Dear LNC Families,
As we enter 2022, we are excited to share our continued commitment to LNC’s Global Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) Initiative.
Lake Norman Charter is committed to an environment that respects and values the experiences and strengths of a diverse and inclusive community of students, parents, staff, administrators and Board of Directors. Such differences include abilities/disabilities, race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, gender nonconformity, age, religion, language, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, political affiliation and more. We believe that cultivating an inclusive and equitable learning environment that is free of hostility, intimidation or marginalization of any group creates shared understanding, increased awareness and the opportunity to contribute positively to our local and global communities.
To give students the best chance for success in our current fast-paced and increasingly integrated world, we must expose them to experiences and immerse them in situations that expand their awareness, appreciation and understanding of cultures, languages, and traditions other than their own. Here’s what we are doing:
- Facilitating teacher training modules and workshops that create alignment and understanding of the LNC values of diversity and inclusion. All staff members receive these training sessions.
- Bringing in outside consultant Nixon & Co. to assess our current school culture related to GD&I and provide further Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) training to staff.
- Continuing to develop and deliver consistent, age-appropriate student content that promotes open, respectful dialogue and cultivates an awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
- Researching, prioritizing and adopting best practices that foster and support a diverse school-wide community.
Our Global Diversity and Inclusion team meets throughout the year to plan activities, discuss progress on schoolwide goals, and consult experts in the field in order to ensure that we are equipping our students with the skills and commitment to navigate a globally diverse world. Activities include professional development for all new staff and diversity-related student activities and leadership opportunities. Ongoing work varies from school to school but include:
- Monthly Drop Everything and Talk (DET) classroom discussions (MS).
- Microaggressions lesson series (HS).
- Teacher professional development workshops.
- Curricular activities and special events that promote belonging and acceptance.
- Celebrations of many different cultures, traditions and beliefs.
It is as important as ever to help our students and staff understand how we all bring unique experiences, perspectives and richness to the school and community. As always, we welcome feedback (rchapman@lncharter.org) regarding this and our other strategic areas of focus. Please look for updates throughout the year about our GDI activities and progress.
