Creating a sense of belonging for all Park community members is central to the School’s mission, vision, and values. Throughout the academic year, Assistant Lower Division Head Ildulce Brandao-DaSilva and Assistant Upper Division Head Elaine Hamilton have collaborated with the DEIB Team to design meaningful opportunities for students to share what matters most to them.
This process encourages students to connect with their peers and has sparked emerging leadership across the Upper and Lower Divisions. Students have embraced the chance to share during Morning Meetings in the Upper Division and Community Meetings in the Lower Division. It’s been inspiring to see student leaders extend their reach across divisions, strengthening connections throughout the entire school community.
- The Jewish Heritage Affinity Group shared a presentation on the Jewish High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The group shared important traditions and history with Upper and Lower Division students.
- The Hispanic/Latinx/Latine Heritage Affinity Group presented on the meaning of Hispanic/Latinx/Latine Heritage Month and why it’s important to each of them with Upper and Lower Division students.
- The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Affinity Group presented on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Students shared about their individual heritages, along with aspects of the history, culture, language, food, music, and traditions that they most appreciate with Upper and Lower Division students.
- The APIDA Affinity Group presented about the Lunar New Year with Upper and Lower Division students.
- Lower Division Students brought history to life by showcasing the evolution of Chinese clothing from ancient to modern times. Dressed in traditional to modern garments, they highlighted the rich diversity of China’s culture and heritage.
- The Black Heritage Affinity Group members shared a presentation on influential and prominent Black figures from the past and present who have shaped American history and personally inspired them. In Lower Division, Ms. B was joined by group members who shared insights about their group’s purpose and impact. Together, they led a discussion on Black History Month, inviting students to explore how influential figures like John Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, Misty Copeland, and Amanda Gorman connect to February’s theme of Kindness at Park.
- Students from the Muslim Affinity Group presented on Ramadan, highlighting the meaning and traditions of the observation.
