Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Langley’s Commitment to a Culture of Belonging
At Langley, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are central to educational excellence and essential to our mission. We recognize that all students, families, faculty, and staff members bring unique experiences, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives that enrich our community when recognized and celebrated as part of our program. We intentionally cultivate a culture of belonging, pride, and respect for every child while teaching the skills they need to understand and connect with others.
Langley’s DEI Framework
Developed in 2019, Langley’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework serves as a guide for our community as we cultivate a culture of belonging in our classrooms and offices, at school-wide events, and in our everyday interactions with one another.
Our Practices
- Responsive curriculum and instruction, including our signature REACH curriculum
- Activities and discussions that celebrate numerous holidays and cultural observances in assemblies and classrooms
- Affinity and alliance groups
- Professional and personal development (DEI conferences and workshops for faculty, staff, and students)
- Recruitment, support, and retention of faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds
Responsive curriculum and instruction, including our signature REACH curriculum
Activities and discussions that celebrate numerous holidays and cultural observances in assemblies and classrooms
Affinity and alliance groups
Professional and personal development (DEI conferences and workshops for faculty, staff, and students)
Recruitment, support, and retention of faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds
Langley’s REACH Curriculum Supports the DEI Program
Self-awareness, connection, understanding, and respect are primary tenets of Langley’s custom-built social-emotional learning curriculum, called REACH (Raising Emotional Acuity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Healthy Behaviors). The REACH curriculum supports Langley’s DEI program by incorporating the following concepts in appropriate ways across the Arc of Development: (link to arc of development)
- Healthy identity formation
- Empathy, openness, and respect across lines of difference
- Inquiry over ideology
- Perspective-taking
- Social-emotional learning
- Finding common ground
Our Community
- 37% of students identify as a person of color
- 28% of faculty and staff identify as a person of color
- 18% of students receive financial aid
- 24 cultural observances and holidays recognized
- 3 affinity and alliance groups
Langley’s DEI Committee
Composed of faculty and staff from a variety of roles, divisions, departments, and backgrounds, Langley’s DEI Committee meets monthly to discuss ways to promote and support DEI in the community through curriculum, professional development, communications, parent involvement, and student engagement. The committee also gathers input and critical feedback on school-wide DEI initiatives, especially professional development content, and outlines key diversity and inclusion goals and actionable steps to achieve them. The DEI Committee strives to create a culture of belonging and a climate in which all members of the community feel valued and empowered to do the work.
2022-2023 DEI Committee:
Dahna Bozarth, Grade Four Teacher
Leslie Bray, Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid
Troy Byrne, Junior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Patty Dokken, Physical Education Teacher
Paige Dunn, Art Teacher
Dwayne Green, Director of Campus Operations
Elena Meschieri, Director of Web and Digital Engagement
Edna Oppong, Leopard Cubs Program Manager
Clinton Quick, Grade Three Assistant Teacher
Chuck Schmidt, Band Director and Instrumental Music Teacher
Anna Shiroma, Head of Primary School
Mona Tauber, Math Specialist
Brittany Westbrook, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications