DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY
NEWSLETTER
Quarterly Fall 2019
A dynamic, engaging education. A nurturing, inclusive community.
IN THIS ISSUE Welcome Private School Village Humanities Learning Series Open Space at Windward Workshops and Training Upcoming Events Other Events Meet the Parent Guild Inclusivity Committee
UPCOMING EVENTS October 11
National Coming Out Day On October 11, Windward will participate in National Coming Out Day, a nationally observed day to promote a safe world for LGBTQ+ individuals. Windward currently has two student groups that support our LGBTQ+ community. SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) is committed to creating a safe space for all community members to gather and become well-informed in gender and sexuality diversity issues, as well as modeling allyship. SPECTRUM is an affinity group for any LGBTQ+ students to meet and hang out in a casual and safe environment.
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n 2018-19, the School made great strides in further fostering a sense of belonging among all members of the Windward community. This year, we’re excited to build off of that progress with our theme for 2019-20—Communication. With a focused emphasis on student voice, our Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative looks to grow a culture of energy, commitment, and shared ownership as it relates to discussion and conversation among students, parents, and faculty. From new programs like Open Space, to continuing areas of focus such as student clubs and groups, community events, and parent engagement, we can’t wait to share our passion and the passion of others with all members of our Windward family.
PRIVATE SCHOOL VILLAGE
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his year, Windward is thrilled to announce its partnership with Private School Village (PSV). The PSV builds community by organizing social events, sharing resources, and providing programs for Black/ African-American families in independent schools (K-12). Those who identify as Black/African-American and are eager to connect with other families in Los Angeles private/independent schools are invited to visit www.privateschoolvillage.org to sign up. Any questions on the program can be directed to Lisa Johnson at lisajohnson@privateschoolvillage.org.
HUMANITIES LEARNING SERIES WINDWARD
LEARNING SERIES "GLOBAL LOS ANGELES"
October 30
Parent Coffee Hosted by Tyrone Powell, Co-Director of Diversity and Inclusivity, this event invites you to learn more about the Open Space program launching at Windward.
WELCOME!
Learning Series in the Humanities (2019-20) UNIT / EVENTS In 8th History, Spanish… "LA ROOTS" - Interactive Event - Interdisciplinary Project - Global Scholars Event In 11th English, 10th-12th Spanish… LANGUAGE & CULTURE - Special Classes - Global Scholars Event
In 7th English… POETRY - Panel Event - Special Session for Interested Students
GUEST(S) Nobuko Miyamoto (October) (Japanese Actress, Great Leap Artistic Director)
Judy Baca (February)
(American-Chicana LA-Based Artist, Activist)
Laila Lalami (December) (Moroccan-British-American Novelist, Essayist)
Robin Coste Lewis (January) (Californian, Poet Laureate of L.A.)
Ama Codjoe
(Texan-Ghanaian, NY-based Poet, NEA Fellow)
Nathan McClain
(So-Californian, Amherst-based Poet, Editor)
In 10th English, History… WEST AFRICA, IMPERIALISM - Special Assembly - Global Scholars Event
In 11th English… RELIGIONS, SPIRITUALITY - Panel Event
Adedamola Osinulu (April)
(Nigerian writer/professor, teaching at NYU)
Faith Traditions Panel (April) (The Guibord Center)
(Events continued on back)
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n October 3, Windward’s 8th Grade History and Spanish classes will collaborate on an interactive Global Scholars event titled “LA Roots.” They will hear from Japanese actress and Great Leap Artistic Director Nobuko Miyamoto, and American-Chicana artist and activist Judy Baca, as part of a guest speaker series.
OPEN SPACE AT WINDWARD
UPCOMING EVENTS (CONT.)
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October 5 & January 25
ommunication is a foundational pillar upon which Windward is built. Open Space will focus on real issues that are of passionate concern to students. The goal of Open Space is to bring together a diverse group of people to deal with complex and potentially conflicting material in innovative and constructive ways.
Southern California People of Color in Independent Schools Events Windward is a member school of the Southern California People of Color in Independent Schools. Please feel free to attend any of these upcoming events by clicking on their links to RSVP. Parent Voices – Wesley School (RSVP) Oct. 5: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Student Voices and Student Stay Woke– Westside Neighborhood School (RSVP) Jan. 25: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Open Space builds on the School’s culture of inquiry, reflection, and learning, bringing out the best in both individuals and the community at large. Made up of student leaders and faculty partners, Open Space will work to build an honest connection across all levels of the Windward Community, devising and implementing thoughtful plans to help facilitate the important and necessary conversations that may arise throughout the year. The first Open Space session will take place this January.
November 14
Tales at the Table On November 14, you’re invited to join us for Windward’s 2nd annual Tales at the Table, an all-ages family affair centered around community, belonging, and shared fellowship. More information on the event will be shared in the coming weeks.
OTHER EVENTS
WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
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s part of our ongoing effort to observe and share new ideas and insights from our educational peers, Windward will be sending Faculty and Students to the following conferences: Everybody, Everybody: Reimagining Gender and Sexual Orientation in Our Schools
OCTOBER 2, 7-9 P.M.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! — EXHIBITION Location: California African American Museum 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037 Learn More
-- Harvard-Westlake School—November 2 -- A group of 14 students and faculty will examine the current structures, biases, and privileges in place at schools in regards to gender and sexual orientation, as well as how one might adapt schools and policies to be more inclusive. People of Color Conference/Student Diversity Leadership Conference -- December 3-6, Seattle, Wash. -- A group of 11 students and faculty will attend the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC), the flagship of the National Association of Independent Schools’ commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and organizational development. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for leadership, professional development, and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools.
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MEET THE PARENT GUILD INCLUSIVITY COMMITTEE Tricia Matuszak Executive Committee Chair Jenn McPherson Inclusivity Co-Chair Matt Edelman Inclusivity Co-Chair Mayr Balasa Inclusivity Co-Chair