Diversity and Inclusivity Newsletter Spring 2019

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

NEWSLETTER

Quarterly Spring 2019

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

IN THIS ISSUE Mid-year Update Bowl Before the Bowl Tales at the Table EECC Dance Brings Diversity

SENSE OF BELONGING AT WINDWARD

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t’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the year! Looking back, it’s amazing to see what our students, parents, and faculty have accomplished over the past few months as part of our Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative. From annual off-campus occasions hosted by our Parent Inclusivity Committee to inaugural events spearheaded by our student-led clubs, our community remains hard at work in building and fostering a sense of belonging.

BOWL BEFORE THE BOWL

Hidden Figures Movie Night Cookies and Conversation Pollyanna Conference

UPCOMING EVENTS March 9

EEC Conference, Viewpoint School 8:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

March 13

Rethinking Diversity and Practical Applications, Westland School 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

April 25

Independent School Professional Development, Willows Community School 11:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

May 18

Parent Voices Presentation, Walden School 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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n January 21, Windward students, parents, faculty, and staff came together to bowl, hang out, and build connections at Windward’s Bowl Before the Bowl. The annual event, hosted by Windward’s Parent Guild Inclusivity Committee, took place at Bowlero in Mar Vista. Created as a way to strengthen the bonds of our School community, the evening included

TALES AT THE TABLE

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his past November, Windward was home to a stunning display of fellowship and community as we hosted our first ever Tales at the Table.

The event featured a number of guest speakers, including students, alumni, and members of Windward’s own faculty. Together, they spoke freely of their own personal experiences with culture, identity, and how Windward helps them to feel like they belong.

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bowling, games, food, and prizes, many of which would not have been possible if not for the Parent Guild Inclusivity Committee’s efforts. This year’s event marked the highest attendance in its history! With the continued support of our community, we can build on evenings like Bowl Before the Bowl and continue to grow meaningful relationships and connections with one another.

EEC CONFERENCE: SIGN UP TODAY!

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Saturday, March African American boys and girls in Grades 7-12 are invited to attend the annual Empowerment and Engagement Coalition Conference at Viewpoint School. Open to students currently attending Southern California independent and private schools, the conference will include a keynote speaker, meaningful workshops, small group discussions, and the opportunity to connect with

COOKIES AND CONVERSATION

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he Gender and Sexuality Alliance hosted their inaugural Genderbread Cookie Decorating Party on December 18, aimed at creating a welcoming space for faculty and students to come together and learn from each other while having fun.

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fellow boys and girls of African descent. For more information, please visit the EECC event page.

A student club committed to spreading information and awareness regarding gender and sexuality diversity at Windward, the GSA brought in quite the crowd, inviting attendees to converse about LGBTQ+ related terminology and share personal stories, all while decorating festive, mighty tasty cookies.

WINDWARD ARTS BRINGS DIVERSE GUEST LINEUP

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s part of Windward’s Strategic Plan, an emphasis is placed on offering a wide-range of activities to provide students with varied interests to feel a sense of connection and belonging to the Windward community.

This extends to the Guest Artists regularly featured in our Performing Arts departments.

The diversity of artists—in terms of their skill set, life experience, and diverse backgrounds—is a valuable and important asset to fostering a sense of inclusion.

POLLYANNA CONFERENCE

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HIDDEN FIGURES MOVIE NIGHT

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n honor of Black History Month, as well as to recognize the importance of Women in Math and Science, Windward hosted a special presentation of the feature film “Hidden Figures” on February 8. Said Math Teacher Mya Caruso on the event, “It is stated often in education, but also

Interested in joining GSA? Come to a meeting, held every other Tuesday in room 440.

very frequently now in media, politics, and technology, that people, especially young people, need to see themselves as adults working in a variety of disciplines and activities—that way they have role models, and they truly believe they can be a part of those fields as well.”

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ast October, members across all facets of the Windward community took part in the second annual Pollyanna Conference. The mission of the conference was to create a platform “where groups of people can explore together diversity, inclusion, and equity and share ideas, experiences and knowledge in order to become change agents in their immediate communities. The goal was to improve inclusion within communities and the understanding that racial, socioeconomic, religious and sexual diversity enhances all elements of the community.” Windward administrators, alums, diversity coordinators, faculty, parents, 8th through 12th Grade students, and trustees all attended, inspiring to build a better sense of community together.