Listening Sessions with AHS Administration
In January 2021, all Arcadia High School students received an email inviting them to attend our listening sessions with the school's administration team! The EDI Committee hosted these sessions to hear ideas from students for moving forward in relation to equity, diversity, and inclusion at AHS. Prior to the event, participating students received a list of guiding questions, such as:
What does having an inclusive school culture mean to you?
How can we make that happen at AHS both inside and outside the classroom?
What are things that are done in your classrooms that make you feel included and heard?
In small groups, students discussed their responses to the questions, as they bonded over similar experiences with peers and sought to find possible solutions to the issues that were raised. After the small discussion, representatives from each group spoke about what was discussed in their small circle to administrators and all other participants in the session.
National Women's Month Seminar: Women and their Stories
In celebration of Women's History Month, the EDI Student Committee hosted an online seminar with a focus on highlighting prominent women in our community. Guest speakers ranged from co-founders of Diversify Our Narrative, an organization committed to promoting productive dialogues on race and identity, as well as, racially diverse and anti-racist texts in school curriculums, to a Ph.D. student at Harvard Graduate School of Education in Human Development. As speakers elaborated on their roles in the community, attendees were encouraged to ask questions and interact with the speakers.
Connecting Through Conversation
Our first Connecting Through Conversation sessions were hosted in May 2021, raising sensitive topics in the conversation, such as what it means to be Black at AHS and how we can confront AAPI hate. Most of our Connecting Through Conversation events are hosted during heritage and identity months to celebrate and recognize various, diverse cultures and identities here at AHS. In the past, the EDI Committee hosted Connecting Through Conversation: Being Black at AHS, Confronting AAPI Hate, and Women's History Month.
Wellness Week: EDI Creative Art
In collaboration with the Arcadia Wellness Center, EDI Committee hosted a Creative Art session during Wellness Week, which took place from April 11 to April 15, 2022. Participants painted ornaments, which came in many different shapes and sizes. As a way to destress from school work and upcoming AP exams, students were able to enjoy a fun painting session in the rally court!
Creating Club and Organization Guidelines
EDI strives to change the school environment for the better, starting with our clubs and organizations. To accomplish this, we need your help and input. We hope to create a set of guidelines for organizations to follow in order to foster better leadership, open communication, and a safe place for all students. Whether you are a club member or a club leader, let us know your thoughts!