Building Community

BUILDING COMMUNITY Diversity, equity & inclusion at Radnor High School (& beyond)

We live in an increasingly diverse world. In recent years, Radnor High School, like many high schools across the country, has grown more diverse as well.

Today's students enrich our school and district community in untold ways through a range of cultures, ethnicities, beliefs, and identities. Radnor High School is fortunate to welcome all backgrounds through its doors every day. This vibrant mix of students requires the adults near them to continually learn and employ strategies to "meet them where they are." Students must also be engaged and encouraged to feel comfortable, confident, and heard in all aspects of their high school experience.

Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Since the 2015-16 school year, Radnor High School has been purposeful in working to unlock the potential and love of learning in all students. The mission of the RHS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative is to provide an environment and school culture conducive to learning that prioritizes student safety and respect. Diversity is valued and celebrated through programs, activities, and curriculum.

A timeline that highlights diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Radnor High School since the 2015-16 school year. Radnor High School is also proud to have an Equity Team comprised of teachers and administrators. In November 2018, the team and the faculty at large met with Dr. Caprice Hollins of Cultures Connecting to learn more about what it means to be culturally competent and how such competencies can help identify personal biases. (Click timeline to expand)

BLACK STUDENT UNION (BSU)

Students are encouraged to get involved in different groups and activities at Radnor High School that might be out of their comfort zone in order to develop connections with other students. BSU members are discussing various topics during the 2018-19 school year, including social activism, trauma and the brain, the effect of racism on equity bias, and the importance of relationships.

Led by Mubarak Lawrence (Class of '06) at a January 2019 BSU meeting, club members participated in an activity meant to stress the importance of communication and teamwork. Groups of students were tasked to work together to build a LEGO structure. The students assembling the structure had to rely on directions given by their teammates separated from them by a barrier. The Black Student Union currently has five meetings scheduled for the remainder of the 2018-19 school year: Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 2, and June 6.

GIRLS EMPOWERMENT GROUP

Among the goals of Radnor High School's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative is to build trust and relationships with all students and families and to develop and support culturally competent, transformational leaders.

Led by Marisha Marsh at a January 2019 meeting, club members talked about the concept of "identity" and what it means to them. Other topics planned for the 2018-19 school year include exploring feminism and womanhood, gender roles and discrimination, and healthy relationships. The Girls Empowerment Group currently has five meetings scheduled for the remainder of the 2018-19 school year: Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 1, and June 5.

DREAM LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Bringing inspiring alumni like Rev. Howard (Class of '94) back to Radnor High School to speak with and engage students helps foster community connections and honest conversations.

Topics of discussion for the 2018-19 school year include how to create and maintain a monthly budget, identifying personal and professional goals, and researching careers. The Dream Leadership Academy currently has six meetings scheduled for the remainder of the 2018-19 school year: Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 20, March 7, March 20 and April 4.

EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAM

Launched in January 2019, Radnor High School's new after-school tutoring program is open to all students for additional academic support every Monday and Wednesday. Transportation is provided.

ELP Website (pictured below)

What's happening at Radnor High School is only the beginning. This is a district-wide initiative years in the making.

In the coming months, each of Radnor Township School District's other four schools will draft a diversity, equity, and inclusion plan and form its own Equity Team. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Panayota (P.T.) Kevgas, Assistant Principal at Radnor High School, at panayota.kevgas@rtsd.org.

RADNOR PROUD. ONE RADNOR.

Created By

Michael Petitti

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