection of essays on African American heritage, culture and intellectual contributions that you will also find enlightening. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2023“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve...You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking before the Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1968.
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The Equity Team welcomes you to the 2026-2027 school year! We encourage you to earn more about our mission and share your ideas, questions and suggestions for creating an inclusive and equitable community at Booker T.
Lunar New Year
February 6, 2027
February 6th marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays for people of East and Southeast Asian descent. It is a time for reuniting with family and celebrating with lucky foods and customs. Many cultural institutions throughout New York city will be celebrating the Year of the Goat. You can find local or virtual events here and learn more about the origins, traditions and significance of the Lunar Year.
January 18, 2027
Korean American Day
January 13
This day commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903 and celebrates the contributions of Korean Americans. You can learn more about the significance of this day in this interview with Dr. Edward Chan of UC Riverside.
Kwanzaa
December 26 – January 1
Kwanzaa is a secular African American and pan-African holiday, created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, that celebrates family, culture and community. It is rooted in East African harvest festivals and is celebrated with music, narratives, dance and gift-giving. Each of the seven days focuses on one of seven principles. Visit the official Kwanzaa website to learn more about this festival and its significance to the African American community.
Hannukah
We celebrate Hannukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. This holiday commemorates the victory of Jewish Maccabeans fighting for the preservation of their beliefs and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Learn more about the significance of Hannukah and how it is celebrated.
Transgender Awareness Week
November 13 - 19
Fostering a safe and affirming community in which all students thrive is a central tenet of MS54’s Equity work. We do this by providing support and raising awareness of different communities within our school. This week we encourage you to read the DOE's guidelines on supporting transgender and gender expansive students and best practices for families to support their children.
Native American History Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month. Manhattan, the ancestral home of the Lenape tribe, is derived from the Lenape language and is loosely translated as “place of many hills”.
Read the work of our current and first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo and consider visiting the National Museum of the American Indian.
The New York Public Library has a collection of resources to help you explore and learn more about Native American cultures, languages and literature.
Celebrate the best of Native cinema with the Smithsonian’s Native Cinema Showcase running each November. Featuring the cultures and perspective of thirty-nine Native communities in the Western Hemisphere, this online showcase includes full length features, shorts, and filmmaker panel discussions available on demand.
Learn about the various thanksgiving traditions in Native communities and the origins of the “First Thanksgiving”.
Diwali, November 8, 2026
This week, Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated worldwide by people of South Asian descent, including Hindus, some Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Both a secular and religious holiday, it marks the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated by the lighting of candles, exchange of gifts and enjoying meals together. Learn more about Diwali.
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th through October 15th marks Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month. This month we will celebrate the culture and accomplishments of people of Hispanic and Latinx descent by highlighting stories, artists and thinkers that will inspire you.