Equity And Inclusion In Our Schools

Stillwater Area Public Schools prioritizes educational equity by providing inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for all students. The Achievement and Integration Plan ensures compliance with Minnesota Desegregation/Integration Rules. 

Achievement and Integration Plan (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026)

AIPAC: The American Indian Parent Advisory Council (AIPAC) is a committee with a core team of 20 parents, elders and community members that meet monthly to support the needs of American Indian students and families in our district. AIPAC includes representatives from Dakota, Lakota, Ho Chunk, Ojibwe, Micmac, Mississippi Choctaw and Menominee Nations.

Caminos: Caminos is an ongoing collaboration with our Hispanic/Latino families that meet quarterly to discuss educational topics.

Washington County African Community Engagement Group: This group meets regularly for a series of conversational circles incorporating the voices of our Muslim families in collaboration with the ETCIC (Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center) and the IRG (Islamic Resource Group).

Community & Family Engagement Specialists

Our engagement specialists serve as a bridge between school, culturally and ethnically diverse students and families to increase awareness and participation for academic and social growth, while keeping their own sense of cultural identity. The district employs specialists representing our Hispanic/Latino and East African communities. 

Stillwater Area Public Schools is dedicated to making sure that every child feels safe, respected, and supported so they can learn and thrive.

Our Identity Harm Protocol builds off of the work we already do to address incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. It helps us respond to incidents in a transparent, consistent and predictable way, in collaboration with impacted parents/guardians, staff and students. 

This work is grounded in Our Shared Beliefs that: Everyone belongs, everyone has a voice, all students deserve an excellent education, the whole child matters, and that curiosity thrives here. It's about fulfilling our responsibility to care for and protect students. 

Learn more about Stillwater Area Public School's Identity Harm Protocol. 

Ensuring Language Access for All Families

We are committed to ensuring that all families, regardless of their English proficiency, have full access to important information and services. We provide interpretation and translation services to help families communicate with our schools and participate in their child’s education.

How to Access Language Services

1. Interpretation Services (Spoken Language Assistance)

If you need spoken language interpretation to communicate with your child’s school, you can request:

• In-Person Interpretation: Available for meetings, parent-teacher conferences, special education services, and other important discussions.
• Phone Interpretation: Access real-time interpretation when calling the school or district office.
• Video Remote Interpretation (VRI): May be used when in-person interpretation is not available.

How to Request Interpretation Services:

• Let a teacher or school staff member know you need an interpreter
• Contact the main office of your child’s school

2. Translation Services (Written Communication)

We ensure that families receive important information in their preferred language through multiple communication channels:

• *Translated Emails: Email messages from staff to families are translated into their home language.

• *Translated Newsletters: Families receive electronic newsletters via email, which they can choose to have translated into their home language by clicking on the “Translate” button.

• Website Translation: Our district and school websites can be translated into the top languages spoken by our families by clicking on the “Translate” button. Additionally, families can use a web browser translation service to view the site in any language.

• *Two-Way Text Messaging: We use a two-way texting platform, so families can communicate with teachers and school staff in their preferred language. Families receive messages as regular text messages or through an app.

*Families must indicate their preferred language in PowerSchool as part of the annual back-to-school update to ensure they receive communications in their language.

Other Translated Documents:

• Enrollment and registration forms
• Special education documents and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

How to Access Translated Information:

• Request a translated document from your child’s school

Multilingual Support for Families

We have bilingual staff at many of our schools and offices who can assist families in their preferred language. If a bilingual staff member is not available, we will connect you with an interpreter.

Community & Family Engagement Specialists

Our engagement specialists serve as a bridge between school, culturally and ethnically diverse students and families to increase awareness and participation for academic and social growth, while keeping their own sense of cultural identity. The district employs specialists representing our Hispanic/Latino and East African communities.

For assistance, contact our Office of Integration at 651-351-8674.

Know Your Rights

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, families have the right to free language assistance services. Schools and districts must provide interpretation and translation services to ensure meaningful communication.

Your child’s education should never be limited by language barriers. If you experience any difficulties accessing language services, please contact:

Integration Coordinator
Jacquelene Bayless
baylessj@stillwaterschools.org
651-351-8674

We Are Here to Help!

We value our diverse community and are committed to ensuring every family has the tools they need to support their child’s education. Please reach out if you need language support—we are happy to assist you!

District Office Address: 1875 S. Greeley Street, Stillwater MN 55082
Email: comments@stillwaterschools.org
Phone Number: 651-351-8340