OUR COMMITMENT

Peninsula School was founded on the progressive principle that schools are labs for democratic life where we engage in the work of social transformation for local and global justice. We embrace the ongoing work of building a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable school. We seek to examine systems of power, oppression, and privilege in both our classroom curriculum and our organization. We strive to be advocates, allies, and change agents for a more socially just world. We know this is a long-term commitment and we are a work in progress. We seek to listen and acknowledge where we need to grow and work to change policies, practices, and systems to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Peninsula School.

Diversity

At Peninsula, we honor and celebrate diversity as a source of strength and excellence. We see our students as whole people with full identities. We value the beautiful complexity of all identities such as race, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, family structure, language, national origin, citizen status, religion and ability. Diversity is essential for building a healthy, thriving community rich with cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

Equity

We understand that equity does not mean that everyone receives the same resources equally, but that every member of our community receives the exact resources needed for them to thrive.
We seek to identify and eliminate the barriers that prevent full participation in private educational spaces like Peninsula. We center equity in all of our decision making processes - acknowledging the root causes of outcome disparities in schooling and in our society.

Inclusion and Belonging

"To belong means that you are an expression of life." - john a. powell
We honor the expression of life in all of our community members and seek to create an environment where our students feel that they are seen, heard, and valued. In orienting ourselves toward belonging, our students, teachers, and families work to create meaningful educational and social experiences together.

Dismantling White Supremacy

At the center of our work is a commitment to dismantling white supremacy in our educational structures, policies, and practices. We recognize the ways in which white supremacy shapes our current systems and beliefs. White supremacy disconnects us from ourselves and from each other, and it is because of this that we commit to constant examination and reflection.

Ways We Support Equity and Belonging

Student Affinity & Alliance Groups: Affinity groups are designed to help students who are underrepresented in our community feel seen, heard, and valued. They offer affirmation, celebration, advocacy, and most importantly - connection. Affinity groups create spaces where groups who’ve been marginalized in our larger society can exist in the wholeness of their identities without fear of judgment - without explanation or reservation.

Alliance groups at Peninsula:
Rainbow Alliance Group

Community Affinity and Alliance Groups:
Families of Color Affinity Group
LGBTQ+ Families Affinity Group

Sampling of Staff Professional Development and Training
Examining White Supremacy Culture
LGBTQ+ 101
Experiences of LGTBQ+ Youth in School
Supporting Trans and Gender Expansive Youth
Examining Power and Privilege
Anti-racism and anti-racist teaching practices
Racialized Trauma and Healing (8-week educational intensive)
People of Color Conference

Events
Black Lives Matter Week of Action
Month of Good Trouble
Diwali Celebration
Ramadan Celebration
Holi Celebration
National Coming Out Day Rally
Dia de los Muertos Altar
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Lunar New Year Celebration
LGBTQ+ Pride Rally
Classroom Hanukkah Celebrations

Affinity & Alliance Groups

What are Affinity Groups?
Affinity groups are designed to help families who are underrepresented in our community feel seen, heard, and valued. They offer affirmation, celebration, advocacy, and connection. Affinity groups create spaces where groups who’ve been marginalized in our larger society can exist in the wholeness of their identities without fear of judgment.

Why Are Affinity Groups Important?
Research shows that affinity groups support students’ and families’ sense of belonging, and belonging is directly linked to student academic achievement. Affinity groups promote identity development which is crucial for preparing students to move confidently in any educational setting.

What Are Alliance Groups?
Alliance Groups promote allyship across identity groups, offering education and opportunities for activism to promote a more equitable school and society.

We recognize that Peninsula School sits on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. The Ohlone people and elders, past and present, steward this land today. Peninsula is committed to honoring the heritage of the land and its people. In offering this land acknowledgement, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history and experiences.

For more info about DEIB contact info@peninsulaschool.org