Assessment of Inclusivity & Multiculturalism: Next Steps

Hello everyone!

There's so much excitement in the air as we approach the last full month of school! I'm looking forward to our end-of-year events and for the beginning of my first summer camp here at Aidan!

I wanted to take this time to express my deepest gratitudes to all who chose to participate in our first Online Climate Survey for the Assessment for Inclusivity and Multiculturalism. It is my pleasure to offer a platform for the members of our community to convey their lived experience at the school. The amount of transparency displayed in the responses was something that did not go unnoticed or unappreciated, so I thank those of you who chose to convey such vulnerability. Also, a special thank you to all the Upper Elementary students who chose to participate in the Younger Students Survey! Witnessing them buy into the equity and inclusion journey at Aidan was definitely an uplifting sight I won't forget!

I recently met with our contact at the National Association of Independent Schools, who provided the survey, to debrief about the results and I will now go forward with preparing my final report and drafting the DEI-focused strategic plan based on the survey findings. I look forward to utilizing the results and working toward fostering a more inclusive community going into the future of Aidan.

I encourage all who participated in the survey to feel empowered to reach out to me if you wish to speak on your perspective further! Also, begin dialogues at home regarding the topics touched on in the survey, especially if you have a child in Sweet Gum that chose to participate. Normalizing topics surrounding the diversity of our community will surely lead to more receptivity from our students as we broach these potentially harrowing subjects with them. Above all else, displaying and instilling a sense of confidence and comfort as we engage in diversity dialogues is key. 

I can't say it enough and I'm sure you will hear it again, but thank you so much for your support as Aidan went through this assessment process! for the first time! I am confident that this pivotal moment for Aidan will undoubtedly lead to tons of progress in our diversity journey as a school.

Best,

Julian Denizard

Diversity Coordinator