Full Diverse Student Experiences + Our Journey to Discover Our Selves

Michelle Jones Director of Equity + Belonging

Equity + Belonging

At all grade levels our students are encouraged to think critically about whose voices are missing in our courageous conversations, to navigate challenges ethically when faced with divisiveness, and to communicate intentionally within the framework of our community norms.

During our recent NEASC accreditation visit, students shared their thoughts of the words “equity” and “belonging”:

“Equity”:

• “I feel seen and heard not less or more than anyone else”;

• “Everyone feeling included no matter who they are”;

• “Everyone getting what they need, not getting the same”;

“Belonging”:

• “Being able to be yourself in your community”;

• “Togetherness”;

• “Making everyone’s identities feel accepted”

Student Life at RHCD is directly dependent upon the active recognition, support, and fostering of our student body’s diverse lived experiences. From the athletic fields and classrooms, our students are developing capacities to lead in a variety of settings, both peerelected and self-initiated. In the journey to discover their full selves, our students develop competencies needed to better understand themselves and the world around them.

Whether our students are engaging in weekly courageous conversations in affinity groups or student council meetings, we celebrate our students’ diverse, layered identities and we actively encourage dialogue that seeks to create a safer, more inclusive learning environment for all of our students.

As a school community, our goal is not obtainable absent our students’ voice and the work they produce. Across every division, and in collaboration with the Offices of Student Life and Equity + Belonging (E+B), the focus to inspire each other is at the core of the community building journey our students continuously embark on.

And as our E+B journey continues to evolve and enrich the quality of our learning environment, it is our desire for all Mariners to engage in global citizenship that fosters connection, both within and outside RHCD’s shoreline, bringing new meaning to our School motto, Know Thyself.

For more information visit the Equity + Belonging webpage