Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging - Holton-Arms School apply Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is an institutional priority at Holton-Arms. You belong here. Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members including current and former students, faculty, and staff.  We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) Roadmap is a living framework of our continuous review and renew of our curriculum and policies. This ever evolving roadmap is an overview of action steps towards each of the priorities in the Diversity Mission Statement and Holton’s commitment to anti-racist education. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & belonging Mission Statement At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and just community.  We are committed to: Discovering, developing, and valuing our full authentic selves. Deepening awareness of personal and systemic biases and being accountable for the impact of our words and actions. Developing an understanding of the historical origins and perpetuation of systems of power and privilege. Engaging in open and brave conversations that promote growth, understanding, connection, and agency. Embracing every individual as essential to the community. (approved by Board of Trustees in Spring 2019; updated Spring 2021) Principles of Dialogue Holton-Arms is a community where we engage in brave conversations by seeking out, listening to, and learning from multiple perspectives and lived experiences. We believe that by upholding the inherent dignity of each person, including when there is disagreement, we enable one another to thrive. In order to practice these beliefs, we commit to: Approved by the Board of Trustees April 28, 2021 Assuming the shared responsibility of fostering engagement and belonging Participating in conversations that explore similarities and differences candidly Viewing experiences of conflict as an opportunity to grow Practicing humility, asking difficult questions, taking risks, and making mistakes Taking responsibility for the impact of our words and actions Reflecting on and engaging in restorative practices Though we encourage our community to seek out differences of perspectives, we do not ask students or adults to legitimize degrading views regarding race, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexuality, or gender identity. Gender Identity Inclusion Statement (Approved by Board of Trustees in spring 2017; revised Spring 2023) In keeping with our mission and history, Holton-Arms School is an institution dedicated to girls' education. Likewise, the School’s commitment to inclusivity is rooted in Mrs. Holton’s vision of an “education not only of the mind but of the soul and spirit.” This includes supporting children and adolescents in their task of growing into their authentic selves. To this end, we are committed to nurturing our students as they develop all aspects of their identity, including gender identity, both during their time as Holton students and beyond. Upper School Student Diversity Steering Committee Board Diversity Committee Parent Association: Diversity Workshop Series Affinity and Allied Spaces The role of the Student Diversity Steering Committee is to serve as ambassadors to the school, liaise with the Affinity and Allied Spaces, and serve as an advisory committee to the Director of Diversity, Wellbeing, and Global Education. In addition, this group plans Holton’s annual Upper School and Middle School Diversity Conferences. These conferences are mandatory student-led initiatives to promote awareness of and action towards complex issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the student body. Through conversations and activities, the conference aims to engage students in relevant issues within the community and beyond. Each year, the Steering Committee selects an overarching theme and sets it as the objective for the Conference. The planning process includes selecting potential speakers and facilitators, adapting activities, arranging the school space, and planning our retreat. The two-day facilitator retreat is an essential part of being a facilitator - facilitators not only get to help plan, choose, and participate in activities for the Conference, but also deepen their understanding of the Diversity Conference’s theme and make bonds with fellow facilitators. Established during the 2018-2019 school year, the Diversity Committee of the Board of Trustees focuses on developing the Board’s capacity to govern and lead for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This committee of 25 (alumnae, faculty, staff, parents, and trustees), facilitates the Board’s understanding of how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lives at Holton and in turn ensures the Board supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agency and action at the school. The Holton-Arms Parents Association hosts ongoing workshops addressing parenting, anti-racist education, and health and wellbeing. Examples of past programming include: Building Resilience and Solidarity in Today's World Taming the Dragon: Tech Health and Wellbeing at Holton-Arms Understanding Anxiety at Girls' Schools The Well-Balanced Student A Healthy Approach to College Admissions These sessions and workshops are designed to provide our parents, guardians, and families, with time, space, and support to discuss and develop a deeper understanding of their part in building a healthy and thriving community. Upcoming events will be shared in the Sunday Skim; families should refer to this newsletter for other details and to RSVP. Holton offers a wide range of support and education for students, parents, guardians, and employees around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more about these groups and spaces: “Let’s Talk About It” Forums Upper School Allied Spaces Black Alumnae Union