In the Classroom and Beyond

Teachers use inclusive language and create diverse libraries of literary selections to reflect and validate the experiences of every student and family. 

School librarian, Angela Perna, sources a variety of titles in line with each heritage month. The Starr Book Lists she creates include an array of titles for all ages, from picture books to novels. Ms. Perna has also noted suggestions about appropriate age ranges as well as summaries. These book lists recognize and highlight the many contributions and influence of those celebrated and honored in their respective heritage month. 

Recently, Ms. Perna compiled a list of contemporary children’s authors and illustrators who are celebrated in their countries of origin. Given the global breadth of children’s literature, this list is by no means all inclusive. Rather, it is a launching point for an appreciation of children’s books throughout the world and the very joy of reading. All book lists can be found in the Resources and Scholarship page. 

In response to attending the People of Color Conference in 2010, third grade teacher and DEIL member, Paula Lee was inspired to take action right away. She researched and initiated “Book of the Month”, which is now entering the 12th year at St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s. This was a response to the fact that at the time, there weren’t as many picture books featuring people of color doing everyday things. Most books solely focused on their oppression and struggles. Ms. Lee wanted to see protagonists of color celebrating life and its simple joys. 

In going beyond simply celebrating cultural holidays, Ms. Lee sought to create a more inclusive classroom library, filled with books that our students found themselves reflected in. The goal was to seek variety, inclusion, and stories of belonging, all a part of our mission to spark conversation about how we treat others. 

In choosing books for “Book of the Month,” Ms. Lee seeks out illustrations that feel authentic, and authors and illustrators who are people of color, ensuring that their own voices are heard. Above all, the stories come first. She is looking for representation that is accurate, research that is accurate, and a story that will resonate with the students. Some past titles include, The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania, Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, Saturday by Oge Mora, Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match by Monica Brown, and Too Many Tamales, by Gary Soto.

Each year, faculty thoughtfully assess and reframe projects through the lens of equity and inclusion. Faculty engage in an annual curricular audit to help teachers reflect on their own teaching practices and their level of cultural responsiveness in order to create more intentionally inclusive and culturally accurate ways of connecting with students of all backgrounds.  When we engage in a curriculum audit, it is the practical application of our mission statement. “We strive to create an educational community that reflects unity in diversity: a unity of purpose and shared values among a population diverse in race, culture, and religious beliefs.” 

As part of our liberal arts education, teachers create curriculum that prepares students to be citizens of the world. Students learn comparative studies of history, literature, music, art, and religion. From the earliest grades, we focus on developing critical thinking skills and examining stories of diverse identities. For example, we study Indigenous history, underrepresented voices, and multiple perspectives. Throughout our program, children celebrate their identities and participate in the creation of an inclusive community through a culturally responsive pedagogy.

Below are excerpts from the curricular audit that faculty use each year to review and analyze their curriculum. The excerpts that you see here describe the aim of each section of the audit.

Chapel is an important part of our school’s Episcopal identity and an important part of the day for students and faculty. Taking place in the Gordon Chapel, which is the physical and spiritual heart of our school, it is a time in which our community gathers together to hear from each other, from school leaders and teachers, and from outside speakers or visitors on a variety of topics. In this space, we are able to recognize the national heritage months, feast days, and national/religious holidays to keep the deep diversity of our nation’s population at the center of our prayers and understanding; Chapel presentations often reflect these themes. 

Living in the cultural epicenter that is New York City, we are in the unique position of having access to a variety of wonderful museums. St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s students and their teachers frequent The MET, The Museum of the City of New York, The New York Historical Society, and The Museum of Natural History for field trips and exhibits in line with our curricula based on respective grade levels.