Better for Diversity
Helping all of our students show their light to the world and grow up as compassionate, free thinking, and respectful individuals is a responsibility we take seriously at Summit Academy. The diversity in our schools and our commitment to serving a variety of students, no matter their background or situation, is one of the many reasons parents trust us with their children.
With the rise of bullying and disrespect found in other schools, we understand how important it is to provide students with a safe place to learn where they do not have to worry about being themselves and expressing their individuality. Each member of our staff is committed to giving our students the respect they deserve and making sure that they feel welcome in our family. Additionally, our students continue to attend our school because of how easy they find it to fit in and discover friends who they can relate to and form lasting bonds with. At Summit Academy, it is easy for us to show love and respect to our students because anything less is simply not welcome.
Share Your Thoughts!
This month, we encourage you to tell us why you think Summit Academy is better for diversity. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page with your thoughts and the hashtag #SummitIsBetter.
Recommended March Reading:
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
Henry’s Freedom Box is based on the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who escaped to his freedom by shipping himself in a box to the North.
While it is a seemingly simple children’s story, parents and children alike can appreciate the courage found in this beautiful tale of an African-American man’s dream of finding freedom.
When asked how old we are, most of us can reply instinctively with our correct age. Yet the same was not true for slaves. Slave owners rarely kept records of the slaves they bought and sold, meaning that slaves often did not know their age as there was no record of their birth. As a young boy, Henry was sold away from his family and sent to work in a warehouse, all the while dreaming of his freedom. Although he grows and eventually marries, Henry’s world is ripped apart once again as his new family is sold off without him. Thinking once again about his lack of a real birthday, an idea strikes him; if he mails himself to the North, he will finally be free. The reader is captivated by stunning pictures and a story of sadness and joy as Henry finally experiences his first birthday; the first day of his freedom.
For more information on Henry’s Freedom Box, or to purchase a copy, please visit
Reflecting:
Black History Month at Summit Academy Flat Rock
In honor of Black History Month, our staff took steps to help our students celebrate and appreciate the achievements of African-Americans as part of their curriculum.
Here are some of the activities we did in February at Summit Academy Flat Rock.
- + Our middle schoolers worked on comparisons between the biography of Harriet Tubman and the autobiography of Frederick Douglas.
- + 4th and 5th graders got to enjoy a Black History Internet Scavenger Hunt.
- + The 1st grade writing center called Amazing Americans focused on Amazing African Americans.
Diversity is something that we cherish at Summit Academy and giving our students a safe place to celebrate their individuality is what makes our school special. We encourage all of our parents and students to join us in celebrating diversity by taking part in a school-wide activity to help us celebrate. Below are the steps you can take to help us build our “Freedom Quilt” bulletin board.
- Print one of the templates found at http://mathwire.com/quilts/freedomtemplates.pdf.
- Decorate it with your child. Have fun!
- Have them bring it to school and hand it to their teacher.
- Mrs. Racette will piece together the ones received and make our unique “Freedom Quilt.”
We hope you all will help us with this amazing project!
What’s the Word?
Talking About Diversity at Home
Recent events in our country have made it difficult to watch or read the news without hearing a negative comment about a variety of different groups.
Children who hear these things may not understand why so much hatred exists, and they may even be afraid to identify themselves as a member or supporter of these different communities. Talking to your children about diversity is an important step in helping them value the importance of celebrating and respecting the many unique individuals in the world around them.
How to Start
The easiest way to talk about diversity with your child is to get them talking about what makes them different. Once they identify what makes them unique, discuss how those differences makes them valuable. Take the conversation further by asking them what differences they value in their friends and family members. This will help them to realize that diversity is not only a good thing, but needed to add value to the world.
Reassure Them
Teach your child to embrace their uniqueness and the diversity in the world around them. Many children feel that being different is a bad thing and they may try to conform to the standards of those around them, hiding who they truly are. Let them know that while there are those who would discourage them from celebrating diversity, no two people are the same and interacting with people who think look, act, or think differently than they do is a natural part of life. Above all, remind them that both their home and Summit Academy Flat Rock are safe places for them to be themselves. Encourage them to do all they can to give that same peace-of-mind to their peers and always treat everyone with respect and kindness.