
Our students are learning about religions and holidays from all around the world, including Las Posadas, Eid Mubarak, Rosh Hashanah, and Christmas, and about the Hindu religion by studying the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion look like in practice at Laurence School? The stories below will give you an inside look!
Our students are learning about religions and holidays from all around the world, including Las Posadas, Eid Mubarak, Rosh Hashanah, and Christmas, and about the Hindu religion by studying the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Last week, we shared how our Kindergarten and 2nd grade students celebrated International Day of People with Disabilities, including that 2nd graders learned about Braille. Afterwards, students used Braille to write messages to 3rd grade big buddies. This week, they shared those messages on Zoom! Click on "Read More" to see photos.
In recognition of International Day of People with Disabilities on December 3rd, the Kindergarten and 2nd grade classes read When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb, which they used as a launching point for important discussions.
Last week, Laurence students (and faculty) spent a magical and inspirational afternoon with children's book author and illustrator, Rafael López. López shared that his style of illustration is influenced by his son and the way children draw. He plays with scale, dimensions and is not bound by realism. Click on "Read More" to learn about his visit.
This week, we had our first of three Parent Education Series events with Dr. Steven Jones, a thought leader in diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Jones is working with Laurence School this year at all levels - with the Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff and parents - to help our community grow together as we work to expand diversity, equity and inclusion at our school.
As we continue our dual-track approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and anti-racism, we are providing opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in professional development and conversations to learn from one another and experts in the field.
Last week, author Tami Charles visited virtually with our entire school to talk about "What do authors do all day?" Charles has written many books, including her newest, All Because You Matter, which was inspired by her son.
As we dive deeper into our work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, we appreciate the special opportunity to celebrate and center identities through heritage months. Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) is an official celebration of people and cultures from the Latin American diaspora including Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Click on "Read More" to learn how teachers are honoring the Hispanic culture and history in their classes.
Once again diving into our focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrated Read Across America Day last Friday by sharing stories that truly reflect "reading across America." Mystery readers, a.k.a. staff members and administrators, visited classrooms and read some wonderful titles from our library.
Throughout our library classes this month, we have been focusing our research skill-building curriculum on looking at inspiring African American individuals who have made, or who are making, a difference in our world. Additionally, our 4th grade class honored Black History Month with an incredible performance at last week's assembly.