Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Mission of the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is inherently connected to the Mission and Philosophy of the Goals of Sacred Heart education in its work to advance understanding and respect among people of all cultures, religions, and races. 

This Office endeavors to improve inter- and intra-group relations by creating brave spaces for dialogue; training inclusive student leaders, faculty members, staff, and administrators by highlighting the benefits of diversity; and building bridges of understanding and respect among our different members of the Stone Ridge community. 

Stone Ridge’s understanding of diversity is not limited to race and ethnicity, but rather a recognition that all individuals experience the world through various dimensions, such as age, nationality, gender, mental/physical abilities, and characteristics, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. Dimensions can also include communication style, education, family status, first language, geographic location, income, military experience, organizational role and level, work experience, expertise, and work style.  

We work to support and increase our community’s awareness, understanding, inclusion, cooperation, and celebration of all its members. Our commitment to the diversity of our student body includes our endeavor to present a healthy representation of diversity in the composition of faculty, staff, administration, and Trustees, and likewise reflected in our curriculum. 

 Our work is rooted in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education, the mission of the School, and guides our thoughts based on the fundamental values in the Catholic tradition.

We proudly believe that every individual has the right to live in dignity and to enjoy respect, regardless of race, gender, sex, religious belief, ethnicity, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work is about community, and community is fluid. We are committed to embracing this work as it evolves.

Guided by our Sacred Heart Goals and Catholic identity, the work of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) at Stone Ridge reflects a comprehensive and enduring institutional commitment. We cultivate a community where every student, educator, staff member, and family experiences a deep sense of belonging. DEIJB principles are embedded in all areas of school life—including curriculum, student leadership, faculty development, community engagement, and school-wide practices. Through intentional design and responsive action, we create spaces where every person is seen, valued, and supported. This work reflects our unwavering belief that upholding the dignity of each individual is both a moral and sacred responsibility.

The structure of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work at Stone Ridge is guided by our Strategic Plan and deeply rooted in our Sacred Heart mission. This alignment ensures that our efforts are both mission-driven and sustainable across all areas of school life. We are actively auditing and enhancing our curriculum from Little Hearts through Grade 12 to ensure it reflects the lived experiences of BIPOC communities and affirms the dignity of every student.

Across divisions, we are building a culture of belonging through student programming, long-term DEI initiatives in Athletics and PE, and expanded affinity spaces that support identity development and cross-cultural connection. Faculty and staff engage in mission-aligned DEI training and ongoing self-reflection, while parents are supported through programs like Better Together, which encourage cultural understanding and family engagement.

Our outreach and hiring practices continue to evolve to increase diversity and equity in both enrollment and employment. This work is coordinated by the Director of DEI and sustained through a collaborative structure that empowers leaders across divisions and departments to advance this mission every day.

Board of Trustees

Under the leadership of Chair Eileen Mayer ’70, the Stone Ridge Board of Trustees brings a diversity of perspectives and experiences in service to the School’s mission. Several Trustees serve on the Board’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which meets regularly to support and advance the School’s DEI goals and strategic initiatives.

Head of School & Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

With the full support of the Board of Trustees, Kim Gayle, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Catherine Ronan Karrels ‘86, Head of School, work in close partnership to implement the School’s Strategic Plan in alignment with its Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, and Catholic identity. Together, they ensure that DEI initiatives are mission-driven, measurable, and thoughtfully integrated across all divisions. Grounded in the belief that the dignity of each person is a sacred priority, their collaboration provides cohesion, accountability, and strategic direction, advancing a culture of equity and inclusion throughout the Stone Ridge community.

Administrative Team

The Administrative Team serves as the senior leadership of Stone Ridge, guiding the implementation of the School’s mission, Strategic Plan, and Sacred Heart Goals. Comprising department heads and division directors, this team provides strategic oversight across all aspects of school life. Division Directors serve as academic leaders, ensuring that the curriculum is rigorous, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. They support faculty in creating culturally responsive classrooms that reflect the School’s Catholic identity and commitment to human dignity. Together, the Administrative Team advances institutional priorities and fosters a cohesive, mission-driven educational experience for all students.

Management Team

The Management Team consists of departmental managers who lead operational areas of the School and play a key role in advancing Stone Ridge’s DEI goals. These leaders ensure that their teams are consistently engaging in practices that reflect the School’s mission, Strategic Plan, and commitment to diversity and equity. Through ongoing DEI professional development, inclusive practices, and collaboration with the Director of DEI, the Management Team helps to ensure that daily operations align with the School’s values and contribute to a community where all individuals feel respected, supported, and included.

Faculty and Staff 

All faculty and staff are responsible for engaging in their work through a DEIJB lens—whether in the classroom, within student life, or in administrative and operational roles. Faculty are expected to implement culturally responsive teaching practices and regularly review and update curriculum to reflect diverse voices, perspectives, and histories. Staff members contribute by fostering inclusive systems and environments across campus. Both faculty and staff support student programming, affinity groups, and clubs that affirm identity, promote belonging, and advance the values of equity and inclusion. This shared commitment is grounded in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education and guided by the principles of Catholic social teaching.

DEI Practitioners 

Stone Ridge’s DEI Practitioner model includes seven individuals representing each division—Upper School, Middle School, Lower School—and one from the staff community. DEI Practitioners serve as liaisons within their respective areas, fostering inclusive practices and culturally responsive environments that reflect the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education. They are trusted partners to students, faculty, and staff, helping to bridge communication between the Office of DEI and all areas of school life.

DEI Practitioners partner with the Director of DEI to implement and promote initiatives that foster diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB) throughout the school. They support and facilitate division-specific programming, collaborate with faculty and staff to strengthen inclusive teaching and community practices, and help elevate student voices and needs in DEIJB efforts. Practitioners also serve as trusted resources and connectors for DEI-related concerns or ideas, ensuring clear communication and strong collaboration between the DEI Office and the broader school community.

Over the past several years, Stone Ridge has partnered with Martha Haakmat Consulting, a nationally recognized Equity and Inclusion Education consultancy, to advance institutional DEIJB goals through strategic leadership support and community-wide engagement. Martha works closely with the Head of School and the Director of DEI through monthly coaching sessions that guide inclusive leadership, mission alignment, and professional learning design.

Her partnership has extended across all levels of the Stone Ridge community. She has led professional development for faculty and staff, supported DEIJB goal-setting and planning at the Board level, and facilitated sessions with parents to strengthen understanding and connection. Martha has also collaborated with the Athletics Department to develop a DEIJB training plan that promotes equity in coaching practices and student access. Additionally, she has worked with the school’s Management Team on operational strategies that align with inclusive values.

As part of academic planning, Martha has guided the integration of DEIJB into the curriculum through focused work in three key areas: educational technology, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching. Her ongoing involvement continues to shape a cohesive and mission-driven approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging at Stone Ridge.

The DEI Collaboration Team plays a vital role in fostering cross-departmental communication and ensuring alignment of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB) efforts across the Stone Ridge community. This group includes the full Administrative Team, the Director of DEI, the Human Resources Manager, the Director of Formation to Mission, the Director of Social Action, and all DEI Practitioners.

Meeting regularly throughout the school year, the team serves as a hub for sharing updates, coordinating initiatives, and strengthening institutional cohesion around DEIJB priorities. Discussions focus on student programming, divisional efforts, calendar planning, professional development, human resources, and faculty and staff milestones. Through collaboration and shared accountability, the DEI Collaboration Team helps ensure that DEI is not siloed, but meaningfully embedded into the life of the school and aligned with its Sacred Heart mission.

The Equity Team supports Stone Ridge’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, equity-centered education by offering optional professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. These gatherings—known as Equity Team Meetings—focus on building the habits, skills, and mindsets that foster belonging, justice, and cultural responsiveness across the school community.

As part of this work, the team also facilitates a faculty and staff book club centered on the ways personal identity shapes professional practice. One featured text, Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools by Dr. Liza Talusan, invites participants to engage with real-world scenarios that explore identity through multiple lenses, including race, class, religion, ability, gender, sexual orientation, language, and age. Through discussion and reflection, colleagues gain practical strategies to create inclusive classrooms and a more compassionate workplace.

These learning experiences reflect the Equity Team’s continued role in fostering dialogue, collaborative growth, and identity-conscious leadership—advancing the mission of Stone Ridge and strengthening its culture of belonging for all.

Professional development is a cornerstone of the Office of DEI’s work at Stone Ridge, offering faculty and staff meaningful opportunities to deepen their understanding, strengthen equitable practices, and foster a culture of belonging. Rooted in the Sacred Heart mission, these learning experiences support adults in cultivating environments where students and colleagues feel seen, respected, and valued.

To promote deeper engagement, the school has adopted a model centered on extended half-day DEI trainings. These sessions provide dedicated time for reflection, collaboration, and action planning—ensuring that DEI work is thoughtfully integrated into every aspect of school life.

In addition, the DEI Office offers DEI Strategic Conversations, a professional learning series led by faculty and staff with specialized expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Topics have included aligning DEI with the Sacred Heart Goals, navigating equity in digital spaces, addressing barriers to recruiting and retaining faculty of color, and exploring how affinity groups can support mission-driven community building.

Faculty and staff also participate in external professional development through organizations such as NAIS, AISGW, AIMS, and other networks. These experiences expand the community’s collective capacity and help ensure that Stone Ridge remains a leader in inclusive, values-driven education.

At Stone Ridge, faculty and staff affinity groups provide safe, supportive spaces for colleagues who share a common identity, background, or lived experience. These voluntary groups are grounded in the belief that connection and dialogue among adults in the community deepen the school’s collective commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Affinity groups promote community, empowerment, and open conversation, while also encouraging personal reflection, professional growth, and leadership development. Among the active groups are A.W.A.R.E. (Alliance of White Anti-Racist Educators/Professionals) and the BIPOC Group (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). These groups meet regularly to foster honest dialogue, peer support, and shared learning.

The A.W.A.R.E. group engages in anti-racist and anti-bias education through critical reflection and collaborative study. The BIPOC group offers a nurturing space for colleagues of color to connect, reflect, and affirm one another’s lived experiences.

Together, these groups reflect Stone Ridge’s dedication to cultivating an inclusive and mission-aligned workplace—one where all voices are valued, and each individual is supported in both their personal and professional journey.

Upper School DEI Programming

In the Upper School, students are empowered to lead and engage in DEI efforts that reflect both their identities and their commitment to creating an inclusive community. DEI programming supports student voice, celebrates cultural heritage, and encourages critical dialogue within and beyond Stone Ridge.

Student Leadership & Affinity Spaces

• Student Diversity Board: A student-led leadership group that plans and facilitates DEI programming across the Upper School.
• Diversity Cultural Groups (DCGs): Open to all students and include:
  • Allies
  • Amig@s
  • Asian AppreciAsian
  • Black Student Alliance (BSA)
  • Middle Eastern Students Alliance (MESA)
  • Spectrum (LGBTQIA+ students and allies)

These groups provide space for connection, celebration, and advocacy, and they meet regularly to foster community and lead events throughout the year.

Annual Cultural & Heritage Programming

In collaboration with the Student Diversity Coalition (SDC) and faculty advisors, Upper School students organize assemblies and events that promote cultural awareness and inclusion, including:

• Holiday Assemblies
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Lunar New Year
• Women’s History Month
• Ramadan
• Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Student Support & DEI Engagement

• Navigate DEI Concerns: Students are supported in navigating identity-based concerns with trusted adults and DEI practitioners.
• Goal IV Multicultural Day: A campus-wide celebration that honors the diversity of our community and centers Goal IV: “The building of community as a Christian value.”
• Student Programming: DEI workshops, guest speakers, and collaborative events that center justice, belonging, and student leadership.

Middle School DEI Programming

In the Middle School, DEI programming is responsive to student needs and rooted in the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. Through collaboration with faculty, families, and DEI Practitioners, students engage in identity-affirming experiences, cultural recognition, and community-building initiatives that center belonging and justice.

Student Leadership & Affinity Spaces

• Student Affinity Groups: Launched in response to student and family feedback, affinity groups meet regularly and are facilitated by faculty of shared racial identity. Current groups include:
  • Black Students
  • Latina/Hispanic Students
  • Asian American Students

These groups foster self-discovery, peer connection, and shared reflection aligned with Goals III and V.

Community & Cultural Programming

• Goal IV Assemblies: Bi-monthly gatherings explore themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion, guided by Sacred Heart values. Past assemblies have focused on allyship, brave spaces, and community care.
• Cultural Celebrations & Awareness:
  • Korean American Day: Highlighted contributions and cultural heritage.
  • Lunar New Year: Featured student-led activities and cultural exchange.
  • Ramadan: Community education and accommodations for students fasting.
  • Black History Month: Included art-making, history projects, and representation in the MakerSpace.
  • Native American Heritage Month: Focused on gratitude, land acknowledgment, and storytelling.
  • Holocaust Remembrance Day: Reflected on compassion and historical awareness.

Integrated Learning & Service

• Curriculum-Embedded Connections:
  • Grade 5–6: Civil Rights music, biography projects, and classroom read-alouds.
  • Grade 7: U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress visit, including a study of identity, migration, and poetry.
• Service-Learning Projects:
  • Philippines Novena of Giving: Students collected goods for St. Mark’s Pantry and learned about food equity.
  • Hispanic Affinity Art Contest: Middle and Upper School collaboration in support of Friends of Pimpollo.

Ongoing Support & Engagement

• DEI Practitioners partner with teachers to integrate culturally responsive practices across advisory and academic classes.
• Students are supported in navigating identity-based concerns, developing empathy, and building inclusive peer relationships through intentional programming and reflection.

Lower School DEI Programming

Lower School DEI work centers on identity development, inclusive curriculum, and community connection. Through culturally responsive teaching and joyful, age-appropriate learning experiences, students build empathy, celebrate difference, and engage in justice-minded inquiry.

Culturally Responsive Teaching & Faculty Support

• Teachers received targeted support to implement DEI priorities across grades, with ongoing professional learning guided by Early Childhood Consultant Jessy Molina.
• Focus areas included responding to student questions about identity, fostering inclusive classroom practices, and cultivating belonging through curriculum design.
• Sessions addressed real classroom scenarios and offered strategies for supporting students across lines of race, culture, religion, and family structure.

Student Programming & Curriculum Highlights

• Kindergarten: Tree Study – Integrated nature exploration with winter holiday learning (Diwali, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, Lohri, Winter Solstice, Chinese New Year).
• Grade 1: Emergency Services – Students met with community helpers to learn about care and responsibility.
• Grade 2: Women at Work – Interviews with Stone Ridge employees and parents to explore women's contributions.
• Grade 3: Communication Inventions – Visit to Gallaudet University, study of accessibility and ASL.
• Grade 4: Indigenous Peoples Project – In-depth learning about Indigenous cultures, culminating in a student-led celebration.

Cultural Learning & Family Partnerships

• Students explored global traditions through music, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
• Guest presenters—often Stone Ridge parents—shared experiences related to Ramadan, Eid, Chinese New Year, Greek culture, and more.
• PK–1 students learned songs and traditions from Ghana, Ethiopia, and East Asia, fostering joy and cultural appreciation.
• Black History Month Assembly: Featured student presentations, music, literature, and conversations on labor, leadership, and legacy.

Social Justice & Student Voice

• Family Cultures Project (Grade 2): Students shared their family heritage and identities with the school community.
• Equity & Access Project (Grade 4): Students explored equity through Catholic Social Teaching and the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, focusing on food, transportation, and information access.

Goal IV Multicultural Day

At Stone Ridge, Goal IV Multicultural Day is a cherished all-school tradition that celebrates the many cultures, identities, and lived experiences that make the community vibrant and whole. Rooted in Sacred Heart Goal IV—The Building of Community as a Christian Value—this cross-divisional event brings students, faculty, and staff together to honor the richness of our shared humanity.

Each year, the celebration is anchored by a unique theme that invites reflection, dialogue, and action. Past assemblies have included student storytelling, live performances, and interactive activities designed to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen community bonds.

Goal IV Day exemplifies Stone Ridge’s commitment to building a just and inclusive world. It empowers students to move from awareness to engagement and calls the entire community to live out the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria with compassion, courage, and joy.

No Place for Hate

Stone Ridge proudly participates in the No Place for Hate initiative, a national program developed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that empowers schools to build cultures rooted in respect, inclusion, and equity. This student-led framework helps schools take meaningful action against bias and bullying, while fostering leadership, empathy, and community engagement.

In partnership with DEI Practitioners, the Middle and Upper School divisions coordinated a series of impactful events aligned with No Place for Hate goals. These included student-led discussions, interactive activities, and moments of reflection that promoted dialogue around identity, belonging, and social responsibility. A defining moment of the initiative was the collective signing of the No Place for Hate pledge, symbolizing each student's personal commitment to building a more inclusive and respectful school environment.

By participating in the No Place for Hate program, Stone Ridge joins over 1,800 schools nationwide in a commitment to building inclusive communities where all students feel valued and empowered to stand against hate and discrimination.

Better Together: Parent Diversity Group

As part of Goal IV: The Building of Community as a Christian Value, the Better Together Parent Diversity Group reflects Stone Ridge’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, faith-centered school community. These gatherings provide parents and guardians with meaningful opportunities to engage in dialogue around identity, justice, belonging, and the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria.

Better Together events are designed to uplift diverse perspectives and encourage authentic conversations that strengthen the partnership between families and the school. Programs have explored a wide range of topics—including justice education, community belonging, and student well-being—always rooted in Sacred Heart values and responsive to the lived experiences of the community.

Each gathering features a variety of learning experiences, including guest speakers, authors, book discussions, and sessions facilitated by members of the school community. These formats invite parents to engage with new ideas, share their perspectives, and build shared understanding across divisions.

Past events have highlighted how maker-centered approaches to justice align with Catholic teaching, invited families into division-specific conversations on belonging, and offered practical guidance on supporting student mental health and emotional resilience—core aspects of Goal V: Personal Growth in an Atmosphere of Wise Freedom. Co-hosted by the Office of DEI and departments across the school, Better Together reflects Stone Ridge’s holistic approach to education and its deep commitment to cultivating a community where all families feel seen, valued, and connected.

Parents of Black Students Association (PBSA)

The Parents of Black Students Association (PBSA) is a community-driven group dedicated to celebrating cultural pride and supporting the academic and personal growth of Black students at Stone Ridge. Established to create a welcoming space for Black families, the PBSA gathers regularly for fellowship, prayer, and dialogue—strengthening bonds across divisions and advancing the Sacred Heart Goals.

Guided by the principles of faith, connection, mentorship, and advocacy, the PBSA focuses on:

• Belonging: Fostering a supportive network where Black students and families feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Recruitment & Retention: Partnering with school leaders to attract and retain Black students, while nurturing their social–emotional and academic development.
• Community Engagement: Hosting gatherings such as holiday socials, cultural celebrations, and end-of-year events that build connection and celebrate heritage.
• Advocacy & Feedback: Offering constructive insights on diversity initiatives, admissions practices, and school-wide policies to promote a more equitable community.

Through consistent meetings and collaborative planning, PBSA members have highlighted priorities such as enhanced mentorship for new families, identity-development programming for Middle School students, and deeper affinity-space connections across divisions. Their ongoing contributions underscore the power of inclusive family engagement in shaping a vibrant, mission-aligned Stone Ridge community.