CMDS Diversity and Belonging: End-of-Year Recap
Brittany Carmichael-Hayes, Diversity & Belonging Coordinator
Diversity and Belonging are important parts of Christ Methodist Day School's mission. As the world becomes more diverse, CMDS feels that it’s important for our students to understand different perspectives. The school’s Diversity and Belonging program seeks to enrich student learning and expose CMDS students to a variety of backgrounds and cultures that cultivate their communities. We also want to instill a desire in our students to understand how differences strengthen the school environment and the world around them. Below is a recap of the many studies and activities that took place during the 2021-22 school year.
September: Hispanic Heritage Month
In September, students learned about various individuals of Hispanic descent and the impact they had on America’s history and culture. Suggested books from the school library were available for them to read and learn more. With the help of Mrs. Bryant during weekly chapel, students had the opportunity to worship in song, learn the weekly verse and also sing the last line of the Benediction in Spanish. In Art, 1st-6th graders created an art mural inspired by Frida Kahlo by making tissue paper flowers to adorn the hallways. In Spanish class, students had the opportunity to learn more facts about the people discussed on the announcements through activities, interactive videos and refreshments. To end the month-long celebration, students enjoyed churros, a well-known Hispanic sweet treat. All faculty/staff were treated to a special lunch from El Mero Taco.
November: Native American Heritage Month
In November, students learned about the first native people of our land. They delved into the significance of PowWows and the legend of the dreamcatcher. 1st and 2nd graders created their own dream catchers, while those in 3rd-6th grade constructed a giant dream catcher to display in the hallway. Students made colorful feathers and wrote about their dreams of how to make the world a better place.
December: Holidays Around The World
Many holidays are celebrated in December. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza are some of the holidays that students learned about this month. 1st-4th graders explored how Christmas is celebrated in Italy and Germany. Students discovered the history of the gingerbread house and taste-tested gingerbread cookies. Students also reviewed Italian Christmas traditions such as the Legend of Old Befana and a popular sweet bread – Panettone – that is often exchanged amongst friends and family. Students explored the miracle of the menorah oil and played the dreidel game as they learned more about the traditions of Hanukkah.
February: Black History Month
While CMDS Lower and Upper School students learned about African Americans who impacted American and World history, JK students spent time every Tuesday with Mrs. Hayes. They learned about the creator of the first traffic light, Garrett Morgan; the first African-American woman in space, Dr. Mae Jemison; a famous botanist, also known as the “peanut man,” George Washington Carver; and the King of Jazz music, Louis Armstrong. Each lesson consisted of creative movement, a craft and a special refreshment. Current African-American history makers were highlighted during weekly chapel programs in February. These chapels also included special guest speakers and featured gospel music learned in music class. The students also built Martin Luther King Jr. LEGO murals and Garrett Morgan “safety hoods” in Engineering Lab, among other activities.
March: Women’s History Month
In March, 1st-6th graders studied women in history through STEAM projects in E-Lab. Hidden Figures, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson; inventor Madam C.J. Walker; “The Shark Lady” Eugine Clark; and paleontologist Mary Anning were some of the special women that were highlighted. Projects included: creating a spacecraft that landed safely when dropped from three stories; creating new aquatic creatures to be discovered; and showing off innovation abilities by developing functional tools that could help make everyday life easier.
May: Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
To wrap up the school year, students viewed highlights of many historical figures of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent during morning announcements. They also learned about the history of AAPI and why it is celebrated in May. The students were given a variety of suggested books and movies by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to share with their family and friends. To celebrate, CMDS held a campus-wide luau and ate delicious treats by food truck vendors.
