Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 October 2004 — Page 8

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2004

Orchard educates through diversity

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Sondra Gentry talks with students from Orchard’s partner school Kabbs Academy in Accra, Ghana. Gentry went on the trip, sponsored by Lilly, with other teachers from around the city who participate in the Dignity Center.

By JOSHUA COHEN Staff Writer The Orchard School has worked hard to increase the diversity of its student population for the betterment of their education. Part of this was appointing Sondra Gentry as their director of diversity and multi-cultural education. “I think the title is significant because it brings diversity and education together,” said Gentry. “That states the awareness the school has of diversity and that it stresses academic excellence.” Gentry’ has been at Orchard, which educates from kindergarten through eighth grades, for five years, and has been director of diversity for three of those. In that time she has noticed the change in students. “We noticed the difference diversity makes,” she said. “Kids are becoming a lot more inquisitive. For example, when they were told Columbus discovered America, students asked, ‘Who washerewhen hegothere?’They look for what’s missing. They automatically think there’s multiple perspectives in play.” There has been a positive effect on the children’s attitudes, and even the young children are involved. The second graders participate in a student diversity leadership group. “We’ve moved beyond tolerance,” said Gentry. “Theyounger kids are more involved. I’m amazed what the second graders notice. They even give up their recess to participate. That says a lot about where the school is going.” The progress seems evident to Gentry. Another program she put in place is the conflict mediation program. “If students have a problem they put suggestions in a mediation box,” said Gentry. “It takes courage to say Tm having a problem with so and so.’ Even if they don’t request mediation they still have the language down. I’m seeing how the number of people participating has grown.” In the last 10 years at Orchard, there has been a steady increase of diversity. “ There has been a steady increase over the last 10 years,” said Denise Reiter, communications coordinator at Orchard. “In 1993,10 percent of our student population were children of color. This school year, 20042005, that number has increased to 25 percent. Even with all the progress there are still problems that need to be worked on. “Inclusion and exclusion is a big issue,” said Gentry. “We do affinity groups by culture. They talk to people like them about issues they don’t want to discuss with everyone. As the school becomes diverse, you will see fewer cliques. Diffusion will happen more naturally. That gives you a good read on howyou’redoing.” Gentry is encouraged by the studentsand wants to makesure she keeps doing her job well. “Everyone needs to feel comfortable when they come here,” she said. “The school values you no matter who you are. Orchard made a good move when they brought diversity and education together.”

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