The Diversity Committee, formed in 2022, has embarked on the journey with the entire community to improve the atmosphere for learning in the 21st century. This group is chartered with the task of seamless integration of inclusive initiatives throughout the Academy community through initiatives such as the Mary Carbone Multi Cultural Speaker Series.

Committee Members:

• Eileen F. Corigliano
• Sahar Rifi
• JoAnn Rozas
• Shyiesha Watson

As a community that fosters diversity, embraces multiculturalism and advocates social justice, we have created an evolving curriculum that supports our efforts to educate students for the global challenges of the 21st century. We believe that no thought, action or utterance is neutral. Language and interpretations of the world are extremely potent and those who use language to guide children have a tremendous responsibility to instill in children the values of the academic community. The following are representative examples of how diversity learning is part of the Academy curriculum.

Lower School: Understanding Interconnectedness

Lower School students share and celebrate their identities while developing an understanding of how people, cultures, communities, and places are interconnected, shaping and influencing one another across time and geography. Beginning in Early Childhood, students investigate family, community, cultural diversity, and life in New York City, building an appreciation for both individual identity and belonging. Grade 1 students explore rural, suburban, and urban communities while learning about the history and people of Staten Island Academy, recognizing the contributions individuals make to a community. In Grade 2, students study New York City’s five boroughs, discovering how diverse neighborhoods are linked through history, culture, geography, and shared experiences. Grade 3 students examine continents, immigration, and westward expansion, exploring how the movement of people and the interactions among cultures shape communities and societies. In Grade 4, students investigate the regions of the United States, developing an appreciation for the geographic, economic, and cultural connections that unite a diverse nation. Together, these experiences help students understand the role of community in shaping identity and foster an appreciation for the interconnected world in which we live.

Middle School: Responsibility of Global Citizenship

Middle School students focus their multicultural experiences through in-depth cultural and historical studies of United States History, Ancient Civilizations, India, China and the Middle East. In works of fiction and nonfiction, students gain critical awareness on themes of intolerance, ability differences, cultural conflicts, genocide, prejudice and racism. Our Arts curriculum provides opportunities for cross-cultural expression. Academy students truly understand the need for inclusivity and their responsibilities as global citizens and are prepared to meet them with enlightened attitudes and competence.

Upper School: Challenges of Assimilation and Acceptance

Upper School students build upon the foundation established in the previous divisions. Our Upper School students engage in grade-level summer reading selections based upon themes of Religion, Ethnicity/Race, Class/Oppression and Gender/Sexual Identity. In the fall, students have in-depth discussions about their themes in their grade-level advisory groups. As a way of acknowledging and honoring the traditions and diversity of all the students in our school, Upper School students research and learn about various cultural aspects. Our annual “House” decorating extravaganza is a culminating event where Methfessel, Stettinius, Merrick, Willard-Mundorf and Partington House transform the main student dining hall into a visually festive space that showcases the holidays and traditions of our community. Throughout the year, students are exposed to numerous community service opportunities as a way to enrich the lives of others and to impart a sense of community. School-sponsored travel is another way in which the Academy provides Upper School students with opportunities to increase their understanding of other cultures; these excursions enhance those that are embedded in the curriculum.

In the Upper School, we have multiple student-led affinity groups to provide space for conversation, education and community. Groups such as the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), SOCSIA (Students of Color at SIA), the Jewish Heritage Club, and others help spread awareness about issues and experiences within their respective communities on both a campus and a global scale.

People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
PISB is “a national and international collective of anti-racist, multicultural community organizers and educators dedicated to building an effective movement for social transformation.” They run monthly Undoing Racism Workshops in the NY Metro area. It is the only organization consistently offering intensive anti-racism training in our area. pisab.org

The National SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) Project
ww.nationalseedproject.org/

Anti-Defamation League
www.adl.org

GLSEN: Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Organization for students, parents and teachers
www.glsen.org

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Civil rights organization for ethnic minorities in the United States
www.naacp.org

NAIS Equity and Justice
www.nais.org/equity

Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered People (PFLAG)
www.pflag.org

Posse Foundation
Posse is committed to developing the next generation of leaders, offering the best and brightest urban high school students the opportunity to excel at top-tier colleges and universities.
www.possefoundation.org