Park is a community that embraces and respects differences in age, ethnicity, gender identity, learning styles, national origin, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class. United by a shared mission, we strive to be a community that respects the dignity of all people.
At Park, we deeply value diversity, equity, and inclusion. The cornerstone of Park’s program is academic excellence, affirming high standards of scholarship while encouraging each child to develop to their greatest potential. Students learn most effectively when they feel a deep sense of belonging, when they feel safe, known, and respected in their environment, and when they learn from the differences in backgrounds and perspectives shared within their learning community as curious critical thinkers.
On September 29, 2020, The Park School Board of Trustees approved and endorsed Park’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan, the result of a yearlong collaboration amongst trustees, administrators, employees, and families. The DEIIP is grounded in the findings of the 2018 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Quantitative Assessment of Inclusion and Multiculturalism and the 2019 Diversity Directions Qualitative Assessment of School Climate for Multiculturalism and Inclusion.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan (DEIIP) is an active, living document, serving as an accountability measure as our DEI goals continue to move from aspiration to reality. Through this action-based plan, we strive to demonstrate our commitment through our leadership, curriculum, programs, practices, and in every aspect of our community and culture. Together, we will work to ensure that all members of the Park community — students, families, employees, alumni, and trustees — feel a deep sense of belonging.
In Practice
Since launching the plan in Fall 2020, a number of initiatives undertaken have been completed and established as part of Park's core practices in each of the four defined areas of work.
Project Leads
The work of the DEI Implementation Plan is deeply collaborative and touches every area of school life. In addition to the Head of School and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, project leads include: All members of the Senior Administration Team, All members of the Board of Trustees, Division Heads, Assistant Division Heads, DEI Liaisons, Director of Human Resources, Director of Academic Support, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Co-Directors of Secondary School Counseling, Director of Instructional Practice, Director of Alumni Relations, Growth Education Department Head, and PA DEI Chairs.
Priorities
The DEIIP's ongoing work stretches out over the current and upcoming academic years. Immediate, Rising, and Future priorities are sequenced based on a) which priorities demand most urgent attention, and b) which priorities will be built on the work outlined in priorities sequenced earlier. All are considered vital to the School's mission. As priorities are addressed they move to "In Practice."
DEI News & Updates
To help guide the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan, Park has created a Steering Committee to help support and monitor the DEI Implementation Plan and timeline, and support efforts to communicate progress. The Steering Committee is composed of members of the current campus community drawn from Park administration, faculty, staff, parents, and members of the Board of Trustees.
On April 14, Scott Young and Connie Yepez presented an update to the community on the work underway in support of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Implementation Plan.
Alile Eldridge will become Park’s next Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on July 1, 2021.
This year, Park launched an affinity group program with the hope of engaging families across the Park community in thoughtful conversation and connection. Created in partnership with the Parents’ Association, the program seeks to bring together community members who share common backgrounds and lived experiences.
The launch of Park’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan represents months of collaboration between administration, faculty, staff, and parents centered on ensuring that, as a community of diverse races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds united by a shared mission, we strive to meet our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
The Park School Board of Trustees is actively committed to advancing the School’s work in fostering an anti-racist educational community. Among the Board’s leading priorities this year is supporting and monitoring the DEI Implementation Plan through targeted board development work and also through membership on the DEIIP Steering Committee. In addition, working with the Head of School and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Board will draft and publish an equity and inclusion values statement clearly articulating the School’s commitment to anti-racism.