At The New Century School, “creating an inclusive environment is at the heart of everything we do.” So said Head of School Ann Marie Simonetti to open last night’s Black History Month Celebration. It will be lost on exactly no one just how poignant those few simple words were at this . . . beleaguered moment in U.S. history.
Commitment to Inclusion in Challenging Times
Last night, however, was all about the hope, joy, and community that TNCS represents. And what a way to close out Black History Month! As she continued her opening remarks, Ms. Simonetti set the tone for the evening by reaffirming TNCS’s unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive environment:
Our core values and portrait of a graduate reflect our dedication to honoring the diverse identities, experiences, and backgrounds of our students, families, and staff. As a school community, we strive to prepare students to thrive in the increasingly diverse world. Understanding history, embracing different perspectives, and standing for equity and inclusion are not just ideals, but necessities. In times when efforts to diminish equity and the truth of history are making headlines, it’s more important than ever that we remain committed to recognizing and preserving the contributions of individuals from all backgrounds and ensuring that every story is valued, and every voice is heard. Dr. Maria Montessori called on us to provide conditions that will allow our children to give us a true picture of the society of the future. Tonight’s celebration is one way that we do just that.
She then asked the audience to stand, as TNCS students raised their voices in song, and TNCS’s auditorium rang for the next hour with powerful voices, moving poetry, call-and-response, and joyous songs commemorating Black History Month.
Celebration Through Expression
Parents and staff watched with pride as TNCS students demonstrated not just their artistic talents, but their growing understanding of equity, justice, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. We cannot overstate how much team effort went into making this event a resounding success, from the student-made art festooning the walls, to TNCS Music Director Martellies Warren’s rousing—and beautiful—choral selections, to all of the behind-the-scenes-but-no-less-appreciated support from teachers and other staff.
The Show Must Go On. . .
When TNCS K–8 students took to the stage (in high style), the enthusiastic response from audience members confirmed that our community treasures these opportunities to come together in celebration of our shared humanity and diverse heritage.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
First up, the “Black National Anthem”!
Something Inside So Strong
Wade in the Water
Some Very Special Extras
But that wasn’t all. TNCS students read excerpts from Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb” and spoke on themes central to Black History Month, like the importance of the Divine Nine.
The grandmother of a TNCS preschooler even came up to read Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings, backed by slides showing the beautiful illustrations by Loren Long.
And TNCS favorite LaTriese Sussman led the audience in a Call and Response adapted from Rebecca Parker’s poem “Choose to Bless the World.” Ms. Simonetti confessed that she knew this moving celebration was going to bring her to tears at some point, and this beautiful, whole-community participation piece did the trick.
Reflections . . . and Looking Forward
In a time when difficult conversations about race and history are sometimes avoided, TNCS embraces them as essential to developing compassionate, informed citizens who will shape a better world. This Black History Month celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about moving forward together with greater understanding and purpose.
This commitment feels particularly significant today. While some governmental policies appear to be rolling back progress on diversity initiatives and historical accuracy in education, TNCS stands firm in its belief that understanding our complete history and embracing multiple perspectives are essential for preparing students to navigate our diverse world. The light of understanding that shone so brightly during our celebration continues to guide us forward—illuminating not just where we’ve been, but the more inclusive, equitable world we’re working to create.
Together, we can.