Diversity and Inclusivity Newsletter Fall 2018

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

NEWSLETTER

Quarterly Fall 2018

A dynamic, engaging education. A nurturing, inclusive community.

IN THIS ISSUE Welcome Letter 2018-19 Focus Upcoming Events Goal 6 of the Strategic Plan: Diversity & Inclusivity Summer Training Meet the Parent Guild

UPCOMING EVENTS October 27

Pollyanna Conference at Harvard Westlake

November 1

WELCOME!

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his school year, we are excited to grow our campus-wide Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative, which is outlined in Goal 6 of our Strategic Plan (see page 2). In particular, we are embracing the theme of “belonging” in our Diversity and Inclusivity efforts, which are a vital component of our dynamic, engaging education and nurturing, inclusive community. This quarterly newsletter is designed to highlight the various faculty trainings, student groups, and campus events and activities that support this Initiative. By forming strategic partnerships with students, faculty, and groups on campus, the

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o ensure that every member of our community is provided a sense of belonging via a safe and collaborative environment, we will focus our work on five main areas:

November 1

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Student Groups /Clubs – Establishing partnerships with new student groups and building upon existing relationships with groups and faculty leaders to continue to foster trust and communication.

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Curriculum – Using the classroom to help drive discussion and awareness about different cultures and people from different backgrounds.

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Community Events – Coming together to celebrate what makes everyone in our community unique and to meet new people and groups.

November 2

Faculty In-Service with Andre’ Withers

November 28 - December 1 National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS We want your recipes! Email your favorite family dishes to the Communications Office to be featured in Windward’s upcoming “Tales at the Table” cookbook. The deadline for submissions is October 15.

Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative will help drive discussion of key issues within our community and provide an avenue to engage with every member of the Windward family.

2018-19 FOCUS: A SENSE OF BELONGING

Andre’ Withers works with students

“Tales at the Table” community dinner and storytelling.

Tyrone Powell & Ashley Goodman, Diversity and Inclusivity Co-Chairs

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Research and Development – Continuing our commitment to the development of faculty who are equipped and prepared to engage in Diversity and Inclusivity work on a daily basis.

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Parent Engagement – Finding ways to continue to involve the Parent Guild and other Windward families in this work, and opening up an avenue for communication between parents, students, and administrators.

SUMMER TRAINING

GOAL 6 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY GUIDING QUESTION

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ow can all members of the Windward community advance the School’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, creating a sense of belonging for everyone and an environment where difference is celebrated?

Faculty taking part in the Diversity. Equity, and Inclusivity Workshop

• On Aug. 15 and 16, the Windward Athletic Department was lucky enough to attend a two-night Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity workshop given by Andre’ Withers, the Assistant Head of School at the Madeira School in McLean, Va. Over the course of the workshop, Andre challenged department members to approach Diversity and Inclusivity from a place of learning and listening, emphasizing how there is no “one size fits all” approach that works for every community.

Click here to read more.

BACKGROUND & RATIONALE

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indward’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community is a vital component of both its dynamic education and its nurturing community. At the core of this commitment is the understanding that all community members have a role in creating a nurturing, inclusive, and welcoming school community.

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ecognizing that all members of the community benefit from the opportunity to interact with and to learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences, the School has dedicated approximately $2.5 million to Financial Aid each year. The process of creating an embracing community requires ongoing dialogue and reflection among all members of the community.

• This past Summer, Algebra 1 and AP Calculus AB teacher Tiffaney Hughes had the chance to attend the Summer Institute on Academic Diversity (SIAD) Conference in Charlottesville, Va. The goal of the conference was to help educators: Imbue students with the notion that they learn, work, live, and play in a world populated by individuals and groups of many races, ethnicities, religions, and resources, as well as varied learning styles, physical abilities, and sexual orientations; and, encourage every member of the community to actively participate in respectful and inclusive social interaction. Click here to read more.

MEET THE PARENT GUILD INCLUSIVITY COMMITTEE

WELCOME FROM THE PARENT GUILD VICE PRESIDENT, CHRISTIE CARNEY

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am thrilled to be a proponent of Windward’s Inclusivity initiative that supports the school’s vision of Strategic Plan Goal 6. This year offers many opportunities for everyone to foster the School’s inclusion values with engaging dialogues and community events to celebrate differences that prepare our students for the global society beyond Windward.

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Tricia Matuszak, Inclusivity Co-Chair Christie Carney, Parent Guild Vice President, Inclusivity Jennifer LaCorte McPherson, Inclusivity Co-Chair