Distributed Leadership and DEI: Why We Adopted This Approach |
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One of the most critical factors in determining the success of a strategic priority is the leadership structure behind it. At Potomac, we continue to be deeply invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that ensure all students and families are known, connected, and supported in our community. Like many other organizations, we continually reflect on our practices and leadership structures to assess our progress. This fall, we launched a distributed leadership model for DEI. Learn more about what distributed leadership is and why we choose this approach from Potomac's new assistant head of school for academics, Sarah Beck.
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Lower School Hallway Heritage Decorations Begin! |
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In September, the Lower School kicked off its year-long hallway heritage decorations by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. With many helping hands, Lower School’s front hallway was adorned with flags representing different Spanish-speaking countries. The walls also feature art pieces and portraits of Hispanic key figures, including Justice Sonia Sotomayor and soccer all-star Diego Maradona. These figures come from various backgrounds, including social activism, arts, STEM, sports, and politics, hoping to highlight the many Hispanic pioneers. Throughout the school year, Lower School’s front hallway will be decorated to represent the rich diversity of its students and the cultures they celebrate.
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DEI Bulletin Board by the Middle School Office! |
This fall, Middle School introduced its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bulletin board. This board serves as a visual representation of our school's commitment to DEI and a reminder of the importance of embracing differences. It will serve as a central point where students, teachers, and staff can engage with important DEI content. By making these topics visible, we hope to encourage discussions and raise awareness about the significance of issues of social justice and community belonging. Our goal is to promote awareness, unity, and education. By dedicating time and effort to design and maintain such a board, we hope to make significant strides toward fostering a culture of acceptance, understanding, and belonging among students, teachers, and staff.
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Intermediate School Affinity/Alliance Kick-Off |
Intermediate School students and faculty gathered in Langstaff Auditorium to learn about the division’s student organizations, including the nine affinity and alliance group offerings. Several eighth grade student leaders “pitched” their groups to their peers by describing their purpose, memorable activities from the last school year, and what the groups personally mean to them. One student shared, “Last year, I thought I was one of only 2 to 3 who are also part of the community. When I joined, I was connected to a whole web of students who are like me…I still value those connections and friendships greatly.” In the IS, affinity and alliance groups are opt-in. They have a dedicated Community Time meeting block at least once a month. Students and facilitators come together to develop leadership skills, plan assemblies, foster connections, and contribute to the division’s positive school culture.
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Under the leadership of juniors Noah Hess and Sebastian Gardner, along with faculty advisor Virginia Weidenfeld, the US Jewish Student Alliance (JSA) constructed a sukkah for the week-long Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. The temporary structure commemorates the time spent in the wilderness after freedom from Egypt. As it is customary for Jewish families to spend time together and eat inside the sukkah, JSA invited all members of the Potomac community to stop by, enjoy conversation, have a slice of pie, or share a meal throughout the week. Guests were also invited to shake the lulov and etrog, a Sukkot tradition associated with the offering of blessings.
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Indigenous People’s Day Program |
Upper School hosted an Indigenous People’s Day program in October. This program provided students and faculty an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of our area and the impact it had and continues to have on the indigenous communities that live here today. The program included a land acknowledgment statement made by LS DEI Coordinator Nadia Pardesi. Potomac’s DEI Lead Coordinator, Charaun Wills, provided the community with ways to honor and acknowledge a culture they may not be familiar with during a time of remembrance. Grade 12 Dean Robert von Glahn had a student activity centered around learning from different indigenous communities around the country. As the community was heading into the long weekend, it was important to reflect and remember the rich and difficult history of the indigenous communities in our area and beyond.
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In November, Potomac had an impressive group of 19 administrators, faculty and staff to the People of Color Conference (PoCC), hosted by National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), in St. Louis, Missouri. PoCC is NAIS’s flagship conference for educators and school leaders who are committed to taking a deep dive into topics centered around diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in education. This year’s conference theme was Gateways to Freedom: A Confluence of Truth, Knowledge, Joy, and Power. Potomac also had six juniors attend the Student Diversity and Leadership Conference (SDLC), PoCC’s concurrent student conference, where students of multiracial and multicultural backgrounds are able to self-reflect on identity, cultivate leadership skills, and build community with students across the country. The Potomac community is looking forward to learning about the experiences and learnings of our colleagues and students who attended!
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This fall, Potomac launched a task force to guide work on the institutional initiative to “support the DEI Board Committee and DEI Leadership Team’s efforts to ensure support for students who report a lack of belonging,” including LGBTQ+ students. This work will focus on direct avenues of support for students identifying as queer or gender-expansive; training for faculty, staff, and coaches; education for all students; and the establishment of institutional guidelines and policies. The group members responsible for defining the work ahead, recommending action steps, and coordinating plans with divisional leadership and Potomac administration represent all four divisions and have natural connections to students, faculty, and board-level committees. They include Ryan Woods, Head of IS (chair); Suzanne Bailey, US DEI Coordinator; Sarah Beck, Assistant Head of School for Academics; Austin Davis, US Director of Student Life; Allison Lewkowicz, Grades K-4 Counselor; Weezie Parry, Grades 5-8 Counselor; and Josie Woods, Director of Student Support and US Counselor.
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