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AmazeWorks

South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS) is excited to introduce AmazeWorks, a program dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging within our school community. AmazeWorks empowers students, educators, and families to celebrate diversity, promote equity, and build understanding across differences. By engaging with this program, we aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every child feels valued, seen, and heard. Through activities, discussions, and resources provided by AmazeWorks, we will work together to cultivate a stronger, more connected community for all.

What is AmazeWorks?

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AmazeWorks is an education tool aimed at creating the conditions for equity and inclusion in our schools. This education model works at transforming classrooms and school cultures to promote equity and non-bias conditions so all students feel like they belong. Through literature, videos, and skill-building activities/lessons showing students many different family dynamics, personal identities, and cultures students feel more comfortable engaging in discussions about identity, differences, and bias. This work aligns with our student and family's desired daily experience of being seen, heard, valued, and respected for the unique individuals they are. As well as our commitment to our core value of equity and ensuring a safe and supportive environment that provides opportunities for all.

Both Kaposia Education Center and Lincoln Center will have family information nights to discuss the curriculum. Families will have a chance to review the material and see how the information will be used in lessons.

Lincoln Center: Tuesday, September 24 at 5:30 pm
Kaposia Education Center: Monday, September 30 at 5:30 pm

CREATING INCLUSIVITY

Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors in Literature

  • Books serve as mirrors when students see their own experiences and identities reflected in the content. This fosters self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
  • Windows allow students to see into the lives of others who may be different from them, helping to build empathy and cultural awareness.

     

  • Sliding glass doors invite students to step into experiences outside their own and imagine what it's like to be in someone else’s shoes. This broadens their understanding of the world.

Equity and Representation Matter

  • When students do not see themselves reflected in the curriculum, they may feel invisible or less valued. The AmazeWorks Book Program ensures that students from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities are represented, helping to build a sense of community and equity in the classroom.

Creating an Inclusive Environment for All Students

  • The AmazeWorks Book Program is designed to create an environment where all students feel seen, valued, and respected.

  • It's important that students see themselves (mirrors) in the books they read, as well as learn about others (windows) to develop empathy and understanding of different perspectives.

 

Curriculum

Curriculum Context and Purpose

  • It’s important for families to understand that the AmazeWorks book list is part of a broader curriculum with specific learning goals.

  • The AmazeWorks program carefully selects books that serve different purposes, such as fostering empathy, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting inclusion.

  • Some books may cover complex topics or introduce different cultural perspectives that are best understood within the context of classroom discussions and guided by teachers. 

Evolving Curriculum

  • The book list may evolve based on new resources, updated themes, and ongoing feedback. Sharing a fixed list could be misleading if updates occur. Instead, we encourage families to engage in ongoing dialogue and review the current materials as they are implemented.

Supporting Critical Thinking

  • The goal is not to push any particular viewpoint, but rather to help students think critically about different perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations. This prepares them for the diverse world they will encounter beyond the classroom.

Fostering Empathy and Respect

  • Exposure to diverse perspectives through books helps students develop key social-emotional skills like empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity, which are essential for navigating an increasingly diverse world.

Collaboration

Collaboration with Families

  • We believe in providing transparency through in-person previews and discussions, where families can see how the books align with the themes, objectives, and developmental appropriateness of the curriculum.


  • We understand that some content may raise questions or concerns, which is why we’re committed to transparency and open communication. We encourage families to review the content with us and share their feedback. Sharing books in isolation without context may lead to misunderstandings about how they’re used in the classroom.

  • If families have specific concerns, they are welcome to discuss opt-out options or review individual books.

Transparency through Collaboration

  • We value transparency and invite families to be part of the process by attending informational meetings, participating in curriculum reviews, and sharing their feedback. Families are welcome to preview any specific books they have concerns about and discuss how the content is presented in the classroom.


  • Additionally, families can request specific book information if they feel the need to opt out of certain subjects or themes, ensuring their individual preferences are respected without compromising the program’s overall goals.

  • Our goal is to strike a balance between offering transparency and maintaining the integrity of the educational experience. We want families to make informed decisions based on a full understanding of the curriculum's context rather than isolated content, which is why we emphasize in-person previews and conversations over mass distribution of book lists.

     

Frequently Asked Questions