|  | Diversity Office of Diversity “Create a community that honors diversity and our common humanity” ~ NCCS Mission Statement
The Office of Diversity is committed to moving the New Canaan Country School community toward open dialogue about diversity, including differences associated with the 'Big Eight': race, ability, socio-economic class, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation. These efforts are an integral and ongoing part of our Community Strategic Planning Task Force. While not always an easy task, the rewards are immeasurable. The Director of Diversity’s role is to develop and review institutional policies, practices, and programs as they pertain to all forms of diversity and curriculum. The Director also maintains support programs within the community by ensuring that there is adequate communication about, and understanding of, multicultural issues at all age and developmental levels. While the Director acts as a guide and leader of this work, it is critical that the entire community takes an active role in supporting and implementing diversity initiatives on an ongoing basis. We encourage parents to speak openly about diversity issues through teachers and division heads in order to create a meaningful and effective partnership. |
Our students will live in a world more diverse and interdependent than that of any previous generation. At NCCS, we believe that helping students to understand and attain their intellectual, creative, moral and physical potential means, among other things, preparing them for responsible citizenship in such a world. The school is committed to the development of compassionate people who value, accept, and respect diversity. Our school community strives to create an inclusive environment in which each member feels comfortable and accepted; an environment in which differences and commonalities are appreciated in equal measure.
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| Affinity Groups for Students This year, the Diversity Office has initiated the development of affinity groups for students of color in the Upper School. The next stage of this initiative is to create a combined affinity group with our Middle and Lower School (fourth grade) students of color. Each affinity group will be gender specific, led by faculty/staff members from the Middle and Upper School.
Research has shown that children, by the age of three, are actively involved in sorting their world. At this early developmental stage, they are aware of difference as they engage in sorting blocks, animals, colors, people etc. Our affinity groups bring together students of color and help them to develop a deeper sense of belonging to the NCCS community by actively supporting them in the positive development of their racial and ethnic identity.
Affinity groups provide a safe space where children can feel free and comfortable to talk about their experiences and concerns as kids of color. Students of color can also develop age-appropriate ownership and leadership in the dialogue about diversity. Within this venue, students can be open and honest without feeling inhibited by the presence of people who do not share the same identity and experiences. Presently, NCCS has CAFÉ, Cultural Awareness for Everyone, which is an inclusive group for all students to explore and learn about cultural differences. In order to strengthen our ongoing diversity work, affinity sessions will provide time and space for students of color to share personal successes, reflect on their own racial identity development, and support each other in addressing issues that come up in our community.
Recognizing that it is important for younger students to connect with older ones, we will provide opportunities Upper and Middle school students of color to bond through sharing later in this process.
The affinity groups are completely voluntary, and we ask that you discuss with your child the opportunity to join this group. The format will be informal and discussion-based, and the length of the sessions will be no more than 15-25 minutes. We will meet bi-weekly in the conference rooms above the cafeteria from 11:50 – 12:15. The first meeting will take place on April 9. Our desire is for these groups to contribute to the School's better understanding of issues of diversity and inclusion, and their impact on the children’s curricula. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Paul N. Mayo, Director of Diversity.
New Canaan Country School is guided by the Racial and Ethnic Classifications of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), which identify a person of color as follows: “Individuals who are permanent residents or U.S. citizens and who belong in one of the following racial/ethnic groups: African American, Latino/Hispanic American, Asian American/South Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern and Multiracial American.”
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CAFÉ – Cultural Awareness for EveryoneStudents from grades 3 thru 9 meet weekly to discuss various multicultural and diversity topics. Faculty members from each of the three divisions guide age appropriate discussions and activities. Students participate on a volunteer basis. |
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| Diversity Committee of the Board of Trustees This joint Board/ administration committee is responsible for ensuring that the Board remains focused on strategies to achieve the diversity goals articulated in the school’s mission, and more specifically in the Long-Range Plan. |
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Multicultural Conversations - Parents' AssociationThese gatherings (formerly Collage) offer an opportunity for parents to reflect, explore and discuss diversity in all its forms within our community and its impact on our children and families. Each discussion, with the exception of the community book read, will focus on a particular division, but all are welcome! The goal is to achieve greater cultural competence within our parent community. From these discussions, collective efforts will be made to help infuse ideas across other PA committees, and possible events. |
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| Parent of Color Meetings The purpose of the Parent of Color group is to provide support and networking opportunities for parents of color and parents with children of color, and to share best practices of equity and justice. |
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CAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)Since 2002, students from grades 7 thru 9, parents, faculty, and administrators have participated in SDLC. The conference features student entertainment, workshops, small group discussions facilitated by students and workshops for adults. Please visit the CAIS site for SDLC. |
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Fairchester Faculty of ColorThis affinity group, established in 2002, serves as a vehicle for faculty, staff, administrators and interns of color to connect and provides social, professional, and cultural support. |
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| | People of Color Conference (POCC)Since 1998, NCCS has sponsored and sent a delegation comprised of faculty members, parents, and students to represent the school at this national conference. For more information, please visit their site: POCC Conference |
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Dr. Jennifer Bryan: Gender IdentityMost recently Dr. Bryan presented her workshops on family diversity to our faculty, staff, trustees and parents. The training sessions focused on students being raised by single or divorced parents, by guardians, by gay or lesbian parents, by parents of mixed races or religions, by adoptive parents. These programs help teachers and administrators explore the influence of family diversity on pedagogy, curriculum, administration, and the school community. For more information, please visit her site: http://www.jenniferbryanphd.com/home.html |
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GLSENThe Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the leading national education organization focuses on ensuring safe schools for all students, has presented to our faculty, administration, and trustees. http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/home.html |
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| Newsweek article: "See Baby Discriminate" |
| | Diversity Office Contacts First Friday (EC & LS Town Hall): 10/1 at 8:30 a.m.
9/1/2010
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PA Opening Day Coffee: Weds, 9/8 at 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
8/10/2010
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Parents - Have you done your summer reading yet?
8/10/2010
On November 18 at 8:30 a.m., Multicultural Conversations will host an exciting discussion of Nickel and Dimed, a New York Times bestseller which provides a funny, poignant and passionate firsthand account of life in low-wage America.
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Grade Rep Orientation: Thurs, 9/16 at 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
8/9/2010
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New Family/Mentor Picnic: Weds, 9/22, 12:30 p.m.
8/8/2010
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PA Meeting & Committee Fair: Fri, 9/24 at 8:30 a.m. in the Cafeteria
8/7/2010
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