“The goal of antiracism isn’t to “erase” color differences but to detach harmful ideasabout race and racial groups from the colors we see.”-Dr. Ibram X. Kendi We left Boston behind, but the excitement of sharing all the new things we learneduring our four days at the AMS conference is still fresh on our minds and...Read More

“Grace and Courtesy” are the foundation of Montessori pedagogy. It is the consistent practice of the teacher to welcome students into the classroom. Teachers are not just modeling the behavior they want the student to reproduce among each other, but a culture that fosters a sense of belonging and respect. Grace and Courtesy are a...Read More

In pursuing our mission and diversity statements, Hilltop works towards building a safer, more equitable, inclusive, and just environment for our community, with the priority being our students.  The Arts Barn bathrooms were the last ones built on the campus (2014), yet they were the only ones that were multiple occupancies and gendered. In response...Read More

Another unusual school year is ending, and with it comes the hope for a great and restfulsummer shining behind the mountains of Vermont. It has not been an easy year for most;COVID has stubbornly stayed among our community and forced us to change or adapt ourplans, activities, and lessons throughout the year, week by week....Read More

Addressing an inclusive conversation about disabilities can be uncomfortable for many people,not only because we don’t want to harm anyone, but also because often we don’t know muchabout the subject. There are many forms of disability, and, like race, gender, and culture,disabilities exist in diverse forms that are part of each individual’s unique identity. Thereforeeducating...Read More

On one side of Gate 23 at the Miami airport, my family and I are excitedly waiting forour flight to Ecuador. It has been three years for my kids and four for my wife sincethey last visited Ecuador. Lots of emotions, feelings, fears, and questions are filling ourminds while we wait. Our experience is one...Read More

The EJI-Parent Education Series has lots to say. While winter continues bringing more snow to the hill, our effort to construct an equitable, just,and inclusive community keeps us moving and transforming through the seasons.The biweekly Parent Education Series, an EJI initiative, aims to bring to the table deep,uncomfortable conversations about systemic forms of oppression and...Read More

We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and areconnected with each other to form one whole unity.-Maria Montessori During my first year as the Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (EJI) Director, I focused on workingwith the teachers and staff who have direct contact with the students....Read More

During our Staff In-Service days in August we had the pleasure of sharing an afternoonwith Judy Dow on understanding the concept and construction of a LandAcknowledgement. Judy has been a tremendous support for our school inunderstanding the role that Indigenous people have in this country’s history. For manyyears she worked alongside our Middle School program,...Read More