Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board
"“The Garrison Forest School community is deeply committed to equity, kindness and respect as part of the educational experience.”
--GFS Statement of Respect
Over the past year, the work of the Advisory Board has extended into many facets of daily school life. One of the group’s goals is to provide transparency into what is being done to continue building an inclusive campus as well as ensuring DEI work throughout the school is ongoing, productive and impactful. The initiatives listed on this site are not meant to be all-encompassing but aim to continue the conversation with our community and keep all constituents up-to-date. It is a snapshot of where we are and where we’re going; the vital work of creating a more equitable campus where all students feel a sense of belonging is never done. To that end, we appreciate the many partnerships that have helped drive this work—current parents and students, alumnae, faculty and staff and the school’s Board of Trustees will all continue to play an important role in ensuring this important work continues.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Work at GFS: Vision Statement
At Garrison Forest School, the building and nurturing of an inclusive campus is a vital component of our community and our Core Values. Our work to promote diversity equity, inclusion and belonging is integral to every aspect of school life, and is essential to ensure that our campus is a place where all students feel welcomed, encouraged, supported and heard. As a key focus across our campus, DEIB work at GFS examines our school-wide protocols, policies, practices and infrastructure with the goal of developing action plans that result in real and measurable progress.
This work is guided by three key pillars:
- Community Life and Care
- Pedagogy and Curriculum
- Recruitment, Retention and Support
Key Pillars and Initiatives
Communications and Updates about DEI Work at GFS
- Reflecting on DEI Efforts at GFS (June 14, 2021)
- Support for our Jewish students and community members (May 25, 2021)
- Support for our students (April 20, 2021)
- Addressing recent Anti-Asian violence in the US (Mar 20, 2021)
- Updates on DEI work (Mar 11, 2021)
- Announcing the GFS Black Alumnae Association (Nov 20, 2020)
- Tone-setting to start the school year (Oct 1, 2020)
- An update on diversity, equity and inclusion work at GFS (Aug 27, 2020)
- Listening Session Overview (Aug 25, 2020)
- Update on the DEI Advisory board (July 18, 2020)
- Building a better community for GFS (Jun 13, 2020)
- Lessons learned and a long road to travel (Jun 3, 2020)
- A message to GFS families (May 29, 2020)
Reflecting on DEI Efforts at GFS (June 14, 2021)
Support for our Jewish students and community members (May 25, 2021)
Support for our students (April 20, 2021)
Addressing recent Anti-Asian violence in the US (Mar 20, 2021)
Updates on DEI work (Mar 11, 2021)
Announcing the GFS Black Alumnae Association (Nov 20, 2020)
Tone-setting to start the school year (Oct 1, 2020)
An update on diversity, equity and inclusion work at GFS (Aug 27, 2020)
Listening Session Overview (Aug 25, 2020)
Update on the DEI Advisory board (July 18, 2020)
Building a better community for GFS (Jun 13, 2020)
Lessons learned and a long road to travel (Jun 3, 2020)
A message to GFS families (May 29, 2020)
DEI Resources for Parents and Students
Along with the specific initiatives outlined above, the Office of Community Life and Inclusion will support students, parents and faculty and staff by providing resources to help facilitate courageous conversations and develop age-appropriate ways to engage students in these efforts. Similar resources have been provided to our faculty and staff.
Resources for Parents
31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
100 Race-conscious things you can say to your child to advance racial justice
We Really Need White People to Talk to Their Kids about Racism
Talking to Kids About Racial Violence
Supporting Kids of Color In the Wake of Racialized Violence
How To Talk To Kids About Race: An Age by Age Guide
Resources for Middle and Upper School Students
10 Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism and Racial Injustice
Advisory Board Members
Chris Hughes (co-chair), Head of School
Carolyn Lewis (co-chair), Director of Community Life and Inclusion
Crystal Lee Alston '96, GFS Board of Trustee Member
Lauren Misera Anderson '02, Middle School Dean of Students
Lauren Baylor, Upper School Dean of Students
Shondra Cowling, Director of Counseling
Pamela Dorman, Middle School Counselor
Vanessa Griffin, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Gail Hutton, Head of the Lower School
Tasha Landis, Associate Director of Admission
Heather Malone-Wolf, Director of Dance
Kristen Miller, Upper School English Teacher and Faculty Liaison to the Board of Trustees
Jessy Morgan, Athletic Director
Katherine Hayes, Director of Constituent Outreach
Shelly Placek, Director of Communications and Marketing
Shannon Schmidt, Head of the Middle School
Bryna Stoute, Preschool Teacher