Image: Lower School SDSC utilized the makerspace to create visual representations of their intersecting identities, as they began to explore the concept of intersectionality.
Words of the month: Student DEIG Steering Committee
The Student DEIG Steering Committee (SDSC) is a student group present on all three campuses, open to students in grades 4-12 who are interested in informing policies related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Global Education. At the US this past month SDSC met to discuss how to begin implementing the steps in The Masks Proposal which was inspired and created by current and former BB&N students in 2020 to share the experiences of marginalized people in our community. The proposal includes 5 steps that SDSC is focused on to make BB&N a more welcoming and safe space for students of all backgrounds, including increasing diverse representation and inclusion in the faculty, student body, and curriculum, as well as ending all tolerance for hate at BB&N.
Heading into a New Year
The end of the year is often a time for reflection on our past, and thinking about our hopes heading into the future. 2022 has been a year that would be difficult to describe in a few simple words as all our experiences have been shaped by the unique lives we lead. Unfortunately, one aspect that has impacted the year have been the incidents of hate throughout the country that wound our community. We must take pause to grieve and find ways to begin to heal.
As we navigate those emotions and reflect in this space together I would like us to not forget the difficult times, but to also take time to look back and remember the feelings we would like to carry with us into 2023. Maya Angelou once said “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Think of the times our friends made us laugh so hard we could barely breathe, a moment when someone made us feel loved and cared for, or when a new experience pleasantly surprised you. Hold onto and take with you the spaces that continue to be inspiring.
As we move into the new year we in the DEIG office commit ourselves to spreading love and care and invite you all to join with us. We wish you safety and warmth as you spend time with your family and find pockets of joy.
Image: Middle School SDSC
Highlights
Lower School Service Day
On November 22nd the Lower School held an all campus service day. With help from faculty and family volunteers, each grade partnered with a different local organization to support and learn about how they can get more involved with their communities. DEIG Officer Leila Bailey-Stewart began the day with a presentation encouraging students to think about the role service can play in their lives. The sixth graders in JEDI (Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Club and SDSC documented the day taking pictures and interviewing the younger students. They wrapped up the service with a beautiful slide show they created that showcased all the amazing work happening throughout the LS. The organizations included On the Rise, Cambridge Homes, Catie's Closet, Blue Hills, RIAC (Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center), and Room to Grow.
Student Voices: SDSC
Students who are a part SDSC shared what motivates them to be a part of the group and what they have learned from their experiences.
"Being a part of SDSC is an amazing opportunity, it allows me to understand and internalize BB&N’s goals and motives for who they hire and accept into the school. This information is very useful when planning for BSAE (Brothers Seeking Academic Excellence) meetings because it helps me correctly choose core values and general talking points to utilize during said meetings." - Jaiden Douglin (10th Grade)
"I have gotten to be on the SDSC since the beginning, and it's been exciting to see the committee grow and strengthen. My main hope for SDSC/DSC is that student voices are continued to be prioritized and that there continues to be student-led action taken to move this institution forward." - Alisa Ishii (12th Grade)
“It’s fun, we learn a lot about justice, climate justice and how we can help the BBN community. In general, we learn how to be inclusive, to share our experiences and how we can change the world. “ Joshua Resnick, 6th grade
"We learn about climate justice in many ways that can be applied both in school and out of school situations. We also connect with each other about our experiences while together." -Callum Sullivan, 6th Grade
Faculty Profiles
Thanaydi Sandoval (she/her)
Lower School Education Fellow
1) How do you identify?
I identify as Latina and use she/her pronouns
2) What gets you up in the morning?
My roommate's cats and my alarm clock
3) What brings you joy?
Visiting with my family and every time a student says hi and continues to have a conversation with me about anything and everything
4) What made you choose BB&N?
I chose BB&N because of the dedication to continuous learning for their faculty and leadership. Through the application and interview process there was constant mention of helping the community grow and learn by focusing on different perspectives and experiences. I have gained valuable experience through my time here and it has reinforced my decision to enter the education field.
5) Why is DEIG important to you?
I always felt excluded growing up, especially in education. It’s important to me to keep learning and be a part of creating an inclusive environment where our future society members feel seen and heard for who they are. There are so many areas of my life where my experience and perspectives were never heard, so I want to be a part of dismantling current systems and creating opportunities to celebrate others' experiences and perspectives.
Nathan Austria (he/him)
Middle School History Teacher
1) How do you identify?
I identify as mixed or Filipino-American and use he/him/his pronouns.
2) What gets you up in the morning?
The ability to wake up and then be better each day.
3) What brings you joy?
Spending time with friends and family or going for a run along the Charles.
4) What made you choose BB&N?
I was really drawn to the closeness of the community and the level of collaboration between the faculty.
5) Why is DEIG important to you?
I think DEIG work is critical to ensuring all students feel welcome and supported in our community. Practicing introspection and taking action are central tenets of how I want to be as an educator. I can't be the educator I want to be without engaging in DEIG work.
Save the Date!
MLK 2023 Brunch
Monday 1/16/23 --10:30-12:30 -- US Commons
Looking Ahead
- 12/9 7-8pm: US Winter Orchestra Concert & 8:15-9:15pm US Winter Jazz Concert (Pratt Chorale Room)
- 12/13 3:15-4:30pm: LS DSC & SDSC (Student & Faculty DEIG Steering Committee's) Meeting (Pokross Room)
Inspirations
- Visit: Exhibit at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art Boston) To Begin Again: Artists and Childhood - 18 and under visit for free
- Listen: Feeling blue? Call this hotline where kids give you a pep talk - Dial 707-8PEPTOC (707-873-7862) to hear the kindergarten through 6th grade students from West Side Elementary in Healdsburg, California, share advice on how to grapple with anger, frustration, anxiety or simply for a mood boost.
- Watch: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey : Decades after his trusted apprentice betrayed him, a once-joyful toymaker finds new hope when his kind and curious granddaughter comes into his life.
DEIG it?
Questions, comments, thoughts, or feedback ? Email us at deig@bbns.org. or complete our short survey.
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This month's newsletter was curated by Jade DuVal, DEIG Programs and Operations Coordinator and Education Fellow.