Inclusion and Belonging
Single Hero
At Westchester Country Day School, faculty, students, families, administration, and the Board of Trustees are united in fostering a school culture where every individual feels seen, heard and valued. Together, we are committed to open dialogue and meaningful engagement around inclusion and belonging.
We view this as an ongoing journey of growth. Through conversations across our community, professional development, online learning, and the creation of a comprehensive action plan, we are building a more inclusive and connected school environment, one that reflects and honors the different voices that make up WCDS.
“Our role is to create a school community where every student feels a sense of belonging, not because they have to fit in, but because they are seen, valued, and embraced for who they are. Belonging means students can bring their full selves into the classroom, the stage, the field, and every space in between, knowing they matter and that this is their place too."
Dr. Diana Parente, Inclusion and Belonging Advisor
Our Approach to Inclusion and Belonging
At Westchester Country Day School, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is woven into the fabric of who we are and what we aspire to be. Grounded in our mission and guided by our strategic plan, we work to ensure that every member of our community feels known, valued and genuinely included.
This work is not about checking a box. It’s about honoring the dignity of each individual. We seek to understand the lived experiences and cultural traditions of our students, families, faculty and staff. By doing so, we build a community rooted in mutual respect, authentic connection and shared growth.
Our approach aligns with the North Carolina Educator Evaluation System (NCEES) standards and reflects core values that resonate across our campus:
- I want to learn in peace and safety—and others do, too.
- I want to have enough to eat and a stable shelter—and others do, too.
- I want to be respected and cared for—and others do, too.
As a school, we are committed to:
- Creating learning opportunities that nurture positive identity development, student voice, empathy, and leadership.
- Empowering faculty with the tools and training to foster inclusive classrooms and curricula.
- Encouraging conversations and connections that build understanding across differences.
- Ensuring every student sees themselves reflected, in the curriculum, in the community, and in the care they receive.
Belonging at WCDS means more than just being present. It means being seen, being heard, being home.
Our Newsletter
Each month, we will highlight cultural moments, elevate a variety of voices in our school community, and provide resources and ideas for classroom engagement.
Purpose:
- Build cultural awareness and inclusivity
- Foster shared knowledge and appreciation
- Celebrate the differences in perspectives and backgrounds within and beyond our community
The newsletters are invitations to explore, reflect and connect.
![Belong:]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788982121/westchestercdsorg/kjazmh9kc8xp1gwewazf/DIB-newsletter-thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788982121/westchestercdsorg/kjazmh9kc8xp1gwewazf/DIB-newsletter-thumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1788982121/westchestercdsorg/kjazmh9kc8xp1gwewazf/DIB-newsletter-thumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1788982121/westchestercdsorg/kjazmh9kc8xp1gwewazf/DIB-newsletter-thumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1788982121/westchestercdsorg/kjazmh9kc8xp1gwewazf/DIB-newsletter-thumbnail.png","width":1320}])
This month at Westchester Country Day School, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and September holidays.
Statement of Inclusion & Belonging
We firmly believe our continued pursuit of excellence demands an emphasis on the values of inclusion1 and belonging2. WCDS is committed to creating and sustaining an environment of respect. We celebrate and recognize that much is learned from many different perspectives and identities. By honoring differences, we build a community of belonging and success for all.Approved 9/13/21 by the Board of Trustees
Inclusion1
Inclusion is the practice of bringing people together from varied backgrounds and creating conditions for all to succeed. At WCDS, inclusion lives in the ways we invite, listen to, and empower every voice. Whether through student alliances, classroom conversations, or daily interactions, we work to ensure that every community member feels they are a meaningful part of school life.
What does inclusion work examine?
- Voice
- Participation
- Feeling welcomed
Inclusion asks the question: "Has everyone been heard?"
Belonging2
Belonging is the feeling of active security, acceptance, and celebration within a group or environment. At WCDS, belonging is the heartbeat of our culture, it’s when students, families, and faculty feel not only welcomed, but truly known. We cultivate belonging by honoring identity, building relationships, and creating spaces where everyone feels safe to show up as their full selves.
What does belonging work examine?
- Identity
- Connection
- Emotional safety
Belonging asks the question: "Do I feel like I truly belong here?"
Definitions cited from: Drew, J. M. (2020). Step 2: Eliminate Confusion & Chaos. In Sharpen Your Inclusion Edge (Vol. 1, pp. 44–47). Greensboro, NC: Social Designs.
Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.Brené Brown
Timeline
Scroll through the slides below to see a timeline of Inclusion and Belonging at Westchester Country Day School.
What's Next at WCDS
As we continue to strengthen our commitment to Inclusion and Belonging, our focus is on thoughtful integration, making sure this work is woven meaningfully into the everyday life of our school. We are prioritizing listening, reflection, and connection across all divisions through initiatives like our monthly newsletters, continued professional learning, and the launch of our parent partnership group to build belonging together. We’re also supporting student voices through our student leadership club, which is planning events and has the opportunity to attend leadership conferences with students from other schools.
Resources
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