Director of Equity Message

Dear Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Families and Community Members,

I am both thrilled and honored to step into my second year as the Director of Equity for our incredible school district. The journey we embarked on together last year was nothing short of transformative, and I am genuinely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Reflecting on the past year, I am humbled by the relationships we've built and the progress we've made. The connections I've had the privilege of forming with our families and community members have been the cornerstone of our efforts. Your insights, concerns, and aspirations have guided me in ways that words cannot express, and I am deeply committed to nurturing and expanding these bonds.

One of the highlights from my first year was the collaborative work with our Equity Advisory Council. It was truly inspiring to witness community members coming together to ensure that every student's voice was not just heard, but actively valued and integrated into our educational framework and strategic plan. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of our commitment to serving the needs of ALL our students.

Our collective efforts also helped push forward a comprehensive Restorative Practices plan. By partnering with stakeholders from various corners of our district, we've laid the foundation for an environment that encourages empathy, growth, personal development, healthy relationships, and responding to harm. This plan resonates perfectly with our shared vision of a nurturing space where academic achievement goes hand in hand with our social, emotional well-being.

As we look forward to the upcoming school year, I am thrilled to unveil the Equity Advisory Council's chosen theme: "Handle Hard Better," inspired by the wisdom of Duke University Coach, Kara Lawson. This theme encapsulates the essence of resilience, growth, and unity that we seek to cultivate within our district. With your continued support and collaboration, I am confident that we will achieve even greater strides in the months to come.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering dedication to our students' well-being and success. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved thus far, and I am eager to continue our collective journey towards a more equitable and inclusive educational experience.

As we embrace the challenges and opportunities that this new school year brings, let's celebrate our accomplishments and approach the future with optimism. Let’s GOOOOO!

With warm regards,

Joshua Agpalza (He/Him/His)

Director of Equity