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 Black History Month and Black Lives Matter Week of Action

We kicked off Black History Month with the National Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action and continue to expand our curriculum with activities, discussions, and lessons focused on Black History throughout the school year.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Students engaged with one another, while also learning more about the cultures and traditions that comprise Lunar New year.

Celebrating Diwali

Diwali was a school-wide celebration this fall, with activities, lessons, and decor throughout the building!

We Say Gay

As educators, it is our duty and commitment to always provide a safe space where students feel they can be open about their own self-expression and feel affirmed & supported within their identities. A school must be a place where children can feel safe, explore, and grow. Read about West End Day School's message in response to the Parent Rights in Education Bill passing in the Florida Senate.

Belonging at WEDS

The Addition of “B” to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Pillar of Our Program

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to join Dr. Clint Smith and the leaders and faculty members within the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) in a community conversation about Dr. Clint Smith’s #1 New York Times best seller.

Our Professional Development Day Was MORE Meaningful than Ever

Getting It Right From the Start: Age-Appropriate Sexuality Education in the Pre-School and Lower School Grades

"We're a Culture, Not a Costume"

We share this article from Education Week as a reminder that our choices- not matter how big or small- impact those around us.

Hispanic Heritage Month

See how WEDS celebrated the Latinx community this month

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.