Cultural Competency & Inclusion

In early December, two Upper School students—Laura Taylor and Michael Grandy—and four faculty members—Sara Bocanegra, Kevin Goldberg, Ana Sheridan, and Karen Brown—participated in the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the adult counterpart, People of Color Conference (PoCC), both flagship conferences annually sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools. For the second year in a row, the two conferences were held virtually and brought together thousands of students and adults from various independent schools across the nation. Attending the conferences allows all attendees to share in NAIS's commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and organizational development.    

During the five-day conference, Hornets attended a series of thought-provoking workshops, inspiring speakers, and affinity group spaces, all centered around the theme of “Reckoning with Impacts, Rolling with Just Intent.” The two conferences serve as a way for Country Day students and adults to engage in an unforgettable and impactful inclusion experience, bring back to Country Day invaluable leadership and insights, and help lead the call to character and courage in the national movement of our time.  

In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students of all ages participated in projects to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. Students researched and illustrated various quotes by Dr. King and produced beautiful artwork to be displayed throughout campus.

“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saturday’s Multicultural Festival was a great success! Families enjoyed cuisines from around the world, student presentations and activities that represent some of the many cultures of our students. Thank you to everyone who came out for this fantastic event!

As part of this year’s Schmidt Lecture Series, we were pleased to welcome Mr. Mark Mathabane, author of the sensational autobiography Kaffir Boy. The story of his struggle to survive under the oppressive system of apartheid in South Africa — and subsequently escaping it — was eye-opening and inspiring to all who attended. Thank you to Mr. Mathabane for speaking to our students and our school community!

Thank you to juniors Britney Brown, Phil-Isabelle Ajayi, and Maya King for creating and leading today's Black History Month presentation. As this year's Black History Month theme is "Black Health and Wellness," the student-led presentation highlighted the recent contributions of several Black American scientists and doctors, including Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and Dr. Ben Carson. The presentation also included a video that showcased how Black History Month is celebrated around the world.