Every Falcon Belongs
Understanding and respecting differences in our community not only inspires compassion and empathy but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. At Fort Worth Country Day, every Falcon belongs.
Consistent with the School’s defining statements and Core Values, FWCD’s Statement of Inclusivity is a commitment to proactively nurture a kind, welcoming and engaging environment where every individual feels a profound sense of belonging. The statement promotes, supports and compels, calling on us all to be a welcoming and accessible school community to Fort Worth’s most capable and motivated students.
Through Strategic Plan 2030, we aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment where students, faculty, staff and families feel valued, connected and inspired to contribute to the FWCD community. Through deliberate initiatives, we foster a culture that values and embraces each person’s uniqueness. By prioritizing open communication, empathy and inclusion, we cultivate a community where perspectives are honored and respected.
At Fort Worth Country Day,
- We believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity.
- We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment.
- We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community.
Community Engagement and Inclusion
Community Engagement and Inclusion at FWCD focuses on building authentic relationships within the School community; honoring the many cultures and people in the community; and ensuring that every member of the School community feels seen, heard and valued. Guided by FWCD’s mission, Core Values, Inclusivity Statement, intentional programming, and ongoing dialogue, we strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where all feel a sense of belonging and can thrive.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging
Diversity
At FWCD, we define diversity as the variety of characteristics and identities that comprise the human experience.
Equity
To create an equitable community at FWCD, we aim to ensure that every student, staff, faculty, parent and guardian has the resources necessary to thrive.
Inclusion
At FWCD, inclusion means we embrace the many different cultures, experiences, and perspectives in our community within our curriculum, activities and decision-making.
Belonging
At FWCD, belonging means that every student, faculty, staff member, parent and guardian feels connected, welcomed, respected and valued within the greater school community.
Programs and Activities
Fort Worth Country Day’s efforts to further enhance the sense of belonging for all in our community include but are not limited to the items below. The dates in parentheses reflect when the organization was introduced at the School or when the workshop/s took place:
IDEA (2020; Upper School Diversity Club since the 1990s)
The Upper School Diversity Club morphed into the IDEA Committee in 2020. The committee’s mission is to provide space and programming for students focused on supporting and advancing FWCD’s Inclusivity Statement. In January 2021, the organization hosted a leadership conference for students focused on diversity, inclusion, and community, featuring FWCD alumni as guest speakers. Overall, the IDEA Committee seeks to provide student feedback and promote an environment where all student voices, especially those of underrepresented backgrounds, are sought, heard and valued.
Community Connections
Community Connections programs encourage parents, guardians, faculty and staff to gather together and engage in thoughtful dialogue and inspiring activities. The events aim to foster a greater sense of belonging for all members of the community. Each Community Connections gathering is a fun, interactive and informative experience. Past topics include:
- Culture
- Defining Belonging
- Democracy Day at FWCD
- Conscious Connection in Community
- Defining Inclusion and Belonging at FWCD
- The House That Built You
- How to Be an Upstander
- Meet Miss Juneteenth DFW
- Listening Courageously
- Reading of “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
- The Importance of Inclusivity in our Global World
- The Timeline of Our Lives
- Communicating with Care
- Creating a Sense of Belonging
- Connecting Your Family’s Story
Guest Speakers and Events
- NAIS People of Color Conference (Since December 2001)
- NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (Since December 2001)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Speaker (2018-present)
- Community Connections (2021-Present)
- Fort Worth Area Student Belonging Summit (2024-Present)
- Lunar New Year (2022-Present)
- NAIS Student Civic Leadership Summit (2024-Present)
- ISAS and Close Up Civil Discourse Facilitation Training (2024)
- Faculty and Staff Book Study-Identity Conscious Educator by Liza Taulsan (2023)
- Multicultural Alliance Camp CommUNITY Participation
- Lower School Spring Cultural Celebration (2025)
- Heritage Month Speakers
- Middle School Advisory Lessons (2023-Present)
- Rosetta Lee Presentations
- “Bookmarking” (November 2018 faculty presentation providing guidance on navigating difficult conversations in classrooms)
- “Bystanders Becoming Allies” (September 2019 Grades 4-12 presentation)
- “Cultural Competency” (September 2019 parent presentation)
- St. Stephen’s Student Diversity Conference (November 2019)
- Hosted National NEMNET Diversity Faculty Recruitment Workshop (November 2019)
AFFIRM (2020)
AFFIRM (Alumni Falcons Fostering Inclusion, Respect and Multiculturalism) is a group of FWCD alumni who serve as resources to the School and work with the Falcon Inclusion Team and other existing diversity initiatives. AFFIRM helps strengthen ongoing efforts to build and model a diverse, informed and unified community at FWCD. This includes helping to recruit faculty/staff of different races and ethnicities, booking guest speakers, mentoring current students, and planning other events. Overall, AFFIRM aims to foster a sense of belonging across the entire FWCD community by embracing the diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment.
Nemnet (More than 10 Years)
Nemnet, a national resource organization committed to assisting schools and organizations in the recruitment and retention of diverse teachers, administrators and coaches, hosted a national workshop titled “Overcoming Obstacles to Recruiting Faculty and Staff of Color” on the Fort Worth Country Day campus in November 2019. FWCD was chosen from several school applicants to host the workshop. NEMNET works with more than 500 public and private JK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations annually. FWCD has had a relationship with the organization for more than 10 years.
Meet the Director
Phone: 817.302.3239
Email: [email protected]
