June’s Coalition of Essential Schools Principle: Democracy and equity
We strive to demonstrate non-discriminatory and inclusive policies, practices, and pedagogies. We strive to model democratic practices that involve all who are directly affected by the school; everyone should have a voice. We strive to honor diversity and build on the strength of our many communities, deliberately and explicitly challenging all forms of inequity.
We strive to demonstrate non-discriminatory and inclusive policies, practices, and pedagogies. We strive to model democratic practices that involve all who are directly affected by the school; everyone should have a voice. We strive to honor diversity and build on the strength of our many communities, deliberately and explicitly challenging all forms of inequity.
We have a powerful potential in out youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.
Mary McLeod Bethune
For my eighth birthday, I was given a book called Women of Courage, a young adult book with each chapter devoted to detailing the life of a notable woman in history from Jane Addams to Marie Curie. I read and reread one chapter in particular, the one with the story of the courageous and gifted educator Mary McLeod Bethune. I remember reading that she and her students sold sweet potato fritters to raise money to buy books for their school. I remember that she procured orange crates to be used as desks and chairs. And I remember my awakening sense of my personal commitment to fairness, justice, and the power of education.
Many years later, I am honored and humbled to be a member of the Nathan Hale community, where we commit explicitly to ethical education and social justice, to teaching students each day how to be honorable, thinking, skillful citizens. We will continue to improve each day in our commitment to modeling democratic practices, including all voices and viewpoints in our policies and procedures, and challenging all forms in inequity. We will continue to develop and teach to rigorous standards of thinking.
We are grateful for your input and feedback, and welcome your insights into how we can better meet your needs. Thank you for a wonderful year!
Marni Campbell, Principal
