Community Connections and Belonging

At Peck, we value the rich diversity within our community and beyond, a value deeply embedded in our World Cultures Program. This program enriches our appreciation of diversity through culturally inspired meals and presentations on family heritage at all-school World Cultures Assemblies. It fosters inclusion, exposes students to various global traditions and customs, and strengthens their sense of belonging within the community.

Campus celebrations further enable students to forge connections by exploring and appreciating each other's backgrounds while elevating the voices and stories of the cultures they represent. Our annual World Cultures Night is a highlight, uniting the community to savor global cuisines and immerse themselves in the art, music, and traditions of different countries.

We believe that continually focusing on belonging, inclusion, and equity will strengthen our community and prepare our students for life after graduation. Our Building Belonging Curriculum supplements our character education programming and helps inform our portrait of a Peck graduate.

At every grade level, students are introduced to age-appropriate lessons on diversity-related topics such as identity, culture and heritage, family structure, ability, and more.

Learning at Peck cannot happen without our students knowing they can bring their full selves and unique identities to school. This commitment to authenticity is at the heart of our efforts to create an inclusive atmosphere. 

We foster an environment of inclusion through a number of activities such as inviting families to visit their child’s classroom and share family traditions, culture, and heritage; student-created art and discussion such as self-portraits, belonging boards, and “About Me” highlights; cultural celebrations and dress days; birthday celebrations, and more—ensuring every student feels represented and valued.

In partnership with The Peck School, The Parents Association Group on Inclusivity (PAGI) strives to enrich the overall wellness and connection of our community by fostering a sense of belonging for families. The group cultivates an informed parent community through programming that aligns with the school's core values and strategic goals.

By providing time and space for open conversation, connections, and relationship-building between the adults within our community, PAGI creates a supportive network that mirrors the inclusive values taught to our students. This collaborative environment empowers parents and guardians to be active participants in the school’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.

PAGI is also an affinity space open to all parents, guardians, and caretakers of Peck students. Meetings are held monthly on campus. Discussion topics typically touch on intentional inclusion, cultural diversity, family traditions and culture, community and unity, and more!
 

At The Peck School, community is valued as a key asset, prompting the creation of safe spaces for connection and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. This inclusive environment allows individuals to be authentic, enhancing productivity, collaboration, and happiness.

The school prioritizes inclusion through employee-led affinity groups and community circles. Affinity groups provide safe spaces for individuals with similar cultures, identities, and interests to engage in discussion and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Community circles are thoughtfully guided parent gatherings led by our Directory of Community Connections & Belonging that use structured dialogue to unite the community, especially during challenging times and global conflicts. Through community circles, we foster trust understanding, trust, and a sense of belonging.