Divisional DEI Teams Champion Change

Committee Members: Jenine Almahdi (Team Lead), Jackie Lewis, Flo Siegel, Nicole Taylor, Joey Bacon, Alex Velasco

The Lower School DEI Team at Polytechnic School is dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This year, the team focused on integrating DEI principles into daily learning, ensuring inclusivity is woven into the fabric of the school’s curriculum rather than treated as an add-on. A major initiative has been developing student-friendly definitions for protected classes, making complex concepts accessible from kindergarten through fifth grade. By pairing these definitions with engaging picture books and interactive lessons, teachers are empowered to have meaningful discussions with students about identity, respect, and belonging.

The team also hosted "Donuts & DEI," an informal faculty gathering that encourages discussions on classroom strategies, inclusive teaching, and cultural awareness. Additionally, faculty members actively shape heritage month programming, designing events that celebrate diversity in ways that resonate with students. Working closely with the larger DEI office and school leadership, the Lower School DEI Team ensures that Poly remains committed to its mission. Through collaboration, thoughtful education, and continued teacher support, the team is making inclusivity a lived experience for the youngest members of the Poly community.

Committee Members: Dr. Robert Farrar (Team Lead), Sarah Wolf, John Yen

This year, the Middle School DEI team has focused on expanding affinity groups, supporting faculty in curriculum and professional development related to our new Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention policy, and integrating DEI efforts into the everyday culture of the school. One of the year's highlights was the school's participation in a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, led by Drs. David and Jackie Jacobs who knew Dr. Martin Luther King, attended his church, and marched with him to Selma in their days living in Alabama. The event was especially meaningful as many in the community had been affected by the Eaton Fires, yet gathered in celebration of this historic day. Middle School DEI Team Lead Dr. Robert Farrar spoke at the event and Student Community Engagement Coordinator Renée Larios sang “We Shall Overcome” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” 

Michael Cooper, five-time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and Hall of Fame inductee, visited Poly’s Middle School in celebration of Black History Month. Mr. Cooperl, a community hero who attended Pasadena High School, where his hoop dreams began, connected deeply with our students and shared wisdom and inspiration from his career. The team remains committed to ensuring that DEI is not performative or reactionary but a lasting, lived experience for all students. “The Middle School remains steadfast in its commitment to DEI,” said Dr. Farrar. “We have to maintain a sense of resolve.”

Committee Members: Barry Vargo (Team Lead), Celeste Gonzalez, Rachel Dunham, Maya Seneus, Nathan Stogdill

The Upper School DEI team has focused on two major initiatives: equipping faculty with tools to address hate speech and promoting culturally responsive teaching practices. Through faculty breakout sessions and professional development, educators are learning how to effectively respond to hate speech, ensuring that every classroom remains a respectful space. Additionally, the team has encouraged teachers to observe their student interactions to build stronger relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging. Recognizing the power of continuous learning, the team has also curated a faculty library featuring books on equitable grading, identity-conscious teaching, and anti-racism in education. These resources support teachers in embedding DEI principles into their daily practices. 

One member of the team, Celeste Gonzalez, has incorporated DEI into her statistics class, as STEM educators are often challenged to incorporate these ideas into learning. The class is focused on equity and human belonging with the overarching principle of “how are we viewing equity in America and how does statistics help us have that conversation?”

The Upper School DEI Team operates under the credo that DEI is not optional, and though the work of team is sometimes a challenging leap for colleagues, it remains necessary to continue improving and push the culture of the school forward.