About us
We believe that every child, no matter what they look like or where they come from, deserves a safe and welcoming school where they can thrive and succeed.
The MRH Equity Alliance is a parent-led group that includes teachers and staff. We dream of and work toward an MRH where:
the needs of all of our children are prioritized in all decisions and actions,
where all children, families, and employees experience a welcoming, inclusive environment and feel a sense of belonging, and
parents are empowered to advocate for the success of their children and all MRH children
where we use MRH’s educational equity policy to guide all of our decisions and actions in a way that reduces or eliminates disparities among groups (racial and ethnic, gender, socio-economic, disabled).
Our Goals:
Our MRH Equity Alliance work has focused on these main goals:
Build a strong community of parents and staff that can move together to support equity-oriented forward movement in MRH
Retain and grow a diverse teaching staff, such that all children see themselves reflected in their teachers and benefit from learning from diverse experiences, perspectives, and experiences
Encourage all candidates and directors of Board of Education to be educational equity advocates
Readiness to support competitive pay for our support staff and leaders, raises for our teachers, and resources our students need
Our Values:
Curiosity, humility, generosity, and care
Interdependence and deep relationships
Individual and collective self-awareness and reflection
Conflict can be generative and repair can build trust
Listening to and centering the voices of our students and community, especially those who have been most harmed by systems
Moving at the pace of trust, and with intention and care rather than urgency
Honoring rest, joy, and seasons of life
*this is a living and evolving list
We are Guided By
We are guided by the racial equity lens questions listed in the MRH educational equity policy, modified from those offered by Forward Through Ferguson:
Whom does this (decision/opportunity/recommendation) benefit?
Does this (decision/recommendation/opportunity) differentially impact (racial and ethnic, gender, socio-economic, disabled) groups?
What is missing from or could be included in this (decision/opportunity/recommendation) that will decrease or eliminate racial disparities?
Our Structure / Who We Are
We have a group of “lead organizers” who help guide our projects and communication. These individuals are Colleen Cunningham, Katie Kaufmann, Leslie Keuss, Gina LaRose, Eleanor Pardini, and AnnLouise Schmitt. We regularly collaborate with and seek advice from other parents and MRH teachers, staff, and administrators.
Our Partners & Collaborators
Some of our resources, advisors, and organizations we have worked with:
West County Community Action Network ASSIST Team, for co-learning around schools-based equity work
Witnessing Whiteness, for racial identity training for white-identifying people
Crossroads Antiracism Organizing & Training, for cross-racial organizing and training
City Garden Montessori, for leadership and mentoring around ColorBrave Courageous Conversation space and schools-based equity training
