Diversity

Mark Manuel, Director of Diversity
email | 425-868-6191 x601

At The Overlake School, diversity supports academic excellence.  Diversity in our classrooms, curriculum and community is essential to gaining different perspectives about contemporary issues that shape our local neighborhoods, nation and world.  We teach responsibility by examining social inequities and empowering our community to serve others, fundamental to fostering a compassionate community.  Our goal is to fully weave diversity into the fabric of our school.  It is the responsibility of everyone at Overlake to do his or her part, led by the Director of Diversity, the Diversity Committee (chaired by the Board of Trustees) and guided by the Diversity Strategic Plan.

Project Week:
At Overlake, education takes place in and out of the classroom.  A variety of local, national and international Project Weeks are offered every year which expose our students to different cultures and experiences, broadening their perspectives on life.  Whether teaching in Cambodia, supporting local homeless teens or doing home repair, our students are learning and making an impact.

In the Classroom:
Multicultural Education provides the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to effectively function in a democratic, pluralistic society.  It includes explicit and implicit curriculum which highlights social justice issues.  Cultivating respect and compassion is part of our work to create a campus climate that is nurturing to all our students, faculty and staff.
   
On Campus:
School environment is paramount to our diversity effort.  Each year we survey 8th and 10th-grade students to get feedback on the school diversity environment.  We hope to foster a community that encourages a safe place for intellectual exchange.  Many student groups, assemblies, guest speakers, projects and campus programs also directly support diversity work. The administration keeps diversity in mind when tackling school policy and school culture.

In the Community:
Connecting opportunities with personal interests engages students and creates a healthier community.  Service learning takes vital questions and education beyond the classroom, into our neighborhoods.  We purposefully introduce our students to diverse people, places and community needs.  Grade level themes include “caring for public spaces,” “feeding the hungry,” “serving the underserved” and “seniors serving seniors.”