With the United States’ increasingly diverse population intertwined with historical and contemporary societal injustices, it has become imperative that schools make creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community a priority, not just an idea to put on paper. We at Ellis are committed to establishing our school as a leader in equity and justice initiatives through a strategic and intentional approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion work and initiatives. At its core, this work begins with all students feeling that they are seen, heard, and known throughout their school community.
As a member of the Ellis community, I have witnessed the continued evolution of The Ellis School’s aim to ensure every student is seen, heard, known, feels safe, and is treated fairly through the lens of both a faculty member and a parent of two students of color. One of my favorite African proverbs is “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community takes time, intentionality, and a collective effort. It is my hope that together, we can go far and deep into the work that will affirm and sustain the identities of all students who grace the Ellis campus.