Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Justice

THE VALLEY SCHOOL DIVERSITY, EQUITY, BELONGING, AND JUSTICE (DEBJ) STATEMENT

The Valley School honors diversity, practices belonging, and invites courageous conversations. We strive to create a community where each individual is valued, respected, and belongs. Though the journey can be muddy—much like our playground—we aim to give every child the tools necessary to flourish.
   
DEBJ DEFINITIONS
Because the way a school may define these words can be different, The Valley School has intentionally described how we approach the work we do in each one of these areas as the following:

DIVERSITY

Diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. At Valley, it means respect for and appreciation of differences in gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, family composition, education, learning styles, race, religion, and other dimensions.

EQUITY

Equity is giving each student what they need to be successful. Equity leads to the fair treatment of all individuals based upon their circumstances. Equity and equality are not the same thing. Equity is the process; equality is the outcome.

BELONGING

Belonging is about respecting and engaging with the differences encompassed within diversity. This intentional and ongoing work takes place in the classroom, on the playground, and throughout the Valley community. It is the emotional feeling that a group feels when their identity, their diverse characteristics, and unique needs are seen and honored by the community.

JUSTICE

At Valley, we strive to eliminate barriers and forge pathways to allow students and families to fully engage in school life, both inside and outside the classroom. We respect and appreciate the diverse characteristics of each student and we strive to create an environment where playful work, purposeful play, and the practice of community can take place.