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Using identity, connection, justice, and action as our guideposts.

Cultural Competence

Through a deeper understanding of historical and present cultural norms, students will be better equipped to validate and nurture the diversity within our community and feel secure in their own identities. We challenge our students to ask the big questions and be prepared to examine the answers.

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How does identity shape a person’s experience with the world? How does diversity enrich and strengthen a community? What power and privilege do I have? What individual and collective responsibilities do we have to each other?

Students explore these topics at grade-level appropriate paces. We’ve designed a curriculum framework around cultural competence to ensure our students have the ability to work effectively across differences with curiosity, and humility without judgment.

 

Potomac Opens the Center for Community, Equity, and Racial Justice (CCERJ)

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AROUND THE WORLD - A POTOMAC TRADITION

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MOSAIC NEWSLETTER

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Students’ cultural competencies evolve throughout their time at Potomac. We start with lessons and activities that are geared to meet each student’s stage of development to enhance their listening and communication skills, empathy, and the ability to see another’s perspective. Over time, we begin to facilitate conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

LOWER school

Students will develop positive social identities based on their membership in multiple groups in society and also recognize that people’s multiple identities interact and create unique and complex individuals. Ultimately, we work with students to express confidence and healthy self-esteem without denying the value and dignity of others, and to express comfort with people who are both similar to and different from them and engage respectfully with all people. Through respectful curiosity and open-mindedness, students are able to recognize stereotypes, injustice, and bias, and express empathy for others and speak up with courage. 

Middle AND INTERMEDIATE school

In these divisions, students begin to share more about themselves and their communities. They are curious about their peers' histories and are aware that different groups. and families might do things differently. Students are learning to listen carefully and without judgement, form connections with those who are outside of our community, and can recognize – and give examples of – prejudice and discrimination. Through lessons, speakers, community action days, service learning, and fellowship, Middle and Intermediate School students are aware of behaviors that can cause harm and pay attention to their own treatment of others and take action when they see injustice. 

UPPER school

Student outcomes in Upper School center around self-awareness and confidence in self, without treating or perceiving anyone else as inferior. Our goal is for students to respectfully and comfortable interact with all people and are able to build connections by showing empathy, respect, and understanding. In Upper School, students learn about the impact of unequal power relations and can explain the short- and long-term impact of unjust practices, laws, and institutions. Upper School students at Potomac are action-oriented and have led outreach, awareness, cultural exchange efforts for the school and wider communities. 

Cultural Competence is woven into our curriculum

Celebration South Asian Student Alliance
Celebration South Asian Student Alliance

South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) hosted an assembly that highlighted the richness of South Asian culture through music and dance performances, personal stories, and cultural traditions. The event fostered inclusivity and pride, showcasing how culture and heritage shape personal and collective experiences. The assembly reminded us of the strength of embracing and understanding the diverse traditions that bring our community together. Following the assembly, SASA hosted a lunchtime conversation.

Students Visit GALA Hispanic Theatre
Students Visit GALA Hispanic Theatre

Our seventh grade Spanish Advanced class saw a matinee performance for Colores de Flamenco  at  the GALA  Hispanic Theatre on Thursday, November 14. GALA Hispanic Theatre is a leading national center for Latino performing arts based in Washington, D.C. Since its founding in 1976, GALA has been dedicated to sharing the vibrant cultures and artistic expressions of the Latino community. Through innovative productions, educational programs, and community engagement, GALA aims to inspire and connect audiences, nurture emerging talent, and preserve the rich heritage of Latino arts for future generations. After the performance, they enjoyed a Cuban lunch from La Colada Shop, which gave students a taste of the Caribbean. Ask the students about the empanadas!

Spanish Students
Exploring Cultural Identity and Flags in Spanish 3

Sra. Jaeger’s US Spanish 3 classes enjoyed a recent visit to the Lower School for some exploration and inspiration for their Hispanic Heritage Month project. After delving into questions about identity terms such as Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine, students viewed the flags of all 21 Spanish-speaking countries. They perused the many materials and visuals posted in the LS hallway. Each student selected a particular flag and country of interest to research. The final product was a series of oral presentations and conversations about the diverse cultural identities and cultures depicted on many of the Hispanic flags studied. Thank you to our LS colleague, Gladys Alfaro Moisa, for educating and inspiring us with her superb exhibition