Community and Belonging

St. Paul’s focus on Community and Belonging aims to strengthen the community by offering programs, affinity groups, and professional development opportunities that help students, faculty, and families build relationships, develop skills, and create a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Through our Community and Belonging initiatives, we strive to promote understanding, empathy, and collaboration among individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences, ultimately enriching the overall educational experience for all members of our community.

As an Episcopal school, this work is grounded in our commitment to the inherent dignity and worth of every person. We believe that our shared values call us to cultivate communities marked by respect, compassion, hospitality, and a willingness to learn from and care for one another. Our commitment to Community and Belonging is therefore an important part of living into our Episcopal identity and preparing students to engage thoughtfully, respectfully, and responsibly with a diverse world.

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As we read in the Book of Genesis, looking at all of creation, God said, “It is good.” As an episcopal school, we believe that every person is a child of God and that every member of our community is inherently good. We seek to be a community that is committed to letting the authentic goodness of each and every person shine forth. At The St. Paul’s Schools, we believe that this is the most conducive environment for learning and it is the best preparation for sending forth graduates who are ready to transform the world around us to be more just, more loving, and more inclusive.

Rev. Joshua Laws
Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Board of Trustees Community and Belonging Statement

To uphold the mission and vision of The St. Paul’s Schools, we, the Board of Trustees,

embrace the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, and experiences in our community;
believe that each member of our community brings life experiences and a unique perspective to help develop the intellect and character of our students;
seek to hear each voice as a vital contributor to our diverse community and create a culture of authentic belonging.

Community and Belonging Initiatives

St. Paul's focus of Community and Belonging work aims to strengthen the community by offering programs, affinity groups, and professional development opportunities that help students, faculty, and families build relationships, develop skills, and create a space where everyone feels valued and respected. Through our initiatives, we strive to promote understanding, empathy, and collaboration among individuals of diverse backgrounds, ultimately enriching the overall educational experience for all members of our community.

Community and Belonging Interest Groups

Community and Belonging groups are extracurricular spaces where students and parents can come together around shared interests, experiences, identities, backgrounds, or commitments. These groups provide opportunities for members of our community to build relationships, learn from one another, celebrate different cultures and traditions, explore important topics, and foster a greater sense of connection and belonging. All members of the St. Paul’s community are welcome to participate, regardless of their identity, background, beliefs, or personal connection to the group’s focus. Our goal is to create spaces that invite connection and understanding rather than create barriers between members of our community.

Student Community and Belonging groups include the Adopted Students group, APISA (Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian) group, Black Awareness Club (BAC), Cultural Awareness Club, Diverse Family Structures group, Jewish Awareness Club, Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), and Neurodiversity group. These student groups often host events throughout the school year, including cultural and holiday celebrations, educational programs, movie nights, and chapel services, providing opportunities for students to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

SPSG UPPER SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND BELONGING GROUPS

Adopted Students
Asian Pacific Islander South Asian Students (APISA, SPSG/SP Coordinated)
Black/African American Students
Jewish Students
Different Family Structures
Hispanic/Latine Students
Learning Differences Student Alliance Group
Inclusivity Council
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA, SPSG/SP Coordinated)
Jewish Awareness Club
Black Awareness Club (BAC)
Cultural Awareness Club
Disability Awareness Club

SPSG MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND BELONGING GROUPS

Adopted Students
Asian Pacific Islander South Asian Students (APISA)
Black/African American Students
Jewish Students
Hispanic/Latine Students
Different Family Structures
Rainbow Alliance
Neurodiversity Alliance Group
Inclusivity Council

SP MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND BELONGING GROUPS

Neurodiversity Alliance Group
Black Awareness Club (BAC)
LGBTQ+ Awareness Club (LAC)
Interfaith Awareness Club (IAC)
Jewish Awareness Club

SP UPPER SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND BELONGING GROUPS

Asian Pacific Islander South Asian Affinity Group
Black Awareness Club
Gender Sexuality Alliance
Hispanic Awareness Club
Jewish Awareness Club

Bridges

Mentoring

Sister-to-Sister and Brother-to-Brother are mentorship and fellowship programs for students of color run by upper school students for lower school students. Students involved in these programs participate in engaging, hands-on activities and projects throughout the year. The program gives lower school students the opportunity to spend time with and learn from SP and SPSG students, while upper school students gain leadership and mentoring experience.

Employee Professional Development

As an Episcopal school, our mission calls us to welcome, love, and affirm every member of our community. Faculty and staff routinely engage in professional development opportunities centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion to advance this mission. Employees have traveled across the country to attend conferences such as the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) Diversity Leadership Institute, and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Gather Conference. Faculty and staff also participate in on-campus professional development opportunities such as LGBTQ+ Safe Space Trainings.

Events

The St. Paul’s Schools hosts a range of events centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Such events include King’s Vision Day (KVD) and our International Block Party. Additionally, we host academic lessons, chapel services, and extracurricular activities such as lunches and movie nights in honor of holidays such as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Black History Month, Diwali, Hannukah, and Martin Luther King Day. Guest speakers are often invited to campus to discuss DEI topics with our students and faculty.

Please reference the calendar on our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage or visit the school calendar webpage to learn more about upcoming events.

International Block Party

St. Paul’s International Block Party is a celebration of our community’s many cultures and traditions! Hosted by the Parents Association, this event features delicious meals, traditional cultural attire, and vibrant dances and demonstrations from students and local groups.

King’s Vision Day

King’s Vision Day (KVD) is an annual St. Paul’s event to commemorate and reflect upon the legacy and vision of the pivotal civil rights leader. KVD features a film festival featuring selections related to Dr. King’s message, engaging discussions, and a keynote address from guest speakers. Past KVD guest speakers have included St. Paul’s alumnus Dr. Omer Awan ’99, former Olympian Greg Harell, and Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr., former senior pastor at Union Baptist Church and lifelong civil rights activist.