Lower School
Equity and Inclusion
A message from Shanelle Henry, Director of Equity and Inclusion
I am so excited to be a member of this community! I feel privileged to work in a PreK–12 educational environment where our students are urged to explore their place in—and potential impact on—the world. Our mission calls upon us to prepare students for a life of purpose. This can (and should) be defined in many different ways, and that compels us to continue to do no less than our very best to maintain our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that values the identities, perspectives, and experiences of all its members. Our motto, “Each For All,” demands nothing less.
One of the most critical elements of equity work in schools is strong and courageous leadership. The charge of shepherding a school’s equity and inclusion efforts is both complex and rewarding. It is my aim to ensure that all constituencies on campus, from our youngest learners to our most tenured faculty and staff, have an opportunity to be part of the voice and structure of what makes GFA unique. GFA is home to thousands of stories, and those stories—and the voices that tell them—make us strong.
We are writing the next chapter of what it means to be Greens Farms Academy.
Each for All.
Shanelle Henry,
Director of Equity and Inclusion
Equity and Inclusion at GFA
- CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
- STUDENT CLUBS AND PROGRAMS
- FACULTY AND STAFF
- School-wide
- FAMILY SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT
- ADMISSIONS, HIRING AND OUTREACH
- INSTITUTE FOR TEACHING DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
- Resources for Families, Faculty, and Students
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
STUDENT CLUBS AND PROGRAMS
FACULTY AND STAFF
School-wide
FAMILY SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT
ADMISSIONS, HIRING AND OUTREACH
INSTITUTE FOR TEACHING DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Resources for Families, Faculty, and Students
Equity and Inclusion Team
At Greens Farms Academy, we embrace, honor and affirm all members of our school community across race, age, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, family composition, ability/disability, learning styles, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and other characteristics that construct our unique identities. We seek to ensure that all aspects of school life — including curriculum, admission, retention, hiring practices, and support for students, families, and employees — reflect our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Director of Equity and Inclusion
Lower School
Aqsa Kahloan
Middle School
Selassie Quainoo
Middle School
Allison Stine
Upper School
Tina Zhang
Upper School
In Our Own Words
Last week, our school community gathered to reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the powerful lessons his life and work continue to teach us. As part of this year’s commemoration, we welcomed Molly Kawahata—climate leader, former White House advisor, and "hope whisperer"—to campus for a two-day visit.
On Thursday, November 19, students and faculty gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. Members of the Jewish Cultural Club led the celebration, sharing the traditions of the menorah lighting ceremony.
The GFA community gathered for our first-ever Model Passover Seder on Friday, April 26th, hosted by the Upper School Jewish Cultural Club in the Lower School Dining Commons.
Each for All
GFA’s commitment to building and nurturing an inclusive community is core to our mission. We believe:
- a diverse faculty, staff, and student body benefits and enriches all members of our community and is critical to meeting our educational aim of preparing students for their futures;
- our curriculum and co-curricular program must teach our students global competency and to espouse the habits, skills, and attitudes necessary to live and thrive in a multicultural and interconnected world;
- our community must be a place where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.
Recent Events
Awards
GFA Receives 2024 A Better Chance Northeast Placement Award
This recognition is given to schools that have placed the highest number of A Better Chance Scholars from the Northeast region, and GFA achieved this distinction during the 2023-24 placement cycle.
More Resources
GFA Director of Equity and Inclusion Shanelle Henry discusses the Day After Election Guide on the podcast Third Space with Jen Cort
Coyle Scholar, Julie Lythcott-Haims, shared her history and perspective on "What it Means to be Black in White Spaces"
Ms. Henry participated in a panel discussion with Team Westport: "Towards Becoming an Anti-Racist Society: Talking with Young Children about Race & Racism
Ms. Henry participated in a panel discussion with YMCA Greenwich: "Black @: A Conversation about Race, Culture, and Curriculum in our Schools"
Ms. Henry discusses the importance of relationship-building, as a guest on the NAIS Podcast: Member Voices