Spotlight on DEI in Lower School Classrooms: November 2021
Exploring and celebrating peoples' unique differences helps our youngest students learn about their own identities. Students learn to respect and appreciate differences and that they bring us together as humans. Using books and hands-on activities, teachers in our youngest grades have engaged deeply in this work, embedding this kind of learning within the academic program. Read about some of the DEI learning that has been taking place in our Lower School classrooms.
In first grade, students discussed identities and what makes them similar and different. They’ve talked about how individuality is worth celebrating because it makes the class strong! Some books that have aided in these discussions have included: The Crayon Box that Talked; Same, Same but Different; and Your Name is a Song.
In third grade, students read The Colors of Us by Karen Katz prior to drawing and coloring their own self-portraits. The book served as a springboard for a celebration of the diverse skin tones within a single class of students. When coloring their own self portraits, students carefully chose skin-toned colored pencils and compared them to their own skin. They enjoyed looking to see what Crayola had named “their” color and if they needed to layer several colors to try and better match their skin tone. The activity sparked an inquisitive, positive, and organic conversation about skin tone and led to beautiful self-portraits that represent our diverse students and community.
In fourth grade, students investigated the origins of Pennsylvania and brainstormed solutions that 17th century explorers could have used to live peacefully with the Native Americans. Students studied the origin of the word “Indian” and how “Native Americans” and “Indigenous Peoples” are more appropriate terms. Students also studied William Penn’s “Holy Experiment” where he brought together people of all different religions to live harmoniously and respect each other’s differences. Some fourth graders have reflected on their own religion and religious differences within the classroom.
In fifth grade, students have been reading Home of the Brave, which tells the story of a Sudanese refugee, and discussed what people leave behind (both literally and figuratively) when confronted with war, violence, and extreme hardship. Toward the end of the novel, students will also discuss the importance of the title and the overall meaning of “belonging” in the United States. It is a deeply impactful story that taps into the fifth graders’ empathy cores!
Mrs. Posner read the book Dumplings are Delicious to students K-2. This book, which was shared with her by second-grader Jack C., is all about the variety of dumplings around the world⸺empanadas, pierogies, mandu, paranthas, etc. After the story, students talked about different family dishes and traditions that have been passed on. Several students were proud to share their backgrounds and connections and some even brought in family recipes the next day!
After an extensive international search, Head of School Michael G. Turner announced the appointment of Chantra Reinman as Shipley’s next Head of Middle School, effective July 1, 2023.
In the Lower School Student Council, fourth and fifth graders hone leadership skills like collaboration, public speaking, and planning as they help with divisional assemblies and other student-led initiatives, while serving as student representatives at admissions events and more. Though the group is diverse, they all have one thing in common: a desire to give back to Shipley.
Shipley's Middle School Boys' and Girls' Squash teams competed at the National Squash Championships in Philadelphia, finishing ninth and 20th, respectively.
Congratulations to Shipley senior Zion Alexis ’23 for receiving numerous awards in the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by Philadelphia Writing Project, including a Gold Key for his poem, "black boy, PREP SCHOOL." Read the poem and learn more about Zion, his interest in creative expression, and how Shipley has pushed him to grow as a writer in this Q&A.
Head of School Michael Turner announced that Rebekah Adens will be Shipley’s next Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, effective July 1, 2023.
Middle School science teacher Ace Schwarz was one of 10 educators selected to participate in the 2023 NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP), which partners small groups of educators with a research astronomer for original, year-long, authentic research projects.
On Saturday, December 3, Shipley’s Upper School Science Olympiad team participated in the 2nd Annual Dick Smith Memorial Invitational. Competing in the B Division, Shipley’s Upper School team finished 31 out of 74 teams. Several students also placed in individual events.
Chess team members Srijan Velamuri ’23 and Adithi Srinivasan ’25 earned first and second places, respectively, at the Interscholastic Chess Tournament, hosted by Shipley on December 9, 2022.
What happens when you combine passion, professional learning, and appreciation of beauty and excellence? You get a teacher who brings enthusiasm and energy to her classroom and students who learn while doing. Learn more about how Middle School Latin teacher Anne Smith shares her passion for mosaics, Roman history, and the Latin language with her students through multiple modalities.
It’s common to associate colors with emotions, as Kathryn Otoshi does in her book, One. Dr. Harley Givler asked his third grade students to imagine what the book's characters and their emotions would sound like as a musical composition. The third graders performed the composition for their PreK Book Buddies, sharing lessons in emotions, tolerance, and being an upstander, as well as inspiring a love of music.
On Friday, December 2, Shipley hosted the Philadelphia Area Math League for Independent Schools 2022 Playoffs. As a result, the Gators finished fifth out of ten teams in the group category and Bambi Tang ‘23 finished first in the individual category.
You can see Lower School Art Teacher Bonnie Goldstein's new work in "Beyond Boundaries" an exhibit on display at 705 West Printshop + Gallery in Jenkintown. An opening reception is being held on Sunday, December 4 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.
With over 70 clubs and activities to choose from, Shipley's Upper School students can enjoy a broad range of areas to discover and develop their passions and interests. Student writer Andrew McCarthy ’23 shares details about six of them in this article, originally published in the December 2022 issue of the Beacon, the Upper School student newspaper.
After rigorous auditions, five Shipley musicians have been accepted into auditioned choral and band ensembles including the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 11 Chorus, the American Choral Directors Association National Honors Choir, and the Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band.
Catch Theater Director Phillip Brown as he stars in the Lantern Theater Company’s Philadelphia premiere production of The Royale by Marco Ramirez, onstage through December 11, 2022, at St. Stephen’s Theater.
As we head into the holiday season, it is important to remember to help those who struggle with food insecurity. To address this issue in our local community, The Shipley School organizes a yearly Turkey Drive that takes place in November. Read more about Shipley's annual Turkey Drive in this article, originally published in the November 2022 issue of Shipley's student newspaper, the Beacon.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.