From professional development workshops to a pop-up respite room, our Offices of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Life, Wellness, Human Resources, and Learning and Innovation provided experiences that left employees feeling optimistic about the upcoming school year.

Following the annual all-employee opening meeting on August 19, Viewpoint welcomed guest speaker Glenn Whitman, Director of the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning at St. Andrew's Episcopal School. Glenn led an interactive session with faculty and staff, sharing practical, research-based teaching strategies grounded in the latest Mind, Brain, and Education science to enhance student learning outcomes.

For the second year, and back by popular demand, our Diversity, Wellness, and Human Resources leaders transformed a space on campus into a pop-up Lavender Room for all employees.

“For three days, everyone was invited to visit a totally inclusive ‘haven of calm’,” said Patricia Jackson, Chief Belonging and Community Officer. “With a focus on centering Diversity in Mental Health, we wanted to offer and celebrate the importance of radical self-care for all,” she added.

Faculty, staff, and administration were encouraged to take a breather and experience a few moments of relaxation and joy, surrounded by the aroma of lavender essential oils. With visuals of a lavender field in the background and relaxing music playing, attendees also enjoyed light refreshments, themed giveaways, and daily 15-minute guided meditations.

“As someone who meditates regularly, it was wonderful to lead a mindfulness meditation session in the Lavender Room during the first week of staff meetings,” shared Laree Henning, School Counselor and MS Advisory Liaison. “As we begin the school year, I look forward to offering more of these opportunities in our newly renovated Wellness Corner.”

Throughout the week, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Life presented Back-to-School DEI workshops for all faculty, focusing on the Pillars of Viewpoint Community Life: expansion of consciousness, cultural humility, respectful curiosity, grace, self-awareness, and service.

Featured speakers included faculty members Ian Miller, who discussed the challenges Black boys face in Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs); Jasmine Novick, who explored the importance of understanding and embracing “Black.Girl.Excellence”; Thomas Moore and Nan Cohen, who highlighted LGBTQIA+ issues while emphasizing inclusive practices; and Salah Farrag, who shared insights from the PS/LS Inclusion and Belonging survey, discussed the work that is in process for bias reporting protocols, and emphasized the importance of multicultural education in Primary and Lower School and beyond. The workshops also featured a presentation by Head of School Mark McKee on political polarization and institutional neutrality.

"Our mission is future readiness, and our vision is a community where families value unity in diversity,” shared McKee. “In our classrooms, we must navigate polarizing topics with language that fosters belonging and inclusivity for all."

Viewpoint School’s more than 300 employees welcome back its TK-12 students for the first days of school August 27 and 28, as we lift up our core value of Optimism for the 2024-25 academic year.