SCDS Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement
Feeling that you belong is essential to success.
At the center of our school culture is a Community Code that defines our interactions and informs our personal choices. We call upon every member of our community to be aware, caring, courageous, honest, and inspired, bringing our best selves and living in integrity each day. We embrace the unique qualities that every individual possesses and strive for everyone to feel a sense of belonging within our community. Learning is deeper, more meaningful, and more relevant when diversity is represented, included, and equally valued. These experiences ensure everyone has the foundation to reach their full potential and activate their sense of responsibility for contributing to making our world a better place.
You can expect Sonoma Country Day School to be open to possibilities, take on challenges, and stand up for what we know is right.
Diversity is a fact:
a necessary but insufficient condition for striving to realize ambitious educational standards that prepare students for college, career, civic life, and global citizenship in a multicultural world.
* definitions by CAIS Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Committee, adapted from Arthur Chan
* definitions by CAIS Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Committee, adapted from Arthur Chan
Inclusion is an action:
remove barriers to meaningful access and participation and to institutionally integrate the diversity of the community into the school culture.
Equity is a choice:
leveling the playing field so that every student has equal opportunity and resources to realize their full potential, to be proud of their identity, and to thrive.
Belonging is an outcome
of a culture and climate that is built on respect for the diversity and humanity of all members of the community, where every person feels that they are authentically seen, heard, respected, and valued.
of a culture and climate that is built on respect for the diversity and humanity of all members of the community, where every person feels that they are authentically seen, heard, respected, and valued.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our school community and curricula is an important aspect of our current strategic plan, titled Aspire 2025.
Living Our Mission
Bringing Learning to Life is SCDS' mission, and we believe that it is our responsibility to create equity of access to our mission for families of all:
- races and ethnicities
- religions
- financial statuses
- gender identities
- sexual orientations
- family make-ups
- and students with a wide range of learning styles (neurodiversity)
Board Committee
Our Board of Trustees has a committee specifically created to address issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This committee works in partnership with the Head of School, Leadership, and Faculty to:
- ensure that SCDS is an inclusive community that leverages diversity to create an optimal learning environment
- reviews Board policies, admission policies, and hiring through the lens of diversity so that they are inclusive and equitable in recruiting and retaining the best candidates
- champions issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to further strengthen SCDS as a national leader in elementary education
Professional Development
SCDS faculty, staff, leadership team, Board of Trustees, and parent leadership all engage in ongoing DEI professional development and training. Topics have included:
- defining diversity, equity, and inclusion
- neurodiversity
- gender inclusivity
- grading for equity
- racial literacy
Academic Coordinator
In the 2020-2021 year, this new academic position was created to help teachers across all grade levels integrate developmentally appropriate DEI lessons into their curricula.
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Sonoma Country Day School
We are…
The premier, fully accredited, independent TK-8 college preparatory school in Sonoma County. Located in northern Santa Rosa and proud home of The Jackson Theater, SCDS offers a challenging academic program rich in fine and performing arts, music, world languages, and social and emotional learning. For more than thirty years SCDS has been the school that brings learning to life.
