As part of our ongoing effort to build a warm and inclusive school community, the Upper School has recently launched a new program called Student Resource Groups.

These are voluntary groups of students, organized around common interests, characteristics, or affiliations. The groups were created to foster a sense of belonging among students as well as to help students with identity development. The program has been developed by Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Racheal Quinn and Upper School counselor Christine Stier.

During an Upper School assembly, the concept was presented by a student leadership group called the Equity Council. Then all Upper School students were asked to complete a survey to indicate whether they were interested in an affinity or wellness groups and, if so, which ones. Based on student interest, the leadership team formed the groups and recruited and trained facilitators to work with these students.

The affinity groups, overseen by Racheal Quinn, are organized around a common identity. Those currently offered include students who identify as: women, LGBQ, gender diverse, Black, LatinX/Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, Jewish, and Muslim, and other groups may be formed as student interests evolve. These groups meet once a month during the Upper School’s advisory period, using their time together to build micro-communities, discuss topics that are important to a specific identity, and share stories that create shared joy and empathy.

The wellness groups, facilitated by the school’s guidance counselors and learning specialists, as well as by two community partners, help students develop a toolkit of coping skills to help tend to their health and wellness or to understand their learning styles. Currently, the wellness module includes two groups focused on anxiety, one on grief, and two on ADHD. These wellness groups meet once a week for six weeks consecutively. After this first session, other wellness groups will be formed to respond to student needs. 

Honestly, this has been quite an undertaking. When the program launched in February, approximately 130 students participated in the initial session. Overall, the effort involves 14 resource groups, facilitated by 19 teachers and staff members, four alumni/ae, and two community partners. 

I am grateful to all of those who have devoted so much time to providing this valuable opportunity for our students.