Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

Our Values

DEIB Mission
Code of Conduct

DEIB Mission

At West End Day School we are committed to promoting ongoing growth and education for the WEDS community on the global and personal impact of systemic racism. The intent of the DEIB Task Force is to provide opportunities and education where all voices can be heard in an open and safe space. As a school, we will not tolerate discrimination of any form based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. We strive to celebrate all differences that shape our community members and their collective identities and so we may continue to grow and learn together.

Code of Conduct

At West End Day School we believe:

All students, regardless of who they are, deserve a welcoming and challenging learning environment that supports our students and their unique learning styles
In celebrating all differences that shape our community members and their collective identities and so we may continue to grow and learn together
All children deserve a flexible atmosphere where positive behaviors and engagement with our community are celebrated
The learning environment should represent all of our students and incorporate topics of race, socio-economic status, family composition, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical differences, disability, national and ethnic origin, and similarly recognized categories.
In elevating student’s voices and promoting conversations that are inclusive and respectful of others
We do not tolerate discrimination of any form based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status
We do not tolerate a lack of respect for others
We do not tolerate behavior or conduct that denies others their rights

West End Day School knows the importance of growth. We foster it in our students and inspire it within our staff. Several years ago we realized the importance of examining our own growth and how we need to play a bigger role in addressing the long-standing racial inequities in our society. West End Day School began this important work of incorporating teachings, conversations, and celebrations that highlight and bring to the front those who have been marginalized, overlooked, and historically left out of curriculum. Our goal was set to have all of our students see themselves when they walk through our doors in the books they read, the lessons they learn, and the faces they see.

This goal is an ongoing and never ending mission and has been supported by a number of implementations including making Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging a more central part of both our Mission and curriculum. As a school, we use PollyannaRacial Literacy Curriculum. We chose Pollyanna as our guiding source, as its main mission, developing stronger communities, is aligned with West End Day School’s own Mission. This Racial Literacy Curriculum addresses challenges through deep conversations and promotes the understanding that racial, socio-economic, religious, and gender/sexual diversity enhances all elements of our school. It gives our teachers a jumping off point for how to look at our curriculum through a different lens.

We continue to work tirelessly to update and expand our current academic curriculum to more accurately depict history and bring forth stories from all points of view. Our library is ever expanding with books that highlight and feature main characters of various races, religions, and the LGBTQ+ community. But our greatest resource is our community and we invite and look forward to engaging with you to further and enhance our DEIB goals. Our DEIB Leader, Emma Yovanoff, is always available and eager to connect with our community members.

Our Action Plan

Emma Yovanoff, Supervising Social Worker and DEIB Leader, leads our staff in an effort to continue the drive and necessity to more directly discuss racism, equality, and justice in our school. The DEIB task force meets regularly to discuss and put into action the development of an anti-racist curriculum, further develop our own relationship to race, and continue to educate ourselves and our students.

See What We're Doing

Celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights

Our students learned all about the Hindu festival of lights—the most important Hindu holiday. We were so lucky to have a WEDS parent visit us to share the history of the celebration, her role in making Diwali a public school holiday in New York City, and her own personal Diwali traditions!

WEDS Celebrates Pride

We kicked off the month celebrating during our annual school-wide Pride Celebration run by the student council. Students came together to create a beautiful “Stronger Together” mural, learn the history and importance of Pride and enjoy music, crafts and celebrating on our roof.

Challah Making

The WEDS community came together to make challah with the guidance and recipe of one of our WEDS parents. Students gathered in our gym to mix, knead and braid their very own bread. While the bread was rising, we learned the rich history, tradition and significance of challah.

Empowering Change: A Reflection of BLM Action Week at WEDS!

Our community recently engaged in the National Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, a week that focuses on raising awareness of racial injustice in education and deepening our understanding of the Black Lives Matter Movement!

Lunar New Year

This year we embraced the Year of the Dragon, filled with promise and luck during our Lunar New Year celebration! Organized and brought to life by one of our very own WEDS parents, classes enjoyed the festivities by gathering in the Gym to make freshly made pork and veggie dumplings and use their creativity at our Asian Paper Fan Making Station.

Empowering Dreams: A Reflection on MLK Day at WEDS

To celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., our students engaged in an array of classroom experiences that showcased the enduring relevance of his teachings, inspiring our children to dream boldly and contribute to a world of equality and justice!

Empowering Histories: Commemorating Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month and our students delved into the rich history of Native Americans through their school work to learn more about their customs and traditions!

Hispanic Heritage Month: Embracing Diversity and Culture

Our students delved into a world of rich traditions, exploring Hispanic American accomplishments, creating Mexican Sun Art, and savoring culinary delights rich in Hispanic culture. They discovered a deep array of traditions, customs, and achievements unique to the Hispanic community!

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day: A Day of Learning

Our school embraced the spirit of Indigenous Peoples' Day with enthusiasm and a deep commitment to learning!

Pollyanna Racial Literacy Curriculum Parent/Guardian Companion Guide

This Parent/Guardian Companion Guide provides an overview of each unit featured in the curriculum and recommends questions and conversation starters to help you and your child discuss race, culture, and identity at home. It also provides suggestions for reading and viewing material to enhance racial literacy.