Ted Talks November/December 2023: Moving Forward by Getting Proximate

In 2016, we changed the school’s foundational language, and, as a key part of our Purpose, we adopted the phrase, “embracing diversity.” We, of course, didn’t know that the next seven years would present such complex challenges–from George Floyd’s murder and the racial reckoning that followed; to the attack on the U.S. Capital and its aftermath; to the war in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas War. We have had to adapt and rethink the way we approach our work in the important areas of diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI), and we’re grateful for the community’s patience, engagement, and input.

Last year, in an effort to better understand the hopes of the school community related to DEI, we organized a group of committed guides, parents, administrators, and trustees from all three campuses and dubbed them the Inclusivity Advisory Group. They met four times, and we asked them to share impressions, experiences, and resources. In addition, we invited them to provide advice and guidance as we worked to be more consistent and intentional in our work on DEI. Three prominent lessons emerged from that experience. 

So, with those lessons as backdrop, we rethought our approach to DEI, and created an approach where work is happening on each of the campuses, guides are leading the work in partnership with the Academic Directors, and those efforts are aligned with what the students need.

On the Springs Campus, Primary Guides Mary Irreno and Andrew Medina are serving as co-DEI Coordinators, and their focus during this first part of the year has been on identity formation and gender expression. Earlier in the year, they designed a workshop for their colleagues that emphasized the use of language that is inclusive of all gender identities and how to support children who are exploring and wondering about their identities. In the second half of the year, they are hoping to offer a parent education session on this same topic.

The Creek Campus has been led by K-1 Guide and DEI Coordinator, Erin Sheppard (with enthusiastic support and collaboration from Elementary Director Tim Reilly). Creek worked on amplifying a theme of “Belonging and Connection,” and this led to the creation of the Family Project by the front desk, so we can see each other’s families and all the variations of families. Following a review of the library collection, Creek partnered with a new publisher for the fall book fair in order to ensure inclusivity. And Erin and Tim have designed and offered frequent professional development activities including work on Belonging, training with OutYouth, and use of inclusive vs. exclusive language. And all of this is supported by regular sharing of resources through the Creek weekly staff newsletter.

On the River Campus, DEI Coordinator, Amber Anderson, along with Avé Luke-Simpson and Terra Lynch, have been spending some of their time and energy doing research and exploring spaces for respectful dialogue so that students can discuss the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. Avé has been hosting weekly open meetings at lunch to discuss the conflict, and we are finalizing a partnership with Solutions Not Sides for the second semester. They also have been working with students and guides to plan for Civil Rights Day.

Across the school, the three of us (Ted, Leslie, and Amy) meet monthly, and we are collaborating in order to:

As we close the calendar year, we look ahead to January to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,’s life and work as well as opportunities to share our progress from the projects listed above. Below, you will see a list of upcoming community events and activities centered around MLK Day. If you have other suggestions of resources, community events, or activities, please share them with us.