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Welcome to The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Department

Our work centers equity as both a value and a guiding practice, ensuring that all students—across race, ability, language, gender, and background—are fully seen, supported, and empowered.

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What We Do

The DEIB department serves as both a catalyst and a bridge—connecting strategic priorities to the lived experiences of our students and educators. Our work is not supplemental—it is transformative and central to achieving the outcomes outlined in our district’s strategic plan. We operate through 3 main initiatives—Stakeholder Engagement, Student Voice, and Restorative Practice.

Stakeholder Engagement

We believe in strengthening avenues of communication to build and sustain strong and substantive relationships with stakeholders. This is accomplished through the establishment of regular Watertown caregiver meet and greets, the creation of caregiver affinity groups and much more.

Signs with messages are displayed on a grassy lawn, with buildings in the background.

Watertown Free Public Library

Partnering with the WFPL, we celebrate diverse stories, cultures, and identities. We provide curated programs and resources to ensure every student and family feels seen and represented.

Poster announcing a logo design contest for Watertown youth, with a paintbrush and palette graphic.

City of Watertown - Watertown Human Rights Commission (WHRC)

Collaborating with the WHRC, we promote dignity, respect, and equity for all residents. We support initiatives that celebrate diversity and strengthen community belonging in Watertown.

Flyer for Watertown Public Schools Caregiver Gathering, listing various caregiver groups.

Family/Caregivers

We partner with families and caregivers to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported, and valued. Through workshops, events, and open communication, we build strong, thriving community connections.

A large group attends a presentation in a brightly lit hall.

Watertown Anti Bias Coalition First Annual Youth Summit

The Youth Summit brings together Watertown students to learn, lead, and take action against bias. Young people collaborate on solutions, share their voices, and actively build a more inclusive future.

A large group of people enjoy a sunny day in a park, sitting on blankets.

Diversity & Belonging Council Celebration

Our annual end-of-year celebration held at Filippello Park (June 2025). WPS families enjoyed an evening of music, ice cream, and community fun.

Signs with messages are displayed on a grassy lawn, with buildings in the background.

Watertown Free Public Library

Partnering with the WFPL, we celebrate diverse stories, cultures, and identities. We provide curated programs and resources to ensure every student and family feels seen and represented.

Poster announcing a logo design contest for Watertown youth, with a paintbrush and palette graphic.

City of Watertown - Watertown Human Rights Commission (WHRC)

Collaborating with the WHRC, we promote dignity, respect, and equity for all residents. We support initiatives that celebrate diversity and strengthen community belonging in Watertown.

Flyer for Watertown Public Schools Caregiver Gathering, listing various caregiver groups.

Family/Caregivers

We partner with families and caregivers to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported, and valued. Through workshops, events, and open communication, we build strong, thriving community connections.

A large group attends a presentation in a brightly lit hall.

Watertown Anti Bias Coalition First Annual Youth Summit

The Youth Summit brings together Watertown students to learn, lead, and take action against bias. Young people collaborate on solutions, share their voices, and actively build a more inclusive future.

A large group of people enjoy a sunny day in a park, sitting on blankets.

Diversity & Belonging Council Celebration

Our annual end-of-year celebration held at Filippello Park (June 2025). WPS families enjoyed an evening of music, ice cream, and community fun.

Student Voice

The Office of DEIB offers programs designed to curate student voices and enhance the leadership skills of the City’s youth. Opportunities such as the Student Leadership Academy and the WHS Internship Program allow students to foster their passion for leadership. Students partner with district leadership, providing essential feedback on school policies, climate, and curriculum.

 

Students gather around tables outdoors, possibly at a school event.

Club Fair

Students shared the innovative work and excitement of their clubs with peers and faculty during the first in-person Club Fair since the pandemic.

A group of four people smile for a photo indoors, possibly at an event.

Bob Moses Conference

The Bob Moses Conference offers WPS students the opportunity to hear from and connect with incredible speakers on important topics.

A group of children and adults participate in a grounding activity, raising their arms.

Upstander Training

Offered to all Watertown 4th and 5th graders, this fun, interactive training empowers students to stand up and use their voices for what is right.

A group of young people stand in a brightly lit art gallery.

Museum of Fine Arts Field Trip

Students explored exhibits at MFA Boston, discussing how the art relates to their lives and community. This experience highlighted the power of artistic expression as a voice.

Students gather around tables outdoors, possibly at a school event.

Club Fair

Students shared the innovative work and excitement of their clubs with peers and faculty during the first in-person Club Fair since the pandemic.

A group of four people smile for a photo indoors, possibly at an event.

Bob Moses Conference

The Bob Moses Conference offers WPS students the opportunity to hear from and connect with incredible speakers on important topics.

A group of children and adults participate in a grounding activity, raising their arms.

Upstander Training

Offered to all Watertown 4th and 5th graders, this fun, interactive training empowers students to stand up and use their voices for what is right.

A group of young people stand in a brightly lit art gallery.

Museum of Fine Arts Field Trip

Students explored exhibits at MFA Boston, discussing how the art relates to their lives and community. This experience highlighted the power of artistic expression as a voice.

Restorative Practices

Restorative Practice Circles have been implemented throughout all levels of WPS, supporting district equity goals by engaging all members of the community. Additionally, research has shown that exposure to restorative practices improves students’ academic achievement and reduces suspension rates and duration.

A group of people sit in a circle, with a colorful display in the center.

DBC - Caregiver at Cunniff School

An Introduction to Restorative Practice Circles provided caregivers at Cunniff School the opportunity to learn about and experience a circle meeting firsthand.

Overhead view of a colorful mandala-patterned tablecloth with plates and a wand.

DBC - Caregiver at Cunniff School

Restorative Circles build strong relationships and foster mutual understanding, moving beyond traditional discipline to focus on repairing harm.

A group of people sit in a circle, with a colorful display in the center.

DBC - Caregiver at Cunniff School

An Introduction to Restorative Practice Circles provided caregivers at Cunniff School the opportunity to learn about and experience a circle meeting firsthand.

Overhead view of a colorful mandala-patterned tablecloth with plates and a wand.

DBC - Caregiver at Cunniff School

Restorative Circles build strong relationships and foster mutual understanding, moving beyond traditional discipline to focus on repairing harm.

Our Commitment

  • 1
    Providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.
  • 2
    Recruiting and retaining highly qualified and dedicated educators.
  • 3
    Offering a diverse and challenging curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
  • 4
    Supporting the social and emotional well-being of our students.
  • 5
    Engaging families and the community as partners in education.
  • 6
    Utilizing resources effectively and responsibly.

Our Goals for 2026

Our work in FY26 will deepen district wide efforts to ensure every student experiences belonging, representation, and support. Every DEIB strategy is aligned to our vision of creating learning spaces where each individual experiences dignity, belonging, and opportunity to thrive.

  • Advance Culturally Responsive Practice

    Lead and evaluate professional learning that supports culturally responsive, anti-bias, and anti-racist practices across all staff.

  • Implement Restorative Practices

    Develop and lead a multi-year PreK–12 Restorative Practices model in collaboration with school teams.

  • Strengthen Equitable Hiring & Retention

    Support bias-aware hiring and create growth pathways that retain and empower educators to sustain inclusive and caring environments.

  • Ensure Inclusive Curriculum

    Partner with Teaching & Learning to ensure the curriculum reflects diverse identities and historical perspectives.

  • Deepen Family & Community Engagement

    Host and participate in events that build strong, trust-based relationships with families, students, and community members.

  • Support Equity in Resource Allocation

    Collaborate with Finance & Operations to apply equity-based tools to funding and resource decisions.

Our Team

Quick Links

Contact Us

  • Phone
    617-972-4250
  • Email
    ceronne.daly@watertown.k12.ma.us
  • Office
    30 Common St, Watertown, MA 02472