Windows to The World: Celebrating Diversity, Building Belonging
Item
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Title
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Windows to The World: Celebrating Diversity, Building Belonging
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Creator
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María Bañuelos Juárez
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Degree Name
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Master of Science in Education
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Project Type
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Professional Project
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Date
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6/15/2025
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Abstract
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This capstone project addresses the lack of cultural representation in schools and aims to increase it in a meaningful and sustainable way. The project specifically seeks to increase students’ sense of belonging, create inclusive and welcoming environments, and build meaningful family and community partnerships aligned directly with the school and district’s mission and vision.
The project occurred at an elementary school in Salem, Oregon, and featured monthly cultural bulletin board displays highlighting and celebrating the achievements and contributions of people from underrepresented communities. The cultural displays were intentionally designed to elevate the voices of historically marginalized people and to challenge common stereotypes.
This project developed over the course of the school year, focusing on a different heritage every month, including Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History, among others, and concluding in a school-wide multicultural family celebration. The family celebration invited students, families, and community members to share their cultural backgrounds through table displays and performances.
The project’s outcomes support the idea that intentional cultural representation in schools positively impacts school climate by creating environments that celebrate and value diversity and help minority students feel seen, respected, and connected.
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Committee Member
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Alicia Wenzel
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Rights
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Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2025, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
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https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
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Language
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eng
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Type
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Text
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Identifier
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MariaBanuelosJuarez_PP_2025
