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Community

PE on rooftop

Windows and Mirrors at SF Day

At SF Day, we often use the phrase "windows and mirrors" as a metaphor to help students understand one aspect of creating a truly welcoming school. Children and adults should see their identity reflected in their school community (mirrors), to know that people “like me” are full citizens at school. Equally important is that community members be challenged to look outside themselves (windows) to understand, respect, and appreciate the cultures and identities of others. Providing "windows and mirrors," thoughtful curriculum, and opportunities for discussion help us continue learning within a diverse and inclusive community.

Student & Faculty Affinity Groups

SF Day is proud to host student affinity groups to support and celebrate the diversity of our community.  An affinity group is a designated “safe space,” where all members of a group share a particular identity. This identity can be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, language, nationality, socio-economic class, family structure, religion, and more.  The goal of affinity groups is to facilitate positive identity exploration and development towards the larger goal of creating an inclusive learning environment. Participants can use the space for reflection, dialogue, and support.

At SF Day, student groups facilitated by faculty members have included:

  • Transracial Adoptees
  • African-American students
  • Asian-American/Pacific Islander students
  • Christian students
  • Latino students
  • Multicultural students
  • Youth of LGBTQ
  • Rainbow Alliance

SF Day also hosts affinity groups for faculty and staff members: LGBTQ, faculty of color, multiracial faculty, and AWARE (Alliance of Anti-Racist White Educators) are all groups currently offered to faculty and staff. 

Student-Led Clubs

In 2018, several Upper School students asked for the opportunity to create affinity groups such as Students of Color and Jewish Affinity Group. We look forward to continuing to support their growth and learning about their identities and about each other. 

PACT

PACT is a mentorship program for students of color, entering its 8th year! Pact is a collaboration between SF Day, SF School, Live Oak Middle School, Lick-Wilmerding High School and The Urban School. 

PACT's goal is to provide mirrors to middle and elementary school students to support them in their experiences as students of color in independent schools. PACT provides an opportunity for our students to reflect on school experiences from students who “look like me” and who can offer advice and care regarding what’s ahead. 

PACT creates a safe space for identity development and members meet once a month, on weekends or after school, and rotate between member schools. Examples of previous gatherings include team building activities, visits to cultural exhibits, bowling, and an end-of-year picnic.

Community Connections

At SF Day, our community members are active, engaged, and participate in opportunities to learn and share various aspects of their identities. As a full school community, we gather regularly, which is often a valuable opportunity to take in a special guest speaker, artist, or performer. In 2019, SF Day welcomed guests including Ballet Folklorico, artist-in-residence Lexy Ho Tai. 

Family members are also a valued resource and part of our community - we often have parents come into the classroom to share family traditions and celebrations such as Nowruz, Dia de los Muertos, and Lunar New Year. 

Day of Silence/GLSEN

Each year, SF Day participates in the annual National Day of Silence sponsored by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network), a day that asks the question, “What will you do to end the silence?”  On the Day of Silence, students across the country are encouraged to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bias, bullying, and harassment in schools by taking their own vow of silence.  Students at SF Day show their support with an upper school assembly devoted to this topic, and then are invited to eat lunch at a “silent table” and take a vow of silence in between classes as well.

“I am participating in the Day of Silence because I know that even in the safest environment, anti-LGBT bullying still occurs, and I am doing my part to end the bullying.  I will join the GSA in my high school and spread the word there too.  I have learned that being isolated is very difficult, which is why we must end the silence.”
-Eighth grade student reflection

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Parent/Guardian Group

This group provides families the opportunity to examine topics of equity as they relate to school life and culture. SF Day parents and guardians meet throughout the year and participate in parent/guardian education facilitated by the school.  

Board Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This committee supports the school’s efforts to build community through diversity, equity, and inclusion, and acts as a sounding board for admissions and the Co-Directors of Diversity, and supports the school’s administration in DEI endeavors.