Page 14 - Norwood Spring 2019 Magazine

Committed to

Diversity, Equity,

and Inclusion

The 2016-2021 strategic plan, Our Children, Our Purpose, calls

for Norwood to continue to cultivate and promote a school
community that is diverse, welcoming, and inclusive. We have
long affirmed that education is strengthened by the inclusion
of diverse perspectives and cultures, and we remain steadfast

in our work to ensure that our community builds on the promise
of equity and ever-growing cultural competence.

Norwood has many champions of this area of the School,” explains Billy. “As
important work—including members a child-centered school, we honor the
of the Diversity Leadership Council, unique individuality of every student
the Parents of Students of Color while recognizing how identity shapes
group, the Parent Forum for Identity, the experiences of members of our
Diversity, and Inclusion, along with multicultural community in myriad
student and faculty leaders of DREAM ways. Our work is to ensure that every
and SUCCEED*—but the point child can be seen and embraced for
person behind these initiatives is Billy who they are, and to foster the innate
Vargas, director of diversity, equity, potential in every student to thrive
and community. For the past four in and navigate a complex world with
years, Billy has kept the momentum empathy, respect, understanding,
going at full strength by encouraging and nuanced cross-cultural skills.”
courageous conversations, honest
introspection, and open hearts. The result is a community that shares
and considers multiple perspectives
“We work continuously and strategically and embraces complexity for the
to develop and support equity and benefit of all students, faculty, staff,
inclusion practices that touch every and families.

*DREAM is a student group open to seventh and eighth graders who wish to engage in guided conversation, reflective exercises, and mindful activities around identity, diversity, equity,
and inclusion. SUCCEED (Students Understanding and Celebrating Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity) is an a­nity space where students who belong to racially underrepresented groups
in grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 can connect, grow friendships, and discuss issues of importance in their lives. Students pictured on the following page participate in one or both of these groups.
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