Monte del Sol's Statement on Diversity
The mission of Monte del Sol Charter School is to:
- challenge each member of its community, youth and adult to be a life-long learner and responsible community member or leader; and
- support the education necessary for each individual to realize his or her potential.
To accomplish this, Monte del Sol Charter School will:
- provide a small school so each individual is known;
- acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of its members;
- connect students with adult community members, including parents, through a dynamic mentorship program;
- foster awareness of the world with international exchange and communication programs; and
- embrace the arts, cultural activities, and technology as a means of learning and expression.
We will promote high academic expectations and foster individual achievement in a caring environment.
Focusing on diversity is a critical component of the school's program. Our goal is to ensure that all students, families and personnel are welcome, accepted and honored at Monte del Sol. This commitment to diversity helps build an inclusive community. This is fundamental to learning and to developing leadership skills in yong people. It is also a response to the demands of an increasingly multicultural and international society.
A premise of diversity work is that each of us experiences the world in different ways based on many variables that cause us to walk in the world in certain ways. Some of these variables include race, gender, sexual orientation, class, learning ability, religion, age, physical ability, primary language, intellectual ability and others. Each of these assumes a dominant or subordinate role in society and schools and increases each student's probability of being included or excluded. This has an impact on students' learning and academic performances. Prejudices or behaviors that exclude others are learned bhaviors that damage educational potential. These institutional chauvinisms have resulted in a negative legacy. Monte del Sol Charter School is committed to developing an educational approach that reverses the legacy of bias by enhancement of identity, affinity and solidarity between individuals and peoples.
To address these dynamics at Monte del Sol, we choose to focus on diversity to ensure inclusiveness. This program will include forums, training, workshops, committees, and celebrations. A key leadership skill is to develop the habits of the mind that train us all to observe from what perspctive we speak and to analyze from whose voice the curriculum speaks. Monte del Sol will develop a school culture that is enriched by multiple perspectives.
When all students feel included and see their heritage valued, they gain a sense of pride. Moreover, their enjoyment of learning, and academic, artistic and athletic performance is enhanced. By raising awareness about our differences and similarities, we better understand ourselves and gain an appreciation of and compassion for all human beings as a result. Students learn leadership and conflict resolution skills and are better prepared for a global and multicultural society as well as gain an appreciation for the roots of Northern New Mexico. Hence, a focus on diversity is as much an academic as it is a social justice and community issue. Monte del Sol strives to be a nurturing place for all.