Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging - Holton-Arms School
Source: https://www.holton-arms.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging - Holton-Arms School
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"Excellence grows here through belonging."
Mrs. Holton's dream that Holton-Arms become an "
Open Door
" is in essence the beginning of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work at Holton. The school has long been a beacon for fostering equitable spaces for underrepresented groups, particularly women. Our students connect purposefully as they collaborate, leading to rich and diverse relationships in the present and for years to come. We strive to provide students with equitable experiences so that they receive what they need to succeed and work to build an inclusive environment that allows students to share their authentic selves as they explore a variety of cultures and perspectives. These dedicated efforts lead to and grow excellence through a sense of belonging.
Throughout my 15 years at Holton, I have been deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and engaging the community in the creation of a school environment where every member feels seen, heard, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves as thriving members of a global community. In partnership with the Head of School and Associate Head of School, and in collaboration with the administration, faculty, staff, and families of Holton-Arms, my goals for DEIB involve continuing to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable Holton community with
Belonging
at the center.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is an continues to be an institutional priority. It involves educating ourselves and our community about the importance of DEIB and its impact on student success and well-being. We are committed to fostering positive and inclusive relationships within our community. This involves providing opportunities across diverse groups of students, families, faculty, staff, and administration to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and partnership with transparency and open communication. Our ultimate goal is to create a school culture where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging.
I invite you to join us in this important work by actively participating in DEIB initiatives, engaging in brave conversations, and championing inclusivity and equity in our school. We believe that DEIB is essential for academic excellence, social-emotional well-being, and preparing our students to lead lives of positive influence. By increasing awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, we can cultivate a more culturally competent community that is better equipped to engage in meaningful dialogue and address systemic inequalities. Ultimately, our vision for DEIB is one of continual improvement and growth as we live into our mission of cultivating the unique potential of young women through the
education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.
-
Sherry Wells
Mind
Soul
Spirit
We are committed to providing ongoing education and training on DEIB topics for our students, faculty, staff, and parents. This includes workshops, seminars, guest speakers, and curriculum enhancements, such as windows and mirrors, that promote culutural competence, empathy, and understanding.
Encouraging multiple perspectives fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of complex issues. As we navigate the complexities of our diverse community, it is essential to embrace multiple perspectives and create space for brave conversations. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) requires us to engage in respectful dialogue, even when opinions differ.
We will work to bridge gaps in understanding around DEIB, as some question the appropriateness and whether it is divisive.
We will continue to run and build upon our Common Threads Program of affinity/allied groups and learning spaces for students, faculty/staff, families, and alumnae.
We will actively involve students and parents in our DEIB efforts. This includes creating student-led DEIB initiatives (DEIB ambassadors, affinity groups, US/MS Diversity Conference), and parent/guardian education sessions (speakers, book clubs, PGA affinity groups).
We will celebrate the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences within our community through events, programs, and initiatives that highlight the richness of our diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation (heritage month events, cultural gatherings).
Belonging involves fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment, promoting empathy and understanding, and ensuring that every voice is heard and everyone can receive what they need to be successful.
We recognize the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices and perspectives within our curriculum, extracurriculur activities, and community events. By intentionally integrating diverse perspectives into all aspects of the school experience, we can foster a sense of belonging for all students and prepare them to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
You Belong Here
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Mission Statement
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.
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)
Diversity
refers to the full range of human differences within overarching similarities. These differences can be visible or invisible, mutable or not. Schools foster diversity by ensuring that their communities include people from many different backgrounds and perspectives.
Equity
means ensuring that everyone has equal access to the opportunities that will help them thrive. Not everyone in a school community will have the same needs; schools can address equity by understanding the needs of each student and providing the tools or opportunities that will support their development. Equitable treatment involves eliminating barriers that prevent the full participation of all individuals. As a function of inclusion, equity ensures that essential educational programs, services, activities, and technologies are accessible to all. Equity is not equality; it is the expression of justice, ethics, multi-partiality, and the absence of discrimination.
Inclusion
refers to individual and institutional behaviors that show people they are accepted, respected, and valued. Inclusion helps ensure all community members have access to the benefits and opportunities the school provides. Inclusiveness means taking every individual’s experience and identity into account and creating conditions where all feel accepted, safe, empowered, supported, and affirmed. Inclusion is also closely related to belonging.
Belonging
refers to the emotional and experiential outcome of inclusion. All humans share the need to be taken in, cared-for, protected, and valued by a group, community, or organization. Belonging gives people a voice in a community, and encourages and enables them to contribute to it and to expect support from it as well.
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:
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.
Approved by the Board of Trustees April 28, 2021
Gender Identity Inclusion Statement
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.
(Approved by Board of Trustees in spring 2017; revised Spring 2023)
Common Threads Program
Read More
about Common Threads Program
Parent/Guardian
Read More
about Parent/Guardian
Faculty/Staff/Board of Trustees
Read More
about Faculty/Staff/Board of Trustees
Student
Read More
about Student
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Skip To Main Content
apply
"Excellence grows here through belonging."
Mrs. Holton's dream that Holton-Arms become an "
Open Door
" is in essence the beginning of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work at Holton. The school has long been a beacon for fostering equitable spaces for underrepresented groups, particularly women. Our students connect purposefully as they collaborate, leading to rich and diverse relationships in the present and for years to come. We strive to provide students with equitable experiences so that they receive what they need to succeed and work to build an inclusive environment that allows students to share their authentic selves as they explore a variety of cultures and perspectives. These dedicated efforts lead to and grow excellence through a sense of belonging.
Throughout my 15 years at Holton, I have been deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and engaging the community in the creation of a school environment where every member feels seen, heard, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves as thriving members of a global community. In partnership with the Head of School and Associate Head of School, and in collaboration with the administration, faculty, staff, and families of Holton-Arms, my goals for DEIB involve continuing to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable Holton community with
Belonging
at the center.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is an continues to be an institutional priority. It involves educating ourselves and our community about the importance of DEIB and its impact on student success and well-being. We are committed to fostering positive and inclusive relationships within our community. This involves providing opportunities across diverse groups of students, families, faculty, staff, and administration to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and partnership with transparency and open communication. Our ultimate goal is to create a school culture where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging.
I invite you to join us in this important work by actively participating in DEIB initiatives, engaging in brave conversations, and championing inclusivity and equity in our school. We believe that DEIB is essential for academic excellence, social-emotional well-being, and preparing our students to lead lives of positive influence. By increasing awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, we can cultivate a more culturally competent community that is better equipped to engage in meaningful dialogue and address systemic inequalities. Ultimately, our vision for DEIB is one of continual improvement and growth as we live into our mission of cultivating the unique potential of young women through the
education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.
-
Sherry Wells
Mind
Soul
Spirit
We are committed to providing ongoing education and training on DEIB topics for our students, faculty, staff, and parents. This includes workshops, seminars, guest speakers, and curriculum enhancements, such as windows and mirrors, that promote culutural competence, empathy, and understanding.
Encouraging multiple perspectives fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of complex issues. As we navigate the complexities of our diverse community, it is essential to embrace multiple perspectives and create space for brave conversations. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) requires us to engage in respectful dialogue, even when opinions differ.
We will work to bridge gaps in understanding around DEIB, as some question the appropriateness and whether it is divisive.
We will continue to run and build upon our Common Threads Program of affinity/allied groups and learning spaces for students, faculty/staff, families, and alumnae.
We will actively involve students and parents in our DEIB efforts. This includes creating student-led DEIB initiatives (DEIB ambassadors, affinity groups, US/MS Diversity Conference), and parent/guardian education sessions (speakers, book clubs, PGA affinity groups).
We will celebrate the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences within our community through events, programs, and initiatives that highlight the richness of our diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation (heritage month events, cultural gatherings).
Belonging involves fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment, promoting empathy and understanding, and ensuring that every voice is heard and everyone can receive what they need to be successful.
We recognize the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices and perspectives within our curriculum, extracurriculur activities, and community events. By intentionally integrating diverse perspectives into all aspects of the school experience, we can foster a sense of belonging for all students and prepare them to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
You Belong Here
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Mission Statement
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.
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)
Diversity
refers to the full range of human differences within overarching similarities. These differences can be visible or invisible, mutable or not. Schools foster diversity by ensuring that their communities include people from many different backgrounds and perspectives.
Equity
means ensuring that everyone has equal access to the opportunities that will help them thrive. Not everyone in a school community will have the same needs; schools can address equity by understanding the needs of each student and providing the tools or opportunities that will support their development. Equitable treatment involves eliminating barriers that prevent the full participation of all individuals. As a function of inclusion, equity ensures that essential educational programs, services, activities, and technologies are accessible to all. Equity is not equality; it is the expression of justice, ethics, multi-partiality, and the absence of discrimination.
Inclusion
refers to individual and institutional behaviors that show people they are accepted, respected, and valued. Inclusion helps ensure all community members have access to the benefits and opportunities the school provides. Inclusiveness means taking every individual’s experience and identity into account and creating conditions where all feel accepted, safe, empowered, supported, and affirmed. Inclusion is also closely related to belonging.
Belonging
refers to the emotional and experiential outcome of inclusion. All humans share the need to be taken in, cared-for, protected, and valued by a group, community, or organization. Belonging gives people a voice in a community, and encourages and enables them to contribute to it and to expect support from it as well.
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:
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.
Approved by the Board of Trustees April 28, 2021
Gender Identity Inclusion Statement
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.
(Approved by Board of Trustees in spring 2017; revised Spring 2023)
Common Threads Program
Read More
about Common Threads Program
Parent/Guardian
Read More
about Parent/Guardian
Faculty/Staff/Board of Trustees
Read More
about Faculty/Staff/Board of Trustees
Student
Read More
about Student
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