Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusivity, in all aspects of identity, broaden and enhance the educational experience. Varied perspectives are a source of strength, creativity, enrichment and renewal in the Tower Hill community. These values are found in both our mission statement and in our institutional goals:
Mission
Tower Hill School prepares students from diverse backgrounds for full and creative engagement with a dynamic world. Each student is provided with an educational experience that emphasizes the development of an inquisitive, discerning and critical mind; the value of being creative and aesthetically sensitive; the appreciation of physical well-being; the ability to collaborate and to function as part of a team; and the growth of character.
Mission
Tower Hill School prepares students from diverse backgrounds for full and creative engagement with a dynamic world. Each student is provided with an educational experience that emphasizes the development of an inquisitive, discerning and critical mind; the value of being creative and aesthetically sensitive; the appreciation of physical well-being; the ability to collaborate and to function as part of a team; and the growth of character.
Institutional Goal on Inclusivity and Student-Centered School Culture
We will continue to focus on inclusivity and belonging, both celebrating and challenging ourselves to ensure a student-centered school culture, an exhilarating academic and extracurricular experience, and a community that knows, welcomes and respects all of our students, faculty, staff and families.
Tower Hill School embraces a broad definition of diversity that acknowledges the many ways each of us is unique, including, but not limited to, our various talents, perspectives, goals, ethnicities, identities and religions. With this broad definition in mind, we hope to create an educational environment in which each person is genuinely valued, respected, included and feels a sense of belonging. We believe that diversity and inclusivity enrich the educational experience and strengthen our overall community.
Tower Hill School’s Social Justice Program also includes guest speakers, professional development workshops, community conversations and other initiatives that invite students to engage in courageous conversations about building and engaging a more inclusive and student-centered community.
Ongoing Social Justice Initiatives
-
SEED faculty training (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity)
- MCRC@ADVIS: MultiCultural Resource Center at Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools’ multi-state diversity, equity and inclusion conference, which is widely known and attended by independent schools in the multi-state area, including Tower Hill faculty and staff
- Lower School assemblies introducing monthly themes that fosters a community of care
- LEAD @ Tower Hill (Leaning into Equity and Awareness). LEAD is a multi-school Diversity conference sponsored and held by Tower Hill School.
- Community Conversations (create a more aware and even kinder, more compassionate Middle School community) once a month
- Upper School Student Voices Series: small group chats with scenarios and discussion prompts - Upper School Diversity Club, Social Justice Student Government and the Black Student Alliance
- The Symposium: annual diversity, equity and inclusion conference held at Tower Hill School for Upper School students
- PAATH (Parents of African Americans at Tower Hill) and DISTINCT (Diversity and Inclusion at Tower Hill) hosts many events throughout the year
- Black History Month dinner/celebration with speaker
- Continuing Faculty/Staff Professional Development
- HBCU events
- Guest speakers
Director of Social Justice
Dr. Natasha Murray-Everett, Ph.D. is the Director of Social Justice. Dr. Murray-Everett joined Tower Hill with extensive experience in diversity, equity, inclusion and justice gained from an array of experiences in educational institutions from public elementary schools to universities. She is a former school teacher, dialogue group facilitator and professor and teacher educator. Dr. Murray-Everett earned several degrees including: Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Curriculum and Instruction (Education); M.A.T from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore in Elementary Education; and B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University in Human Development and Family Studies.Director of Social Dr. Natasha Murray-Everett works with faculty and students to develop programming that inspires thoughtful, respectful dialogue and encourages deeper understanding of classmates and the broader society.
Social Justice Task Force
During the 2020-2021 school year, three Social Justice Task Force subcommittees met throughout the year and developed specific recommendations to build a more inclusive, equitable school community. The subcommittees accomplished their goal of compiling a list of action items; however, the real work was in the thoughtful, honest and sometimes difficult conversations, which were possible due to the commitment, authenticity and vulnerability of the participants. More than 80 people—including students, alumni, parents, trustees, faculty and administrators—worked collaboratively for 14 meetings, with numerous emails, many hours studying resource materials and dozens of working notes. Tower Hill extends sincere gratitude to all who participated.
Social Justice Team
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
Dr. Natasha Murray-Everett
Interim Director of Social Justice, 2023
Molly C. Elton
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinators
Jean Snyder
Pre-K Teacher
Anna Elliott
Fourth Grade Teacher
Carmen Martinez
Middle School Spanish
Dr. Andrew Brown
Upper School History
Dr. Anna Miller
Upper School French
PAATH and DISTINCT
PAATH (Parents of African-Americans at Tower Hill)
PAATH sponsors activities and programs that celebrate the African-American experience as a valued and integral component of a Tower Hill education. We also foster an appreciation for diversity, promote cultural competence and help create a supportive environment for African-American families.
PAATH sponsors activities and programs that celebrate the African-American experience as a valued and integral component of a Tower Hill education. We also foster an appreciation for diversity, promote cultural competence and help create a supportive environment for African-American families.
DISTINCT (Diversity and Inclusion at Tower Hill)
DISTINCT organizes social and community-building activities to promote the fellowship of parents who advocate for the benefits of diversity in education at Tower Hill School. We also collaborate with Director of Social Justice Dyann Connor to support schoolwide events and programming.
To join PAATH and/or DISTINCT, please contact Director of Social Justice Dr. Natasha Murray-Everett at nmurrayeverett@towerhill.org.
