Community Engagement and Inclusiveness at Gilmour Academy

“It is essential to our mission that we strive to abide so attentively together that people will observe: ‘See how they love one another.’ We will then be a sign in an alienated world: [people] who have, for love of their Lord, become closest neighbors, trustworthy friends, brothers [and sisters].” (Constitutions of Holy Cross, 42.)

Welcome to Gilmour Academy, Where Community and Inclusiveness Thrive!

We are excited to welcome you to Gilmour Academy, where we are committed to fostering a school environment built on community, connection and inclusiveness. This year, our initiatives are centered on the theme of "Fostering Belonging and Connection through Empathy and Grace: Celebrating Diverse Perspectives," which aligns with this year’s Holy Cross charism theme of forgiveness. Our efforts are focused on building a school culture where every individual feels understood, respected and valued for their unique background and experiences.

Guided by the principles of empathy and appreciation, our initiatives this year aim to foster a culture that moves beyond judgment to understanding and embracing our differences. In alignment with our Holy Cross tradition, we strive to achieve this through community engagement, professional development and restorative practices that create a compassionate, inclusive environment that honors the dignity of each person.

Here’s what you can look forward to this year:

Community Engagement Activities: We will engage in workshops, assemblies and classroom discussions that promote active listening and understanding, helping to build empathy within our community. Our second annual Cultural Celebration will invite students and parents to share their stories, customs, music, dance and food, enriching our collective appreciation for diversity.

Community Connections Newsletter: Through our weekly parent newsletter, we will provide updates on our ongoing community efforts, share resources and highlight upcoming events, while continuing to strengthen the sense of connection among our students, parents and staff.

Community Groups: Our community groups provide designated environments where students can connect with others who share aspects of their identity, whether centered on gender, sexual equality or cultural background, fostering connections and belonging.

Professional Development for Faculty and Staff: This year, our faculty and staff will participate in a workshop series titled "Fostering Empathy: Identity-Conscious Approaches in Education." These sessions will equip educators with the skills to understand and embrace diverse perspectives, nurturing a culture of empathy and grace. As part of this effort, we will also be reading "The Identity-Conscious Educator" by Liza A.Talusan.

Inclusive Curriculum and Grading Practices: We continue to integrate inclusive practices into teaching and learning across all subjects, incorporating diverse perspectives and ensuring fair and consistent grading practices.

Restorative Practices: Our ongoing work in restorative practices continues to focus on promoting unity and addressing harm within our community. This year, we will enter the second phase of our multi-year plan, which focuses on foundational work, with future phases focusing on expansion and sustainability.

Our community and inclusiveness efforts collectively represent our steadfast commitment to celebrating the richness of our cultural differences. Through these initiatives, we are dedicated to cultivating a community where every member feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive.

We invite you to join us in these efforts as we continue to build a Gilmour Academy that reflects our shared commitment to empathy, grace and profound respect for human dignity, which are at the heart of the Holy Cross tradition.

In unity,

JaiCynthia Farmer

Chief Community Engagement and Inclusiveness Officer

Community Engagement and Inclusiveness Staff

List of 2 members.

Ms. JaiCynthia Farmer

Chief Community Engagement and Inclusiveness Officer

(440) 473-8000 x4005
Ms. Crystal Patrick

Chief Human Resource Officer

(440) 473-8000 x1004

Office of Community Engagement and Inclusiveness Statements

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Office of Community Engagement and Inclusiveness Statements

Inclusiveness practices are at the core of the educational experience at Gilmour Academy, directly aligned with our mission to foster individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to society. Rooted in the Holy Cross charism of inclusiveness, we believe that embracing these practices is fundamental to shaping a world of competent, compassionate, and just individuals. By cultivating an environment where all are valued, we empower our students to grow in understanding, empathy, and leadership, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Non-Discrimination Policy

Gilmour Academy does not discriminate in its hiring or admission on the basis of culture, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, religion, family structure, relationships or economic status.

Community Groups

Community Groups (places where individuals can engage in meaningful conversations and explore topics related to personal identity and shared interests and experiences)
Below are our Community Groups, spaces which offer a welcoming environment where members can connect, share their stories, and support one another, both socially and academically, fostering understanding, acceptance and inclusion within our community.

Inclusiveness Groups

List of 9 items.

Black Student Alliance

- dedicated community where students who identify with Black culture, heritage and experiences come together to discuss issues impacting the Black community, celebrate their culture and collaborate on events
Butterfly/Neurodiversity Club

- dedicated community where students who identify as neurodivergent come together to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion for students who have atypical neurological development (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others)
Club Latino

- dedicated community where students who identify with Latino culture, heritage and experiences come together to discuss issues impacting the Latino community, celebrate their culture, and collaborate on events
Feminism Club

- dedicated community to empower students by fostering a supportive community that promotes gender equality, celebrates diverse voices and advocates for social equity through dialogue and education
International Club

- dedicated community to celebrate the cultural richness of our student body and the international presence that exists within our greater community
Jewish Heritage Club

- dedicated community where students who identify with Jewish culture, heritage and experiences come together to connect with others who share similar backgrounds and traditions
Lancer Alliance

- dedicated community where LGBTQ+ or non-heteronormative students and their allies can come together to share experiences and discuss relevant topics related to those experiences
Pan-Asian Heritage Alliance

- dedicated community where students who identify with Asian culture, heritage and experiences come together to discuss issues impacting the Asian community, celebrate their culture and collaborate on events
Student Diversity Leadership Team

- dedicated group of students who share a strong commitment to civic-minded principles, allowing them to collaborate, learn and work together toward creating positive change both within the school and in the wider community

Community & Inclusiveness Goals

List of 5 items.

Diverse Community

We work to promote a diverse, inclusive, just community rooted in the Holy Cross mission and charisms where every student feels they belong.
Education

We provide opportunities for all stakeholders to develop or increase their cultural competency with principles of inclusivity, belonging, justice and liberation.
Inclusive Experiences

We ensure these experiences by providing access to resources, opportunities, relationship-building, and identity development, while fostering human dignity and respect.
Engagement

Inspired by the Catholic social justice teachings and viewed through the lens of awareness, analysis and action we work to instill empathy. Empathy leads to compassion, which leads to understanding and connection.
Accountability

Using the Holy Cross charisms as guideposts on the path to equality, bring about healing and authentic change through the use of restorative practices and by revisiting policies and procedures to ensure equity.