Our Values and Beliefs
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are integral parts of the Rivers experience. We are committed to growing an intentionally diverse community in which every member—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic background—feels welcome, safe, and respected. In building that community, we are guided by the following values and beliefs.
List of 6 items.
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A sense of belonging
While independent schools historically have been—and by definition are—exclusive places, Rivers is committed to creating an environment that ensures every individual feels a sense of belonging and ownership. At Rivers, we value the inherent dignity of every individual, and we encourage all members of our community to be their authentic selves. -
Engaging across differences
Rivers believes the best educational environment is one that brings together people with different backgrounds, cultures, world views, and life experiences so that they can learn from one another. We strive to develop an appreciation for and understanding of our similarities and our differences. When we engage in this work, we rely on these Community Norms to guide our conversations. -
Real world connections
At Rivers, we believe students learn best when the subject matter is relevant to their lives. We also know that divisiveness in our country has given DEI work more urgency in recent years. Our students bear witness to this divisiveness every day, and many arrive in our classrooms eager and ready to talk about these issues. We believe in the importance of creating opportunities for students to ask hard questions, lean into uncomfortable conversations, and seek solutions to pressing, real world problems. -
Critical awareness of self and systems
The Rivers School’s mission is to graduate thoughtful, knowledgeable students who are prepared to go out into the world as informed and engaged citizens. In keeping with this goal, we believe students need opportunities to reflect on their own identities in relation to larger systems of equality and inequality. We also believe in the importance of educating our students about systems of advantage and disadvantage so that they feel empowered to challenge unjust practices and effect transformative change. -
Shared responsibility
At Rivers, we believe the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion is one of shared responsibility. It is incumbent on all of us to create the conditions to support a feeling of belonging, equality of opportunity, and fair processes across the institution. When all members of the community own their responsibility to the work of DEI, it leads to positive change and growth. -
Accountability
Rivers believes in the importance of individual and institutional accountability. We work to fulfill our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and when we fall short we do not shy away from meaningful consequences and hard decisions. The work of DEI is an ongoing process that requires us to continually acknowledge, evaluate, and address the ways in which our school can better meet the needs of every member of our community.
Living Our Values
Rivers recognizes that creating an intentionally diverse, equitable, and inclusive community takes more than good intentions. It is an ongoing process that requires conscious effort, meaningful action, and measurable outcomes.
To become the institution we aspire to be, Rivers commits to the following actions:
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Engaging our students in discussions about topics related to bias, prejudice, privilege, power, and systemic oppression.
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Listening to and amplifying student voice, especially the voices of students with marginalized identities on our campus.
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Providing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to grow their own DEI expertise and skills.
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Reviewing, adapting, and developing curriculum that both affirms and represents a broad range of perspectives with particular attention to those stories and events that have historically been excluded from the classroom.
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Writing and implementing policies that are sustainable, equitable, and inclusive while also examining past policies that have negatively impacted individuals and communities on our campus.
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Continuing to diversify our student body, faculty, and administration by bringing a DEI lens to our admissions and hiring practices.
Community Awareness and Engagement
DO FIVE THINGS
At Rivers, we believe in the importance of allyship and self-education when it comes to issues related to bias, prejudice, and discrimination. To aid in that effort, we have developed a series of “Do Five Things” learning guides, a framework that allows us to respond to real world events and provide all members of our community with the opportunity to engage around these topics.
At Rivers, we believe in the importance of allyship and self-education when it comes to issues related to bias, prejudice, and discrimination. To aid in that effort, we have developed a series of “Do Five Things” learning guides, a framework that allows us to respond to real world events and provide all members of our community with the opportunity to engage around these topics.
SHARED LANGUAGE
When tackling these topics, we also believe that having a shared language provides greater clarity and more productive conversations. The documents below have been developed to help establish that shared language.
Gender Identity Policy
At Rivers, people of all genders belong in our community, including those individuals who identify as trangender, gender nonconforming, and/or nonbinary. Rivers has adopted a gender identity policy to ensure that every individual can bring their whole selves to school every day, which includes being able to express their gender identity. Click here to read the full policy.
Recent News
List of 3 news stories.
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Rivers Honors Holocaust Remembrance Day with Stories of Survival
In ongoing observance of Jewish-American heritage month in April, Rivers offered a reflection for Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, in an all-school assembly featuring guest speaker and former Rivers faculty Carol Davidson P ’02. Yom Hashoah is officially observed this year beginning at sundown on April 17 and ending with sundown on April 18, and compels us to remember the truth of the Holocaust through the stories of those who lived and perished.Read More -
School Yard Rap Uplifts, Educates, and Inspires
The Rivers School invited School Yard Rap founder Brandon “Griot B” Brown to an Upper School assembly this week to help retell Black history through a new lens. Brown, a former teacher, rapped through upbeat lessons and engaging illustrations that mirrored his words. The goal: to reframe Black history by leading students through the long list of outstanding contributions and achievements of minorities—including scientists, mathematicians, innovators, educators, founders, and musicians, among others.Read More -
Lunar New Year: A Time of Reflection and Celebration
The Lunar New Year, celebrated throughout Asia, began on January 22 this year, and Rivers marked the occasion with not one but two special events during the 15-day holiday. On Tuesday, January 24, the community enjoyed a festive evening of Chinese food, martial arts demonstrations, and dance performances. Then, at Monday’s all-school meeting, student members of the AAPI affinity group and Mandarin class members hosted a presentation that included a video and a special musical performance.Read More
Meet the DEI Team
List of 6 members.
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Katie Henderson
Acting Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, English, 10th grade seminar339-686-2265University of Pennsylvania - MEdBio
University of Pennsylvania - BA -
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Karin Narcisse Stafford
Director of Multicultural Outreach & Associate Director of Admissions339-686-2255College of the Holy Cross - BABio
University of Massachusetts - MEd
Other Helpful Links
From service learning to off-campus trips, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental aspects of the Rivers experience. Learn more about that by clicking on the links below.
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