THE BELONGING COMMITTEE

 

"Diversity is a fact. Equity is a Choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging in an outcome." - arthur chan

 

Formerly the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, the Belonging Committee now also encompasses the Learning from Our Differences Committee and the Cultural Arts Committee. Together, our work holds the primary goal of promoting the inclusivity of people of all backgrounds. With this goal in mind, our committee organizes assemblies, speaker events, and parent/faculty book discussion groups. We also collaborate with Belonging-related projects undertaken by the school, support both parents and faculty, and create various opportunities for diverse interactions. Ultimately, we aim to build a culture where everyone feels included, respected and valued.

 

Specific examples of some past and future programming include:

  • An assembly by Indigenous Enterprise to celebrate Native American Heritage Month
  • An assembly by Calpulli Dance Company to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Parent-led crafts to celebrate Diwali
  • A parade and decorations to honor Lunar New Year
  • A parent-led Multi-cultural Fair with dance performances by the Scarsdale HS Dance Club
  • Book club discussions of How The Word Is Passed, Minor Feelings, and Differently Wired.
  • The Goofy Kooky Math Show to kickstart Math Week
  • A performance by singer/songwriter April Armstrong featuring songs from around the world
  • Grade-specific presentations coordinated with the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities

Click HERE for a summary of our Learning from our Differences program

Click HERE for the District’s Belonging page

 

We would love for you to get involved! Please email Michelle Dalton, Katelyn Ford-Bey, Casey Hogan, Anu Lall or Marie Oka if you have any questions!

 

Results of The District’s Belonging Survey 

 

A key step in the District’s work around well-being, inclusion, diversity, and equity (WIDE) was a belonging survey. Scarsdale Union Free School District partnered with the Search Institute to develop and implement the BELONGING survey for students in grades 4-12 and all parents/caregivers, faculty, and staff. The District surveyed every student in grades 4-12 during the first half of December 2023. Students were permitted to opt out of the survey.

A summary of the findings was presented by the District last May. Click HERE to see the presentation or HERE to watch the video!

 

For more information on the Scarsdale Schools' DEI/Belonging program, please visit the 

Scarsdale School District Diversity, Equity and Inclusion site.