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Volu m e 6 8 , Issu e 5
D e c emb er 1 9 , 2 0 1 9
A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School
Belmont Hill Utilizes SEED Diversity Program Faculty and Staff Trained in Matters of Identity and Inclusion
By Charlie Donahue ‘20 Panel Staff This year, a group of almost two dozen Belmont Hill faculty and staff members have begun participating in a comprehensive diversity training program through the prestigious SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) program under the direction of liaisons Mr. George and Ms. O’Connor. Last year, inspired by the renewed commitment to diversity efforts by Headmaster Mr. Schneider and sensing
widespread interest, a group of faculty and staff members created a forum in which to discuss issues relating to identity and inclusion. Mrs. Sweeney took a leading role in orchestrating the three meetings that were held during the spring, and each time almost 40 people came voluntarily to share their stories and opinions. Everyone present deeply appreciated the opportunity to discuss issues important to them both personally and professionally. Building off of the success of those meetings, Mr. Schneider asked both Ms. O’Connor and Mr.
George to attend a week-long SEED training program at Milton Academy during the summertime. Mr. Schneider’s previous school, Berwick Academy, had used SEED as part of school-wide initiatives, and he knew how powerful the experience would be for our faculty here. Consequently, Mr. George and Ms. O’Connor spent a week of the summer at Milton, staying in the dorms and participating in rigorous daily training activities. A team of roughly twelve facilitators would model each activity, and the teachers, parents, and administrators in
attendance would then spend time reflecting on their objectives before meeting as a whole group to discuss. SEED places a distinct emphasis on talking about yourself and coming to truly understand your own role in relation to community and diversity before you can engage with others to become a change maker. cont. on p. 11
A Review of the Exam Schedule By Abe Tolkoff ‘21 Panel Staff As the Belmont Hill student body navigates the 2019 Midyear exam period, it is worth a moment to examine the history of our current schedule. Recent Belmont Hill alums will remember the years of holding the Midyear Exam period after Winter Break, a concept that seems foreign to current students. Motivated by stu-
dent requests, the administration explored various options, which yielded our current mid-December exam schedule, with three review days and three exam days the final week before break. While the schedule has proved navigable for students over the past seven years, the many conflicting interests at this time of year make it nearly impossible for students to achieve exam perfection. cont. on p. 11
A LOOK INSIDE THE PANEL
NEWS....................................2-3 OPINIONS...........................8-9 -Exchange Students -NCAA Policies -Holiday Hill -Streaming Services -SEED Program -Does Santa Exist? -In Case You Missed It ARTS.................................10-11 SPORTS.................................4-5 -Playlist of the Issue -Effects of College Sports -Artist of the Issue -Winter Sports Previews -Athlete of the Issue BACKPAGE...........................12 CENTERSPREAD...............6-7 -Faculty Athlete Hall of Fame