RE Log Spring 2023

SPRING 2023 Ransom Everglades LOG 41 The Lighthouse Project, a program developed informally last year to provide early interventions to students in need of extra guidance, was formalized this year. The goal of the program is to keep an eye on all students, regardless of their racial, cultural or ethnic backgrounds, who are identified as needing added attention. The faculty advisors have a greater responsibility in assisting those students and, while every child has a regular academic advisor and grade-level dean, when focused attention is required, The Lighthouse Project advisors take on the responsibility of shepherding certain students to enhance their experience at RE. This role as faculty advisor has also been formally incorporated into the advisors’ job descriptions. Training was a focus as well: specifically around the facilitation and implementation of affinity groups, which are designed to provide a safe space for students with a shared identity. As this issue went to press, we were awaiting all student applications for the specific groups, but the training began last semester with a professional development session for RE faculty on the role and facilitation of affinity groups led by Dr. Brandon King, a faculty member in RE’s Humanities Department and college counselor. Inclusion training continued in November for the RE administration, faculty and students who attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference or People of Color Conference in San Antonio, Texas (see story page 39). The conferences provided transformative experiences for all of us. One of the most exciting parts was meeting one-on-one with nationally recognized DEI facilitator, Rosetta Lee. She ultimately visited both RE campuses over the course of three days in January and conducted targeted training sessions on intentional inclusivity. She presented to our board of trustees, faculty and staff, students, alumni board members and the RE Parents’ Association Executive Board. We look forward to this second semester. Our office is filled with excitement over the plans for now and next school year. With the support of the administration, board of trustees, and RE’s beloved faculty, the vision is manifesting and we will be better for it. Photo by Suzanne Kores Victoria Beatty ’00 and Wendell Graham ’74