BEE Newsletter

As we look forward to the necessary rest and time to recharge after this semester, I value this opportunity to share some moments of joy that come from the celebrations, the healing, and the important and challenging conversations our community has engaged in this year so far.

If you are like me, you can't believe we are already in December! It seems just like yesterday I was in Bannan Theater, welcoming every student into the new school year. Thinking back on it, that was a great experience.

Recently, our faculty and staff completed a culture and climate survey. The survey served multiple functions.

Please come to the first Affinity Groups X Period on Tuesday, Sept. 19, to learn more about why these groups are a vital part of supporting and empowering all members of a school community.

Just like that, the 2022-23 school year is coming to a close! Since our last newsletter, we have been one busy BEE, working diligently at expanding our offerings for the school community and taking note on what has been effective and what provides room for growth. There were many new programs and activities this year, and I would love to take the time to shine a light on a few.

As I reflect upon my first year as SI's director of culture and belonging, I am proud of what has been accomplished, but also anchored in knowing that there is more work to be done.

During the 2022-23 school year, we moved SI's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts into a new phase, reorganizing our leadership and forming the Office of Belonging, Equity, and Excellence.

So many new connections, friendships, experiences, and moments of vulnerability and compassion have made this a memorable, joyful, and supportive year so far. We started the school year with our annual Magis First-Year Retreat in August, welcoming new students to SI and the Magis Program and building community for and around first-generation college-bound and Black, Indigenous, Latinx, students of color.