HF-L Receives Prestigious Magna Award for Diversity Awareness Efforts

The Honeoye Falls – Lima School District has been selected as a first place winner in the American School Board Journal’s (ASBJ) 15th Annual Magna Awards program.  The District was recognized in the under 5,000 enrollment category for its diversity awareness efforts.

HF-L has long recognized today’s students’ needs to live and work in a global society with a strong understanding of diversity.  In a community that has little racial and ethnic diversity, training for students and staff, a more diverse teaching staff, integrated diversity content and a broadening of the concept of diversity were keys to accomplishing this.  In 2005, efforts were increased to help our small town gain a global perspective.

Student and staff understanding of diversity was expanded beyond its traditional definitions through the adoption of a “mosaic” model, diversity was incorporated into the strategic plan, a diversity task force was established, followed by a diversity committee to accomplish the task force’s recommendations.  Promotional materials were developed and an awards program was established to recognize those in the school community who promote diversity in all of its various dimensions.

Nearly 80 teachers have completed diversity consciousness training, instructed by HF-L Board of Education President, Dick Rasmussen.  The teaching staff at HF-L now represents 76 colleges and universities, including some from overseas. 

Diversity content has been integrated into 58 curriculum units, and students now begin Spanish instruction in kindergarten.  Events and programs, including a High School Diversity Club, partnerships with the Rochester City School District, intergenerational proms, “Make a Difference Days” and three Community Reads projects have also focused on diversity awareness, from global needs issues to disability awareness and understanding. 

In this year’s Community Reads project, participants read and discussed the book, Rules, a story about how a 12 year old develops tolerance and understanding for her autistic brother and a disabled friend. Local basketball sensation, Jason McElwain, came to visit with students. In 2006, Jason, who is autistic became an overnight sensation when he hit six three-pointers and scored 20 points—in less than 4 minutes—for Greece-Athena’s basketball team.  A Dance-a-Thon, mirroring an event in the concluding pages of the book, was also held as a culminating event to celebrate our learning through Community Reads.  Over $300 was raised for the Special Olympics.

"When we first began to discuss the possibility of a district diversity initiative, we knew it was something that would take time and require a long-term commitment.  We would be seeking to affect the culture of our district on all levels,” said Dick Rasmussen, Board of Education President.  “From the outset, the response of our community, staff, and students has been wonderful.  Perhaps the most gratifying aspect has been to watch the many grassroots initiatives that continue to emerge throughout the district to provide our students with opportunities to interact with other cultures, explore the depths of their own cultures, and develop the kinds of diversity skills that go beyond the classroom and will help them be successful in an increasingly diverse and changing world."

The Magna Awards recognize districts across the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and encourage community involvement in schools.  The district was recognized at the National School Boards Association’s annual conference for its achievement.

“As schools face unprecedented challenges in today’s difficult economy, the Magna Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovation and the bold steps taken by districts everyday,” said Marilee Rist, ASBJ’s publisher and associate director of the National School Boards Association.  “This year’s entries reflect the hard work of school boards, superintendents and staff who strive to meet changing community needs in creative and innovative ways.”

Seventh grader, Adele Weston, learns to make crepes with Simply Crepes owner, Pierre Heroux, and his mother, Denise Heroux.

Board President Dick Rasmussen and Lima Primary Principal Jeanine Lupisella celebrate the Magna Award and the success of this year's Community Reads project at the Community Reads Dance-a-Thon.