Above: Kaleidoscope Kindness Rocks Project, May 2023
Left: Black History Month Celebration, February 2024
Below: Diwali Celebration, November 2023
Table of Contents
Above: Lower School Jewish Affinity Group and Upper School Jewish Culture Club Hanukkah Party, December 2023
Right: Kaleidoscope Drums 4 Life Drum Circle, February 2024
Above: ACT Conference Professional Development with Rosetta Lee, April 2024
A Letter from the
Assistant Head of School for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and Chief Diversity
Officer
Dear Charger Family,
I am pleased to present our Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Annual Report for the 2023-2024 school year. This report marks another significant milestone in our ongoing journey towards fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
At Providence Day School, we believe that equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just values to which we aspire, but essential elements to help fulfill our mission. Over the past year, we have made substantial strides in weaving these principles into the fabric of the school. This report highlights our progress and shares some of the amazing connections, experiences, and learning taking place on campus.
The strides we have taken would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our entire community. I am deeply grateful to our students, faculty, staff, administration, Board of Trustees, parents and families, and alumni, who have championed these efforts and contributed to the realization of our shared vision. Your commitment and collaboration are what drive us forward.
As we reflect on our progress, we also recognize that the journey towards bolstering community and belonging is ongoing. We remain committed to listening, learning, and evolving to meet the needs of our diverse community.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to work together towards a more equitable and inclusive future.
In partnership,
Tyrone Jean Assistant Head of School for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and Chief Diversity Officer
Meet the Team
DAVID HARRIS
Middle School History Faculty and Middle School EIB Coordinator
JANA DORSEY
Associate Director of Outreach for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
JEN MOSER
World Language Faculty and Middle School EIB Coordinator
KRISTIE OGLESBY
P.E./Health Department Chair and Lower School EIB Coordinator
THAMAR LEBR Ó N
Upper School History Faculty and Upper School EIB Coordinator
WELCOME JULIAN COOK!
ASHLI SUMMERVILLE
Lower School
P.E. Faculty and Lower School EIB Coordinator
Julian Cook joined the Providence Day community in 2023, moving to Charlotte from the Philadelphia/South Jersey area. In his capacity as ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION , Julian collaborates with students, faculty, staff, families, divisions, departments, and peer schools to provide educational programs for students, faculty and staff.
Prior to joining Providence Day, Julian served as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice (DEIJB), as well as Middle and Upper School Spanish Faculty at Doane Academy in Burlington, NJ. He also previously taught Spanish at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT, and in Windham Public Schools in Windham, CT. Julian has a master’s in Literatures, Cultures, and Languages from the University of Connecticut, and a bachelor’s from Frostburg State University in Foreign Languages and Literature. Additionally, he spent a full year in undergrad studying Latin American Literature and International Law at Instituto Tecnológico y Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Monterrey, México.
Julian dove right in upon joining the PD community. Through his leadership, several programs, both new and established, were spearheaded and/or enhanced this school year. Two major highlights this year include: The EIB Lunch and Learn Series and the inaugural Upper School conference with Charlotte-area peer schools.
SYDNEY SHEAFFER
Upper School Fine Arts Faculty and Upper School EIB Coordinator
At a Glance
Affinity and Alliance Groups
Above: Upper School Club Fair with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), September 2023
Left: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, September 2023
EQUITY: At Providence Day School (PD), we aspire and commit to ensuring that each individual has access to resources, support, and opportunities according to their needs. By eliminating barriers, each individual is able to flourish within our community.
INCLUSION: At PD, we are actively cultivating and sustaining individual and institutional behaviors in which all members of our community will experience acceptance, respect, support, and value, given their various identities and backgrounds.
BELONGING: At PD, belonging is an emotional and experiential outcome of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We commit and aspire to have each member of our community experience and feel a sense of belonging. This means each individual is seen, heard, valued, cared for, and affirmed in all of their full selves, thus making them feel connected to the greater PD community.
White
Asian
Black / African American 9.0% Multiracial 8.3% Wish Not To Report 3.4% Latino / Hispanic 1.2% Middle Eastern 0.6% Native American 0.2% Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Adapted from the National Association of Independent Schools
Assemblies, Events, Programs, and Speakers
Providence Day School is an inclusive community of students, parents, families, faculty, staff, alums, and alumni parents. As a school community anchored in our mission and values, we lean into the importance of threading EIB into both curricular and co-curricular experiences. Partnership and collaboration are integral to the PD experience. Programs, speakers, and events allow us opportunities to build community, bring people together, expand our network, amplify voices, and learn something new.
Above: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program featuring Visual and Performing Artist Tony Wavy, January 2024
Left: Middle School Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, South Asian (AMEMSA) Affinity Group Eid on the Foyer Celebration, April 2024
HIGHLIGHTS
Parents’ Association Cultural Connections Events
Each year, the Parents’ Association (PA) Cultural Connections committee partners with students and the EIB team to bring cultural celebrations to our community. This school year the PA hosted Ethiopian New Year, Hispanic Heritage Month, Diwali, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Eid al-Fitr
Parent/Family Affinity Group Events
Between 2021 and 2023, four parent/family affinity groups have been established and spearheaded by parents: Black Families Network (BFN), Hispanic/Latino Families Network (HLFN), Pride Families Network (PFN), and South Asian Families Network (SAFN). This year, eight events were hosted for and by parent/family networks: SAFN One Small Visit Private Screening and Talk with Dr. Anisha Abraham, BFN Fall Social, HLFN Fall Social, PFN Coffee with Alumni Speaker Harper Seldin ’07, BFN Holiday Gathering, Families of Fellowship of Christian Athletes Winter Social, SAFN Holi Festival, BFN Spring Coffee, PFN Spring Social, and HFLN Spring Dinner
Student Diversity Council Lunch and Learn Series
The Student Diversity Council (SDC) and EIB held a monthly Lunch and Learn Series this school year. The Lunch and Learn Series is a student-led opportunity to gather as peers to discuss topics, ask questions, and share perspectives on issues related to equity, inclusion, and belonging. A few topics from this year included Affirmative Action, LGBTQ+ Legislation, Racist Roots Film Screening, Health Disparities in the Black Community with HOSA, Women’s Community Circles with Ms. Lebrón’s HERStory Class , and “Pavan’s Pro Tips: Learning How to Succeed in School with Students 4 Students.”
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is an alliance group of third through fifth grade students with an interest in social justice learning; topics of equity, inclusion, and belonging; and cultural exchange/exploration. Students participate in activities, discussions, and hear from guest speakers once a month throughout the school year. The 2023-2024 Kaleidoscope Meetings included Alumni Speaker Kaila Dawkins ’20; Native American Heritage Month Speaker and PD Parent Heather Harper; Tres Reyes Celebration (Three Kings Day); Drums 4 Life African Drum Circle; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Visual and Performing Artist Tony Wavy; Poetry with Junious Jay Ward; Kindness Rocks Garden Project; Rainbow Day; and Chalk Art Messages of Positivity and Affirmation.
Speakers, Programs, and Events
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program with Tony Wavy : In commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., visual and performing artist Tony Wavy, also known as Hip-Hop Picasso, visited our school in January. Tony performed at Upper and Middle School assemblies and live painted two original pieces of Dr. King for Providence Day. It was a full circle moment as Upper School EIB Coordinator and art faculty Sydney Sheaffer, taught Tony several years ago.
Jay Ward: For the second year in a row, Charlotte’s Poet Laureate Junious “Jay” Ward visited campus. Ward attended Kaleidoscope as well as several Lower School classes, leading students through poetry workshops.
LGBTQ+ History Month Commemoration with Harper Seldin ’07: Class of 2007 alum Harper Seldin visited campus in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month. Seldin is an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Drums 4 Life African Drum Circle: Kojo Bey, founder of Charlotte-based African drum troupe Drums 4 Life, brought the rhythm, beat, and spirit of African drumming to the Charger community. With over 30 years experience, Bey curated an authentic and interactive experience in which our students were able to learn about the history of the jembe drum while participating in the drum circle. The jembe drum is the most popular drum in the world. Kojo is the author of the book J embe Revolution: The Birth of the Jembe in America . Students, faculty, and staff across all three divisions enjoyed this incredible experience.
Arab American National Museum Exhibit: For the second year in a row we partnered with the Arab American National Museum of Dearborn, MI to bring a traveling exhibit to campus. The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian. This year’s exhibit was titled What We Carried: Fragments and Memories from Iraq and Syria . The exhibit featured images in both Arabic and English.
Rainbow Day: Each year, Upper School Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) student leaders plan Rainbow Day for the community. Rainbow Day is a day of visibility, positivity, celebration, affirmation, and allyship.
Holocaust Memorial Exhibit: For the second year in a row, Upper School World Language faculty member, Kinga Zay, curated a Holocaust Memorial Exhibit. This year, the exhibit included menorahs from the PD Jewish community. Kinga received her Certification in Holocaust Pedagogy from Queens University’s Stan Greenspon Center in 2023.
AMEMSA/AAPI Chai Chat: AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, South Asian) and AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) affinity groups collaborated on a Chai Chat in commemoration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Both student and faculty attendees discussed the historical and contemporary impacts of colorism across race and culture.
Fifth Grade Courageous Conversations Program: Lower School, Upper School, and EIB partnered for the annual Fifth Grade Courageous Conversations Program. PD parent Savinay Singh, who was featured in the show What Would You Do? , shared his segment and spoke with students about what the experience was like for him. After hearing from Savinay, fifth graders joined small groups led by Upper School students to practice strategies for engaging in courageous conversations with peers.
Affinity and Alliance Groups
AFFINITY GROUP: A group where individuals share a common identity and experiences often based on social identifiers (race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc.). A common best practice within independent schools, these groups were formed to support individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds to help build community and foster a greater sense of belonging.
ALLIANCE GROUP: A group of individuals that hold an identity and/or support individuals of the centered identity. Individuals may not identify with a particular community but are advocates and supporters of the specific community who desire to create a greater sense of belonging.
Below: Upper School Diversity Conference, November 2023
Lower School Affinity and Alliance Groups
Kaleidoscope, Superpowers Neurodivergent Group, Asian Affinity Group, Black/African-American Affinity Group, Bi-racial/Multiracial Affinity Group, and the Jewish Affinity Group
Middle School Affinity and Alliance Groups
Kaleidoscope; Rainbow Alliance; Jewish Student Association; Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA); Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and the South Asian Affinity Group (AMEMSA)
Upper School Affinity and Alliance Groups
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA); Students Advocating for Gender Equality (SAGE); Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA); AAPI Affinity Group; Black Student Union (BSU); Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA); Hispanic/ Latinx Affinity Group; and the Jewish Culture Club (JCC)
Faculty and Family Affinity and Alliance Groups
Black Families Network, Hispanic and Latino Families Network, Pride Families Network, South Asian Families Network, and the Faculty/Staff of Color Group
Above: Lower School Asian Affinity Group Lunar New Year Lantern Celebration, February 2024
Below: Black History Month Celebration, February 2024
Faculty and Staff Development
NCAIS Administrators of Color Conference: Julian Cook and Jana Dorsey attended the inaugural North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS) Administrators of Color (AOC) Conference hosted by Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC. Administrators of Color from independent schools across North Carolina attended and participated in sessions.
Diversity Leadership Session with Rosetta Lee at Trinity Episcopal School: Julian Cook and Jana Dorsey joined Charlotte independent school colleagues at Trinity Episcopal School for a roundtable Diversity Leadership Session with Rosetta Lee of The Equity Exchange/Seattle Girls School.
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (PoCC): Twelve PD faculty, staff, and senior leaders across divisions and departments traveled to St. Louis, MO for the NAIS People of Color Conference.
ADL Never is Now Conference: Upper School History Department Chair Ted Dickson and Upper School History Department Faculty/EIB Coordinator Thamar Lebrón attended the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Never is Now Conference in New York City in March. The conference featured panelists and speakers across industries with a focus on conversations combating antisemitism.
ACT Conference: Providence Day, Charlotte Country Day, and Charlotte Latin schools planned the annual Affirming Community Together (ACT) Conference. Hosted at Charlotte Latin School, Upper School facilitators lead workshops for Middle School participants. Workshop topics included: Developing Self Care, Growing Confidence, and Unpacking Code-Switching. Concurrently, the faculty/staff chaperones from all three planning committee schools, Cannon School, and Charlotte Prep participated in a full-day workshop with renowned independent school/DEI consultant Rosetta Lee of Equity Exchange and the Seattle Girls’ School.
Guidance for Black Families Navigating College Admissions: The Thornhill Rites of Passage Foundation and the Carolina Youth Coalition partnered to host an informative panel on navigating the college admissions process. Associate Director of College Guidance Gina Hubbard and Jana Dorsey attended.
Strategenius Things to Consider Along Your Leadership Journey Webinar: Julian Cook and Jana Dorsey participated in a webinar for NCAIS Administrators of Color Conference attendees with Black-owned independent school recruitment and networking firm, Strategenius. The webinar served as a space and opportunity for reflection, networking, and leadership development amongst independent school colleagues throughout North Carolina.
New Faculty and Staff EIB Training: Jana Dorsey led new faculty and staff through an EIB informational session and training during Inservice Week.
Lower School Spring Faculty Training: Faculty advisors of Lower School affinity and alliance groups shared updates with Lower School. Faculty and staff then went through case scenarios on navigating microaggressions.
Upper School Spring Faculty Training: College Guidance and EIB departments partnered to lead a session with Upper School faculty and staff on best practices and processes for mitigating biases when writing letters of recommendation.
NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute: Each year, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) hosts a Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI). DLI’s residential institute provides intentional space for collaboration, networking, and learning for independent school administrators, faculty, and staff from across the country. Tyrone Jean attended DLI in 2023. Julian Cook attended DLI in 2024.
Power of Words Facilitator Training: Tyrone Jean led a training for Power of Words facilitators. The Power of Words is an interactive workshop designed for sixth through eighth grade students. The workshop builds on the fifth grade “Courageous Conversations” program.
Then and Now Webinar Series — Antisemitism and Islamophobia: In March, Julian Cook participated in a four-part series developed by the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. The sessions included: “What is Antisemitism and How Do We Interrupt It” by Sophia McGee, “Islamophobia Origins and Consequences” by Omar Bajwa, “Anti-Islamic Bigotry through the Lens of the Qur’an” by Zaid Shakir, and “Antisemitism and the Pulpit: The Gospel of John, the Jews and Holy Week” by AJ Levine.
Think Globally, Act Locally
2024 EIB Award Recipient
Launched in 2023, the EIB Award goes to a junior or senior who exemplifies PD’s values of equity, inclusion, and belonging. Recipients of the EIB Awards are: advocates, champions, and allies who build bridges between people and communities by amplifying the voices of those at the margins. This year’s recipient has demonstrated all the above and more. She has impacted the PD community significantly and embodies what it means to provide spaces of belonging. Congratulations to the 2024 EIB Award Recipient, Meha Khanna!
Above: Upper School Closing Ceremony, May 2024
Round Square International Conference in Nairobi, Kenya : Upper School Students Marly Celebron-Brown, Sanaya Lee, Eli Coblenz, Prableen Kaur, and Elizabeth Cicoletti attended the Round Square International Conference hosted by the Brookhouse School in Nairobi, Kenya. Director of Global Programs Jessica Williams and Assistant Head of Lower School Pam Heacock served as trip directors. In advance of their travels, the group visited Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classes to ask TK-ers what they wanted them to look for and learn while in Kenya. After the trip, they returned to TK classrooms to share their experiences through storytelling and photo sharing , enhancing the Kenya unit in the TK curriculum while also threading the TK through twelfth grade experience.
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference : IDEAS at PD faculty Brian Li and Dr. James Edge led a finance workshop at the NAIS’ POCC Conference in St. Louis, MO. Over 400 conference attendees attended the session.
Carney Sandoe and Associates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Recruitment Conference: Associate Head of School, Michael Magno, Assistant Head of School for EIB, Tyrone Jean, and Head of Upper School, Eric Hedinger, attended the annual Carney Sandoe DEIB Recruitment Conference in Philadelphia, PA.
ACT Middle School Conference: For the last several years, the ACT Conference (Affirming Community Together) brought sixth through eighth grade students from independent schools in the Charlotte area together for DEIB-centered workshops led by Upper School student leaders. In addition to serving on the planning committee, Eliana Spector, Paige Johnson, Charlie Kahn, Binary Sum, and Santiago Esparza Nazemi designed and led workshops.
Upper School Ujima Diversity Conference: Piper Spooner, Nihal Kodavarti, Julian Cook, and Jana Dorsey led workshops for over eighty ninth through twelfth graders across four Charlotte-area independent schools at the inaugural Upper School Ujima Diversity Conference.
NAIS Annual Conference: Upper School English Department Chair and Teaching Fellows Program Director Marcus Smith and Middle School Math Faculty Member and Teaching Fellows Program Assistant Director, Jillian Ingram ’04 traveled to St. Louis, MO to present on the Teaching Fellows Program.
North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS) Diversity and Inclusion Conference: Thamar Lebrón presented at the NCAIS Diversity and Inclusion Conference in Greensboro, NC. Thirteen students attended the conference alongside faculty and staff members Julian Cook, Shafantae Desinord, David Harris, Nihal Kodavarti, Thamar Lebrón, Brian Li, Shemeika Massey, and Piper Spooner.
8th Grade South Asian Cultural Day Featuring The Night Diary : Providence Day parent volunteers worked with MS History Department Chair, Brian Field ‘94 to bring a South Asian Cultural Day complementing the 8th grade text The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani. Students and faculty heard from PD grandparent Dr. Singh. The day included plenty of dancing, henna, and delicious food.
A Binding Truth Film Screening and Panel: A Binding Truth tells the compelling real-life story of Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick and De Kirkpatrick. The Kirkpatricks were classmates at Charlotte’s Myers Park High School during a pivotal moment in Charlotte history, integration. Their story reveals a profound connection rooted in history—revealing a striking link between their families during the antebellum period in North Carolina. Following the private screening of the film, Jimmie Lee, De, the film producer, and Hoke Thompson served on an exclusive panel for attendees that centered racial healing.
Above: Diwali Celebration, November 2023
Providence Day Faculty/Staff Gospel Choir: Lower School faculty Arienne Hood and Middle School faculty/EIB Coordinator David Harris founded the first Providence Day Faculty/Staff Gospel Choir. The choir performed at several school community events throughout the year and includes 40+ members across divisions and departments.
Nonviolent and Compassionate Communication Workshop: The Global Education Department brought a Nonviolent and Compassionate Communication workshop to campus in June. Compassionate Communication: Practices for Understanding Across Difference, is a workshop series based on Marshall Rosenburg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC) approach. The sessions included: An Introduction to the Listening Framework, Connecting Across Difference, and Engaging in Self-Care for Deep Listening. Dr. PJ Nelson of Appalachian State University and the Center for Nonviolent Communication facilitated the workshop. Sixteen faculty and staff across divisions and departments participated.
Middle School Power of Words Workshop: EIB and Middle School partnered to facilitate a workshop designed carefully and intentionally for all sixth through eighth grade students. The workshop is interactive and builds on the skills shared in the fifth grade Courageous Conversations program.
Upper School Ujima Diversity Conference: Upper School partnered with Charlotte Latin School and Charlotte Country Day School DEI teams to create and launch the first Charlotte-area independent school diversity conference for ninth through twelfth grade students. The conference theme leaned into our collective hope for justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Over 85 students from Providence Day, Charlotte Latin School, Charlotte Country Day School, and Cannon School participated in sessions.
Women’s Leadership Conference : A committee of Upper and Middle School student leaders and Interim Head of Upper School Tosha Arriola created and launched the first Providence Day Women’s Conference. Fifteen women from the Charlotte area spanning industries from finance and STEM, to nonprofits and entrepreneurship held empowering sessions centering their journeys, insights, and advice for young women leaders.
Lower School Affinity/Alliance Group Expansion: Lower School opened participation from fourth through fifth graders to third through fifth graders.
Lower School Curriculum Enhancements: Fourth and fifth grade piloted a new engaging Social Studies Curriculum which includes various historical perspectives. This curriculum will launch in the 20242025 school year. Transitional kindergarten through second grade began the Round Square Heroes of Discoveries program. This program aligns with the IDEALS of the Discovery Framework.
New Affinity and Alliance Groups: New groups include Super Powers Neurodivergent Awareness Group (Lower School); Biracial and Multiracial Affinity Group (Lower School); Mindscape Neurodivergent Awareness Group (Middle School); Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, South Asian (AMEMSA) Affinity Group (Middle School), and Black Student Union (BSU) (Middle School).
Teaching Fellows Program Placements: All Teaching fellows in the 2023-2024 cohort received offers from independent schools in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. Each fellow in the cohort has accepted roles in the Raleigh-Durham area, Boston area and/or will be continuing their education in graduate school.
NCAIS DEI Practitioners Virtual Meetings: Julian Cook led several virtual meetings for DEI practitioners in North Carolina independent schools. The purpose of the meetings is to create opportunities for DEI leaders to connect and network with one another, reflect on and process current events, and seek advice and resources.
Right: South Asian Families Network (SAFN) Holi Celebration, March 2024
Above: Rainbow Day Words of Affirmation with Kaleidoscope, April 2024
Left: Hispanic and Latinx Affinity Group at Club Fair, September 2023