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Creating Belonging

Metairie Park Country Day School believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential for optimal learning. 

We are committed to cultivating a community that values and celebrates different cultures, beliefs, learning styles, and our shared humanity – and we consistently work to establish meaningful avenues for our community to embrace the beautiful diversity that exists among individuals. 

By fostering a community of inclusivity, Country Day students gain the skills and mindset necessary to navigate real-world complexities in all of their future endeavors. 

Our Community’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Mission

Metairie Park Country Day School believes that the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential for optimal learning. We are committed to cultivating a community that encourages and teaches students to value cultures, beliefs, and our shared humanity. Our aim is for our students to learn to recognize their ability to advocate for themselves and those around them in order to lead lives full of meaning and intention as members of the Country Day community.

Rich Perspectives and Stories

From the moment our youngest students step onto our campus, they are surrounded by a mix of rich perspectives and entwining stories.

We anchor young learners in a sense of belonging, where every teacher and parent is a welcome and vital community member. By learning about the uniqueness of each individual as well as similarities, our youngest students begin to understand diversity. Understanding grows in Middle and Upper School as students continue to explore multiple perspectives, learn to challenge assumptions, and build knowledge to value the diversity of cultures, beliefs, and our shared humanity. Throughout a student’s time here, they recognize the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of our structure and a sense of belonging as our secure foundation.

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Students interact with the dragon at the Lunar New Year event

Student-Led Initiatives

We aim for students to advocate for themselves and those around them, leading lives of meaning and intention both as members of the Country Day community and as citizens of the greater world.

Students attend Annual PoCC Conference

Faculty as Lifelong Learners

Faculty at a Conference

Conferences 

NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC)
Each year Country Day sends at least two adults to the PoCC, an independent school conference devoted to issues of equity and justice. PoCC provides a safe space for leadership opportunities and professional development for people of color and allies of all backgrounds.

Workshops 

The Trail They Blazed
A special traveling exhibition from the Historic New Orleans Collection, this immersive showcase delves into the African American Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans from the 1950s to the 1970s. Six Country Day educators explored lesson plans, primary sources, and curriculum resources to deepen student experiences and enrich their connection with these transformational moments in our city’s history.

Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS)

Diversity and Equity Conference
Country Day actively participates in and contributes to planning ISAS events. Our DEIB Director, Ninnette Varisco, played a key role in organizing the 2023 Diversity and Equity Conference in New Orleans, arranging speakers like New Orleans civil rights pioneer Mrs. Leona Tate and educator and author Dr. Tanji Marshall. 

Global Citizenship

We are committed to cultivating a community that encourages and teaches students to value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging so that they may lead purposeful lives – both during their time here as students and in the world at large. 

About: DEIB

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Rose Rosenkranz Speaks at Country Day

Education Regarding Antisemitism 

Middle and upper school students grapple with complex issues such as the Holocaust and contemporary antisemitism. A vital part of this education is bringing in community leaders, such as Rabbi Gerber and Rabbi Sherman, or speakers, such as Mrs. Rose Rosenkranz, a Holocaust survivor. Students discuss how to confront antisemitism, racism, and bigotry, learning about its definition, history, and presence in the world today.

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Tibetan Monks begin the dissolution ceremony at Country Day

Education Regarding World Religions and Cultural Traditions

We raise awareness of world religions and cultural traditions through visitors such as Buddhist monks. A sample of past visits included lessons on mindfulness, learning about how to calm the mind with meditation and singing bowls, and a weeklong creation of a sand mandala.

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Lower school student explores the Lion Dance as part of Lunar New Year

Experiences with Varied Cultural Traditions

Part team sport, part artistic expression, lion dances are one of the Lunar New Year’s oldest and most important cultural traditions. Over the past few years, these mesmerizing performances have captivated students.