This year, at Dwight-Englewood’s first Lower School Assembly, Ms. Simone introduced all students to the letters DEIB. She engaged them in a brief activity where each class worked together (with the help of their teacher) to offer words that they believe these four letters likely represent. The gymnasium was abuzz with excitement and competitive energy. Every class submitted their best guesses, and Ms. Simone shared some of the positive, encouraging words that students hypothesized DEIB might stand for…
Dwight Englewood Is Best
Dwight Englewood’s Inspiring Bulldogs
Diversity, Equality, Inspiration, Beauty
And the list goes on…
After congratulating everyone for their quick thinking and teamwork, Ms. Simone shared that DEIB means Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, which is what her job is here at D-E. She explained that her job is to make sure everyone feels at home here at D-E and that we all can be our full, amazing selves at school. She asked the students if they can picture in their minds the warm and fuzzy feelings that they experience when they are at home, surrounded by people they love and that love them, doing and wearing the things they enjoy most. Then she zeroed in on Belonging and expressed that we want every student at D-E to feel those warm and fuzzy feelings about coming to school and learning with peers and teachers that care about them, respect them and appreciate them for all that they are. She invited students to chat with her any time they feel really great about what they are doing at school and how it contributes to their feelings of Belonging. She also invited conversations regarding the things that D-E can improve upon to advance that sense of Belonging.
Dwight-Englewood’s DEIB Department prioritizes the examination, perpetuation and augmentation of a strong sense of Belonging for all community members. D-E recognizes and values the power of Belonging and its impact on student experience. When students feel that they are seen, known, accepted and valued, they are better able to explore, express and pursue their curiosities, take risks, confront challenges, successfully collaborate with others, contribute their unique perspectives and talents to their school communities, and so much more!
We invite all families to talk to their students about their sense of Belonging at D-E and share with us both glows and grows, meaning things we are doing especially well, things we can continue to build upon and things that might benefit from a refresh as we strive to foster the most consistent and robust sense of Belonging possible for every D-E student! Please share your thoughts with Ms. Simone Henry Agblonon at henrys@d-e.org.
