Diversity, Equity & ProgressInclusion Report 2021-2022
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT 2 SEVERN SCHOOL CHALLENGES ITS STUDENTS TO PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN CHARACTER, CONDUCT, AND SCHOLARSHIP, TO MARSHAL THE COURAGE TO LEAD, AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD AROUND THEM. WE BELIEVE THIS IS BEST REALIZED IN A COMMUNITY WHERE ADULTS MODEL THESE QUALITIES, WHERE A CULTURE OF BELONGING IS FOSTERED, AND WHERE EACH STUDENT IS KNOWN AND VALUED. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRESS REPORT: Review of Ongoing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Major Actions: Progress to Date Alumni Relations Parent RecruitEngagementandRetaina diverse community of educators Development Office DEI Communications & Website DEI Severn Stories Classroom Curriculum DEI work in all school clubs DEI professional development Connecting students with educational DEI experiences Meet our Middle and Upper School coordinators Our mission statement reflects Severn School as a forward thinking and intentional school known for modeling the many ways to lead. Within the framework of the Strategic Planning process, we adopted a refreshed mission which reflects our Core Values. We want every single member of our community — past, current, and future —to feel that Severn is a place where they belong. While diversifying our school is an outcome, ensuring that everyone is included and empowered is the real benefit.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT 2021-2022
REVIEW OF ONGOING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES BY MIKE GLASBY, DEI DIRECTOR
The academic calendar of 2021-2022 marked year two of Severn School’s development and implementation of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) department. Members of the Severn Community utilized the school year to participate in various opportunities inside and outside the classroom that aimed to further establish and develop ongoing action items as well as culture of belonging goals. Time, resources, and a multitude of individual stakeholders within the Severn Community supported the execution of this work daily. Like any aspect of growth, we faced our share of trials. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work can be challenging and complex. As we have communicated before, it is essential that we stay engaged, do not grow tire some, or fall into complacency. As time and effort continues, we must know that there will be various questions, challenges, and learning experiences that if addressed correctly can help dictate immediate and long-term posi tive outcomes throughout the entire Severn Community. To follow, please find our report detailing our progress for the previous year.
Ongoing Action #1: Increase Severn’s student diversity by identifying admissions strategies that will improve outreach to students of color, and with a focus on increasing Black Student Enrollment.
The Enrollment Management department has also added specific inclusivity and belonging questions to the general admissions application. The reason ing behind the adjustment is to communicate with families the importance of DEI work at Severn. The questions have provided more opportunities for our admissions team to discuss and answer specific inquires related to DEI at Severn School. The Direc tor of Diversity Equity and Inclusion has also been added to the Admissions Committee which allow for them to review and discuss with the admissions team potential families and have a role in the admis sions decision process.
Heading into the 2022-2023 academic year, Severn School will restart transportation offerings for cur rent families. Based on end of the year surveys the two previous morning routes starting in Dunkirk and Upper Marlboro/Bowie will be offered. Potential interest in other locations is growing amongst our school community and we are exploring all options with our bus company contractor in order to meet those needs soon. A new transportation market ing plan is also being designed by the Enrollment Management and Communications team in order to spread the information throughout the upcoming admissions process for potential students and their families.
Starting at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year, seven new Board of Trustee members will be gin their terms. Of the seven, three are women, and two are a people of color. Severn has also continued to utilize the services of Carney Sandoe and Associ ates, Southern Teachers Agency, Nemnet Minority Recruitment, Strategenius, and Teachers of Color to recruit, attract, and potentially hire more candidates who are historically underrepresented in the inde pendent school space. The DEI Director has con tinued to participate in all of Severn’s Upper School and Administrative hiring processes.
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• Cultivate a diverse and thriving community by ensuring equity in all touchpoints of the Severn experience.
Strategies for strengthening relationships with Historically Black Colleges and University’s (HB CU’s) are continuing to be developed. Furthermore, Severn is utilizing local and national spaces like, As sociation of Maryland Independent School (AIMS), Baltimore Student Education Trust (BEST), The Na tional Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to professionally network, promote opportunities, forge partnerships, and positively impact students.
• Combat bias through a course curriculum that uplifts diverse perspectives, cultures, and lived experiences, and promotes genuine understand ing and acceptance.
The 2021-2022 academic year also saw the comple tion of our Lower School Belonging Survey which was the third installment of our initial phase of student focused metrics on diversity, equity, inclu sion, belonging, bias response, and faculty support.
The DEI Director and representatives in the faculty, administration, and board of trustees who serve as school level DEI representatives were significant contributors to the Strategic Planning process that was developed with the consultation of Mission Minded. Instinctive Inclusivity was selected as a pillar of focus under our values within Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Instinctive Inclu sivity is the ability to include and engage other peo ple, perspective, and experiences without prompt, recognizing that such openness broadens knowledge and deepens community. Our priorities:
• Reduce financial barriers that may stand be tween qualified students and a Severn education by strengthening our financial access program to further meet the needs expressed in the appli cant pool.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT
Ongoing Action #2: Increase racial diversity of Severn’s Board, Administration, and Faculty through an examination of our processes to support and retain minority candidates.
• Strengthening our community’s commitment to anti-bias, making sure that every voice is heard, and that learning is equitable through a shared language of understanding of our “Everyone Belong” value.
Ongoing Action #3: Expand the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals and initiatives in the current strategic planning process, incorporate metrics and report on our process, to ensure actions are sus tained.
The metrics of all three divisions will be studied, analyzed and utilized for appropriate programing, student and family support, and faculty professional
MichaelSincerely,development.K.Glasby II, DEI Director
The cross-team collaboration supporting DEI/ Alumni collective aims has included:
PARENT ENGAGEMENT
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT 2021-2022
The Admiral Parents’ Association (APA), continues to be a vibrant group of Severn School parents dedi cated to supporting our school, community, students and each other. With over 100 events, receptions, meetings, programs, workshops, and parent gath erings each year, there is something for everyone and plenty of opportunity to be involved, volunteer your time and talents, and build a strong network of friends. Some events are geared to support stu dents, such as Lower School Fall Festival, Middle School Social, and Upper School Hoops Madness, Boardwalk Blast and After Prom party. Other events support faculty, such as teacher appreciation events, while still others are geared to build and support our parent community, such as grade level parent socials, golf tournament, monthly APA meetings at both campuses, and the annual APA Admiral Auc tion held every March. Deb Smith, Severn School Parent Liaison, continues to focus on connecting families across all grade levels. One of the premier programs of the APA is our New Parent Program, designed to welcome parents into our Admiral com munity and provide one-on-one access to a current parent representative who can help answer questions on a personal level.
• Specific outreach from Alumni Director Carolyn Campion to alumni of color for alumni spot lights, campus visits, alumni-owned business support, and storytelling in social media and print media.
• Thoughtful integration of alumni leaders of color in various curricular/extracurricular programming, guest lecturing engagements, and alumni milestone celebrations, which span a Public Speaking course, the Investment Club, Innovative Senior Projects, and the “50 Years of Women at Severn” art and video presentations.
The program features: Parent Ambassadors: Every new-to-Severn parent is assigned a Parent Ambassador who will commu nicate with new parents throughout the year. The ambassador is there to answer all questions about daily life at Severn, from where to buy uniforms and drop-off procedures, to book purchases, social events and more. Welcome Kit: All new parents are encouraged to stop by the Alumni House to pick up a new family welcome kit. The development office enjoys connecting with families and learning more about Severn School during the beginning of their journey.
ALUMNI RELATIONS
• Pairing of Severn Students individually with professional mentors of color for programmatic and curricular enterprises, including Innovative Senior Projects and American Public Address class projects.
We are delighted to share with you the 2021-2022 Sparks Scholar awardee Justin Queen, member of the Severn School Class of 2022. Justin’s work as a dependable leader, high achieving student, disci plined athlete, and dedicated member of our com munity has distinguished him during his tenure at Severn School. Justin will continue his education as a midshipman at the US Naval Academy this fall.
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DEVELOPMENT
Severn Stories and Social Media
DEI Faculty and Staff Awareness Survey
DEI COMMUNICATIONS AND WEBSITE
In collaboration with the DEI Director and Head of School's Office the Office of Communications gener ates a wide range of communications related to DEI programs and activities. These communications are designed to inform and highlight the efforts of the campus community.
In 1990, The Sparks Endowment Fund was created in honor Mr. Leroy Sparks ‘71, the first Black student to attend and graduate from Severn School, member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, and Rolland M. Teel Distinguished Alumni Award Honoree. The Sparks Endowment Fund provides more equitable access to a Severn education for students of color who have demonstrated excellence in character, conduct, and scholarship, and exhibit leadership potential. The Sparks Endowment continues to grow with the investment from donors and currently stands at over $375,000. Severn School thanks all of those who continue their support of this important award.
DEI Awareness Calendar
Internally we collect data about our awareness of nationally recognized celebrations and day(s) for specific groups, cultures, or causes. A survey is used to inform the DEI Director where there is a need for additional educational resources for our faculty. Results from the survey are also used by the Office of Communications to share authentic classroom stories. Faculty and Staff Resource Board Faculty and staff have access to an internal resource board which archives collective DEI resources shared by Severn Faculty and Staff. The board also archives all DEI professional development opportu nities and presentations.
A DEI calendar is available on the School's website at www.severnschool.com and on the DEI webpage. Faculty, parents, and students have access to the calendar.
The communications department works to share classroom stories using the website and social media platforms. All Severn Stories can be found at www. severnschool.com/news-archive. Look for us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Founded in 1914 as a preparatory school for the United States Naval Academy entrance exam, Severn School has a proud military tradi tion. For 61 years, that tradition included only men. Eola Lewis Scott '75 was the first woman to graduate from Severn and dedicate her 25-year career to military service. Since then, an impressive number of alumnae have exemplified Severn's mission to the highest degree with the courage to lead and contribute to the world through military service. Twelve women, each with uniquely powerful perspectives, shared their stories with us.
To read this story and more about 50 years of women, go to our web page: www.severnschool.com/alumni/celebrating-50-years-of-women
"Middle Schoolers Look Both Ways for 2021 All Middle School Read" Award-winning author Jason Reynolds, appointed National Ambas sador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress, has an unmistakable writer's voice. He speaks to young adults through the triumphs and struggles of his characters, capturing the attention of even the most reluctant readers. For our second annual All Middle School Read, our teachers and students read his 2019 novel Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks. To bring this experience even closer to home for our students, Mr. Reynolds visited Severn to talk about his life, his writing process, and of course, his books.
"Severn Unida En Celebracion" Learning a language at the elementary school level is more than vo cabulary, sentence structure, and inflection. In addition to boosting problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills, the study of lan guage can be a powerful tool for discovery. Jumpstarting the year with a celebration of Hispanic culture in every grade, Ms. Diana Doroteo invites our Lower School Admirals to explore and appreciate the Span ish-speaking community. To read these stories and more, go to our webpage:
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT 2021-2022 DEIB 2021-2022 STORIES
"Expandingwww.severnschool.com/news-archiveTradition"
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT CURRICULAR WORK AND DEI GOALS
This year we will be publishing separate curriculum updates in division-specific re ports available online. Questions? Contact Mike Glasby at dei@severnschool.com
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We commit to developing course curricula that incorporate diverse perspectives, materials, and experiences in and out of the classroom to foster an appreciation of different cultures, to combat bias, and promote genuine understanding and accep tance of others. Through thoughtful pedagogy, we help our students develop lead ership, critical thinking, and communication skills, and to engage meaningfully and responsibly in our community and beyond.
Lower, Middle and Upper School faculty and staff participated in professional development opportunities such as workshops and conferences centered around DEIB, differentiation and learning accomodations, sexuality and gender identity, global citizenship. Ongoing professional development supports our strategic priori ty to combat bias through a course curriculum that uplifts diverse perspectives, cul tures, and lived experiences, and promotes genuine understanding and acceptance.
The 7th grade students were able to participate in their own workshop series this year, "Empathy and Belonging". They focused on understanding ele ments of identity, as well as building on feelings of empathy and belonging; they are also engaged in exercises focused on creating a culture of belonging. The series culminated in a town hall attended by all Middle School students, with a spotlight on learn ing about and understanding others. With positive feedback from students and faculty, this will serve as a pilot program for all middle school workshops starting in the 22-23 school year.
UPPER SCHOOL UNITY DAY
The Upper School started 2022 off with Unity Day in January, a day set aside for fostering understanding around issues of diversity and inclusion. Student-led workshops and invited speakers participated in several sessions with topics ranging from climate justice, to gun violence, to tackling stereotypes and microaggressions.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT 2021-2022 LOWER SCHOOL "USING BOOKS TO CONVERSATIONS"SPARK To kick-off the 2021-2022 school year, Lower School Head Cathy North, Di rector of Instructional Programs Sherri Hoyt, DEI Director Mike Glasby, and former LS Librarian Kristen Kwisnek shared resources on mySevern to sup port parents in having conversations with their children, Using Books to Spark Conversations. Sample books were shared along with resources on our school site. To review the site's resources, visit: conversational-bookswww.severnschool.com/
7TH GRADE EMPATHY AND BELONGING WORKSHOP
Several different clubs provided many opportunities for Severn students and faculty to get involved with DEI initiatives throughout the year. These clubs include, and are not limited to: Multicultural Student Alliance, Black Student Alliance, Umbrella Club, Re sponsibility Education and Allyship Group (REAG), United Spectrum, SWAG, Community Life, and the Open Doors program. Here's a closer look at some of the work done within out Upper School Clubs: Upper School Leadership Lab What is the Leadership Lab? The retreat involves a series of workshops to develop leadership skills, talk about issues at school, and praise the positives while brainstorming ways to improve. It's also an oppor tunity for students to mix outside of their typical circles and build a stronger sense of community. The retreat begins with a shared meal on Thursday eve ning, a simple but important ritual to foster togeth erness among the large group. From there, the par ticipants spend the next two and a half days learning strategies to make the Upper School the best it can be. At the end, they choose an adaptive challenge, or open-ended goal, to work toward throughout the year -- the 2021-2022 goal? To go All In. Leadership in our community has evolved to include so much more that speaking at a podium, shining bright on the stage, or scoring the winning point on the field.
DEI Chairperson Shaun Mathis, DEI Director Mike Glasby and the BSA faculty leadership team. The Multicultural Alliance Coffee & Conversation Series Faculty, staff and students were invited to join the Multicultural Alliance for two coffee and conver sation events during Hispanic Heritage Month in October 2021 and Black History Month in February 2022. While enjoying good food and conversation, Severn community members enjoyed learning from and building community with students and faculty members outside of the classroom. During the two discussions, the group shared stories of the Hispan ic, Latino/a/x, and Black/African American heritage and culture. The framework for these discussions included how you think of your identity, how you honor it, and what you wish others knew.
It's also the student who demonstrates emotional intelligence and amplifies the work of their peers. Another who embraces a growth mindset and is intellectually curious. And those who see problems in the world and seek to make change for the better. These are the qualities the world needs from leaders today.
All Severn families were invited to Severn's annual Multicultural/International Dinner on Saturday, April 9, 2022 in Bauer Dining Hall. In celebration of our Severn community and our diverse back grounds and cultures, this evening offers us time and space to enjoy each other’s company by sharing food and music.
10 DEI WORK IN ALL SCHOOL CLUBS
All School Multicultural Dinner
Black Student Alliance Hosts Spring Community
Presented by Severn School's Black Student Alli ance in May 2022, students and their families were invited to gather for remarks and presentations from Head of School Doug Lagarde, Board of Trustees
Connection
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT
LOOKING CLOSELY AT OUR FACULTY SPECTRUM EXERCISE
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRESS REPORT 2021-2022 DEIB PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DEI Director Mike Glasby and Upper School DEI Coordinator Ebone Johnson attended the conference this year. Faculty attended Lessons of the Shoah hosted by The John Carroll School and the Baltimore Jewish Council in November, learning from individuals who have both experienced and studied genocide with a focus on antisemitism, discrimination during the aftermath of the Holocaust, and intergeneration al trauma.
CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH EDUCATIONAL DEI EXPERIENCES
The NAIS Online Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), September 2021
• AIMS Middle School Student Leadership in Diversity Conference, April 2022 Students from area independent and public schools come together to learn about and cel ebrate Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (grades 6-8).
The NAIS Online Student Diversity Leadership Conference is a multiracial, multicultural gath ering of upper school student leaders (grades 9-12) from across the U.S. and abroad.
Led by Director of Studies Dr. Sidra Smith and DEI Director Mike Glasby, the Faculty Spectrum Exercise, this activity was developed by the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and Arts program of Inclu sive Teaching. The activity aimed to help Faculty develop a better sense of self, understand the various layers and components of identity, understand that identity expands beyond what is visible, learn to engage with topics in an organized, intellectual, and emotional way and in company of colleagues whose identity differs from their own; sensitize participants to their shared identities with their colleagues as well as the diversity of identities on our campuses, building community and encouraging empathy. Variations of the Spectrum Exercise for age-ap propriate DEI work have been implemented in the 9th Grade Health and Wellness program.
Our faculty, administrators and board of trustees our supported with access to several DEIB profes sional development opportunities throughout the year. The year kicked off with a Board of Trustee Retreat led by Lawrence Alexander in examination of DEIB work within the Executive, Finance, Strate gic Planning, Trustee Recruitment and Onboarding Development/Alumni, Buildings and Grounds, Evaluation and Compensation Committees.
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• AIMS Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference (BSDLC), November 2021
The NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC) is the flagship of the National Association of Indepen dent Schools’ commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and sustainability for indepen dent schools.
The Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference (BSDLC) is a high school diversi ty and equity leadership training event that is planned by and led by area high school students (grades 9-12).
MEET OUR MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL DEI COORDINATORS
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“I AM VERY EXCITED TO TAKE ON A LARGER ROLE IN THE CREATION AND FACILITATION OF INCREASING DEI UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SO THAT EVERY STUDENT FEELS COMFORTABLE, CONFIDENT, AND INCLUDED.”
“I'M THRILLED TO CONTINUE MY WORK IN THE YEARS TO COME, AND I'M GLAD TO BE WORKING IN TANDEM WITH THE REST OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER FACULTY TO MAKE SEVERN A MORE DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE PLACE FOR ALL.”
JoAnna Josey, Middle School DEI Coordinator received a bachelors in biology from Carleton College and a masters in natural science education from Colora do State University. Prior to teaching at Severn, Josey was an experiential edu cator working for different sail training associations. After five years of working all around the country teaching and working on ships, Josey became the HR Manager for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, based out of Halethorpe, MD. When a position presented itself at Severn in the Middle School science department, Josey knew she had to take the leap to teaching and follow her passion for education and science. Josey currently teaches 8th grade science, which encompasses the general scientific skills such as graphing, experimental design, and critical thinking, as well as basic chemistry and physics. She is the leader of the Middle School Black Student Alliance and facilitates the Middle School United Spectrum.
Camille Jones, Upper School DEI Coordinator received her bachelors from Morgan State University, and is pursuing a graduate degree at Bowie State University this fall. New to teaching, Jones’ has always enjoyed supporting the growth and well-being of children as a camp counselor, nanny or long-term substitute. While at Severn, Jones teaches Upper School Spanish and serves as the faculty sponsor for Multicultural Alliance and SWAG Clubs.
As we add to and adjust our program in the coming years such that all members of our community feel a sense of belonging at Severn, we will update the community on a regular basis. If you have any questions or comments, please email DEI@severnschool.com.
Thank you for being a part of our Severn community that strives to listen, to grow, and to better understand how to provide the most dynamic, authentic, and inclusive educational environment possible for our students.
Severn School challenges its students to pursue excellence in character, con duct, and scholarship, to marshal the courage to lead, and to contribute to the world around them. We believe this is best realized in a community where adults model these qualities, where a culture of belonging is fostered, and where each student is known and valued.
