ACES

Appropriate Civic Engagement Subcommittee

BY ELDRICH CARR, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Throughout the tumult of the past year, Marburn Academy encountered many challenges and themes that could have created schisms within our community. Marburn’s academic program and culture of respect were tried and tested as social and political unrest swept across Central Ohio, the United States, and the world. Fortunately, and not surprisingly, Marburn Academy faced each moment with a courage and judiciousness that created a stronger, more unified community than ever. It all started with keeping the safety and well-being of each community member at the forefront of our work, a key marker of Marburn’s culture for decades.

For many, feeling safe wasn’t just about one’s physical health last year, but also being in an environment where various social and political viewpoints could be discussed, scrutinized, and studied honestly and without prejudice or fear of reprisal—a marker, then and now, of a healthy academic program.

To this end and in response to this formidable period of time, Marburn Academy created the Appropriate Civic Engagement Subcommittee (ACES) to support the work of the entire community. As an offshoot of its long-standing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, ACES created

the time, energy, and focus for members of faculty and staff to be both proactive and reactive to potentially charged events, conversations, and topics.

From drafting clear and open communications to the community at large to leading faculty and staff trainings aimed at cultivating respectful dialogues between opposing parties, the work of ACES was seen directly and indirectly in Marburn Academy’s outcomes. As heated political rhetoric began to build in September and October with a tense and competitive presidential election around the corner, ACES helped Marburn prepare responsibly. When history unfolded on January 6th in Washington, D.C., ACES helped Marburn digest the unprecedented events and prepare to support the most impacted community members. Into the spring, ACES was watchful and prepared if the need arose to support the community even further.

Ultimately, ACES helped Marburn Academy maintain a civil and safe intellectual space for students, families, faculty and staff to endure, learn, and grow together. ACES is just another point of Panther pride, proving, once again, our potential is limitless if we work together.

High School students watch the 2020 Inauguration, a decision made prior to election results.

ACES COMMITTEE

Rachel Ammons Music Teacher

Erin Barr Director of Marketing and Communications Eldrich Carr Head of School Liesl Huenemann Academic Dean and Head of Specials Kelly Hunter-Rice Former Dean of Students Jennifer Martin-Gledhill Associate Head of School Maureen Moore Middle/High School Teacher Thomas Savage Outreach Coordinator

Co-Chair

Leigh Hill Executive Assistant to the Head of School and Office Manager Co-Chair

Archana Ramanujam Speech Language Pathologist Coordinator Rachel Ammons Music Teacher

Maggie Bender JPSN Scholarship Coordinator

Leslie Dilley Lower Division Teacher