Climate, Inclusion, Belonging, Diversity, and Equity
Amity - Where Everyone Belongs
Welcome to Amity, where we uphold core beliefs that shape our approach to education:
We believe the district should nurture a community of learners who embrace individual and cultural differences, valuing how differences enrich society. At Amity, we celebrate diversity as a key concept of our educational philosophy. We recognize that every student brings a unique set of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to our community. By embracing and honoring these differences, we create a vibrant learning environment where students learn from one another and develop the skills necessary to thrive in an interconnected world.
Photo Students - Hurricane Relief Project
We also believe that all learners should have access to the resources necessary to achieve their fullest educational potential with the full support of a community of leaders. We are dedicated to providing every student with equitable access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. We work to ensure that all learners have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally.
Finally, at Amity all learners must belong to and feel supported in their learning environment for them to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. We work to create a sense of belonging and support for each member of our school community. We understand that when students feel valued, respected, and connected to their peers and educators, they are better positioned to excel in all aspects of their education.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guiding Principles
Guiding Principle 1: Safety & Belonging
Physical and emotional safety and belonging are foundational to our students’ development and the creation of an enriching learning environment.
Guiding Principle 2: Curriculum Inclusiveness
An inclusive curriculum provides access for all learners to build comprehensive perspectives that allow students to become respectful, self-aware citizens capable of individual post-secondary success.
Guiding Principle 3: Cultivating Relationships
Positive relationships are integral to supporting student engagement and readiness to learn. Shared understanding of the work done in school with families and the community is essential to student success during and after the secondary school experience.
DEI Executive Committee
Superintendent - Dr. Jennifer Byars
Assistant Superintendent - Mr. Frank Purcaro
Amity Middle School Bethany Principal - Dr. Jason Tracy
Amity Middle School Orange Principal - Ms. Kathy Burke
Amity High School Principal - Mr. Andre Hauser
DIrector of Pupil Services - Mr. Tom Brant
Director of Counseling - Ms. Jill Laplante
DEI Coach - Mr. Peter Downhour
Board of Education - Ms. Christina Levere-D'Addio
In the Spring of 2024 the Amity BOE adopted an updated Increasing Educator Diversity Plan. Our vision in this work is;
We believe that each student has a right to the unimpeded access to the opportunities and resources necessary to develop to their full academic and social potential and that each individual in our community should have a genuine sense of social, emotional, and academic belonging. We further believe the differences in individual and cultural characteristics, identities, and traits of each person and group in our school and community are valuable and that students are better served when teachers and teacher leaders reflect the diversity of our community.
Our beliefs are consistent with the Connecticut State Board of Education’s equity and excellence goals for all students. “First, that every student deserves to benefit from the promise of high expectations and standards for what they can learn and be able to do. Second, great schools are safe, diverse, welcoming environments where students thrive and receive exceptional teaching and learning. And third, great teachers and leaders are supported throughout their careers with quality professional learning that continues to grow and refine educator practice."