Joyful Connections at The Rivers School’s BIPOC Picnic
The Rivers School kicked off the new academic year with its beloved annual back-to-school picnic for families of students of color, a vibrant event that brought together close to 200 students, families, and members of the professional community. Held on the Lank Quadrangle outside of Revers, the gathering was a chance for both new and returning families and students to connect in a casual, upbeat setting, facilitated by Rivers’ DEI team.
Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem and Director of Institutional Equity Jenny Jun-lei Kravitz P ’28 welcomed the crowd, highlighting the importance of community and the fresh energy new families bring. Dahlem expressed his excitement, noting that just as new employees “infuse our community with incredible energy,” new families help “co-create what will come next for The Rivers School.”
Guests enjoyed a delicious barbecue spread from Blue Ribbon BBQ as well as halal food from Halal Grill Kabab and Fried Chicken, served with a special touch by student leaders from various affinity groups. This tradition gave students an active role in welcoming new members and fostering new friendships and connections.
Beyond sharing a meal together, the picnic included community-building activities. Katie Henderson, director of DEI programming and support, led an icebreaker where professional community members in attendance shared their favorite “acts of nature,” with answers (many summer-inspired) ranging from rolling waves and raindrops on a tent to a double rainbow and a solar eclipse.
Families spent time in small groups led by student affinity group leaders, in which both new and returning families interacted. Everyone was invited to share about their own special family traditions and favorite meals, and then the student leaders shared insightful advice for new students before the official start of school.
Kravitz captured the community spirit of the event simply, stating, “We are here to connect, be with one another, and have an amazing year together, and that’s going to start tonight!”
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Rivers admits academically qualified students and does not discriminate against students or families on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.