Diversity

Diversity, social justice and anti-bias work are deeply ingrained in the Fayerweather culture from the classroom to the boardroom.

Teachers at Fayerweather are trained in multicultural and anti-bias curriculum and this learning is embedded in our work. For example, first and second graders compare and contrast gender stereotypes by examining toy advertisements and third and fourth graders have petitioned sports teams that use mascots and symbols perpetuating stereotypes of Native Americans. Our goal is to broaden students’ views of themselves, and communities, both local and global. Our oldest students address issues of bias through curriculum units such as Justice and Dissent in which they study the Holocaust and American Civil Rights Movement. During these units, students learn about human rights activists and unsung heros to better understand and unpack biases.

Fayerweather also supports diversity through Kids of Color Lunch, Adult Affinity Groups and Adult Education, Boston Educators of Color (BEOC) and our work with our sister school in Matènwa, Haiti.

List of 7 items.

  • Kids of Color Lunch

    In 1992, at the request of minority students in the fifth and sixth grades, a Kids of Color Affinity Group was begun. Today, weekly Kids of Color Lunches are a time when a large and lively group of students of third through eighth graders connect with each other, share their cultures and history, family events, and classroom projects or just talk about their joys or frustrations. Lunches are hosted by several teachers.

    Students of color value their lunches together; yet they also recognize that some of their white friends might feel excluded or misunderstand their need to sometimes be together. Each month, KoC participants can invite a friend to join them at lunch as a guest.
     

  • Our Sister School, Matènwa Community Learning Center, LaGonave, Haiti

    Fayerweather Street School and the Matènwa Community Learning Center on the island of LaGonave, Haiti have been working together as sister schools since 2009. At the heart of our relationship is our mutual progressive philosophy to create a healthy and respectful learning environment for children. An alternative to the traditional Haitian education, Matènwa: “presents a curriculum where children don’t just learn to read, write and do math, but where they also learn to do research, think critically, evaluate ideas, and discuss any problem in a way that will lead them to find a solution.”

  • Adult Affinity Groups

    In 2013, adult affinity groups began for parents and staff. Today there are three groups representing People of Color, white people wanting to examine white privilege and a LGBTQ Families Affinity group.

  • Adult Education

    Parent and Community Education is facilitated by the Diversity, Equity and Community Committee (DECC) which is made up of interested staff and parents. This committee provides resources to the school community on a wide range of topics based on the school’s mission and parents’ questions pertaining to their children’s social, emotional and physical development. Topics also include issues of racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, peace and social justice.

  • Board Leadership and Diversity

    In the spring of 2015, the community voted to pass a new set of bylaws which among other things, highlighted the Board’s commitment to diversity.

    The bylaws read:
    There shall be a Diversity Committee of the School supported by the Board. The Diversity Committee shall include Board Director participation and shall report to the Board. The Diversity Committee may be chaired by a member of the school community (Member, teacher, staff, administration) or Board Director and shall work to assist in fulfilling the mission of the School regarding diversity work. It is the responsibility of the Board and Head of School to ensure that the Diversity Committee is ongoing.

  • Diversity Advisory Committee

    The Diversity Advisory Committee meets weekly to help ensure that diversity related issues and concerns are kept at the forefront of our work, both with children and adults. The committee is comprised of the Head of School, the Assistant Head, and three teachers who are experienced diversity practitioners.

  • Boston Educators of Color (BEOC)

    Each fall and spring Fayerweather invites Educators of Color to dinner from the greater Boston area to come share their stories and support each as educators. These gatherings, which began in 2008, are planned and facilitated by the Fayerweather faculty and staff of color. Special guest speakers present as well. AISNE generously underwrites this bi-annual event.

Diversity Commitment

Fayerweather is committed to developing a strong sense of community in which every member feels valued.

We work together to examine the roots and issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism and other prejudices within and beyond our school. Within our community, we expect that individual beliefs and feelings will be shared and valued and conflicts will be acknowledged, explored and peacefully resolved.

List of 4 items.

  • 40% of students self-identify as kids of color

  • Over 30% of students receive tuition assistance

  • 27% of faculty and staff identify as people of color

  • Fayerweather is a welcoming community for LGBTQ families

Fayerweather Street School | 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 | 617-876-4746
Fayerweather is a private PreK, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We engage each child’s intellect.