DEFINING “DIVERSITY”
* Diversity is traditionally defined as, but extends beyond and within, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, social affiliation, age, ability, and appearance.
*
Diversity also includes the variety of ideas, perceptions, traditions and ways of living and learning that enrich the human experience.
*
This inclusive definition of diversity advances quality and equity within our school community.
VISION STATEMENT
The Morris School will strive to respect, embrace, nurture and celebrate diversity. Diversity involves how people think of others, how they conceive of themselves and how this thinking affects their interactions. By openly discussing diversity issues and encouraging the community to acknowledge our similarities while embracing our differences, we can support each other in accomplishing our vision of creating a diverse, inclusive, compassionate and just community where all people feel welcomed, safe, valued, and respected. Recognizing and capitalizing on the diversity that exists within our school, our region, our nation, and our world enhances the Morris School community.
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Morris School Diversity Committee to:
*
Serve as a sub-committee to the Morris School Council on issues related to diversity
*
Celebrate and nurture diversity in the school community
*
Promote inclusiveness of all segments of the school community
*
Promote the understanding of values and world views of different cultures
*
Educate staff, students, and parents on issues related to diversity
*
Serve as a sounding board to school and community members on issues related to diversity
DIVERSITY COMMITTEE GOALS
Below we identify goals for supporting a diverse school community. The division into eight goal areas intends to make clear that there are many aspects to promoting and therefore becoming such a school community.
School Practices
* To prepare students to live and work in a complex and interdependent society. To acknowledge diversity and build community by practicing hospitality, civility and respect.
Parent Outreach
*Increase parental awareness and involvement in issues that relate to diversity in our school community. Nurture open lines of communication between parents, children, and school.
Staff Training
* Implement diversity training for Morris School staff and teachers to increase their knowledge, sensitivity, and skills regarding discrimination, and to maximize opportunities of “teachable moments”. Morris School will provide in-service training opportunities and teachers will have access to educational resources which encourages and inspires classroom discussions and activities.
Staff Selection
* Supplement local advertising for teaching and staff positions with advertisements in metropolitan areas, to increase the potential of qualified candidates who have different life experiences, different world perspectives, and different ethnic backgrounds that can broaden the children’s education.
Curriculum, Assemblies, Classroom & Extracurricular Activities
* We strive to find ways to incorporate diverse experiences, perspectives, and themes from various social and cultural groups into curriculum development, classroom activities, assemblies and extracurricular events.
*
Work in conjunction with existing school curriculum and programs, including the Enrichment Program and The Great Body Shop Program.
Student Achievement
* The schools will hold high expectations for achievement for each student with respect for learning differences and abilities within the student body.
*
All students will have equal access to extracurricular and athletic activities.
Communication
* Publicize the Mission, Goals, and Activities of the Morris School Diversity Committee.
Diversity Plan
* Create a plan for each school year that outlines steps for implementation combining existing and new resources.
