Henrico educators attend inclusivity retreat

A group of educators from Henrico County Public Schools participated in an intensive retreat last month aimed at giving them tools to develop more inclusive learning communities. The retreat, held June 25-28 at Sweet Briar College, was designed to give educational leaders the chance to focus on eliminating disparities based on race and socioeconomic status in all areas of school life and academic achievement. Called the Henrico Educational Equity Initiative, the workshops were facilitated by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Participants from five HCPS schools – Glen Allen Elementary School; Holman, Moody and Short Pump middle schools; and Glen Allen High School – attended.

HCPS educators learned about how bias and prejudice can affect learning and teaching. Through interactive workshops and small group discussions, participants designed different approaches to creating a supportive learning environment. At the conclusion of the retreat, educators designed action plans for schools, focusing on closing gaps in opportunity and achievement, and on creating an inclusive school atmosphere.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities works with businesses, communities and school divisions to achieve success by eliminating prejudice through workshops and retreats. The goals of the retreat align with Henrico Schools’ cornerstones, which include equity and opportunity.