“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are a part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”
— Maria Montessori
At Hilltop Montessori School:
We endeavor to honor the qualities that make us similar to each other and those that make us different, co-creating a space that values and respects the race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, language, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identity, size, sexual orientation, and dis/ability of all students, families, and employees.
We understand that this effort is a work in progress, and that the achievement of such principles grows from the work of educating ourselves and each other as we address our biases and revisit program curriculums and school policies. The empowerment of the members of our community will bring confidence and compassion for understanding and communicating with a more inclusive language, challenge discrimination and stereotypes, and provide guidance.
We strive to develop, embrace, and celebrate diversity in order to fulfill our mission, affirm the principles of Montessori education, and carry out a responsible role in our community.
The EJI Director focuses their efforts on creating policies, practices, and programs based on a shared set of core values.
Notes from Marco Yunga Tacuri featured in our weekly newsletter.
3/24/2023 Montessori and Antiracism: The Path Going Forward
9/2/2022 The Power Of Welcoming
5/27/2022 Compassion and Resilience still Exists, Even in Dark Times
4/1/2022 How to Begin a Conversation about Disabilities
3/11/2022 What Do You Lose When You Cross a Border
2/11/2022 Locating Your Identity
10/22/2021 EJI Director Parent Education Series
10/8/21 Remembering and Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
9/24/21 Profiling in a Progressive City
8/10/21 Re-introduction and Welcoming
07/23/21 Being an Ally During Pride Month and Beyond
5/28/21 Enjoying the Simple Things
5/7/21 Sharing Language and Recognizing Biases
4/2/21 Supporting the Transgender Community
3/19/21 In Solidarity with AAPI Families
3/5/21 Examining Black History Month
1/29/21 Black History Month
1/15/21 January 6th Capitol Attack
12/18/20 Thank You to Staff
12/11/20 The Single Story
11/24/20 Thanksgiving
11/20/20 Guest Speakers Fuá Nascimento and Sandra Lamouche
10/23/20 Guest Teacher Judy Dow Visits HMS
10/2/20 What is Land Acknowledgement?
9/25/20 Indigenous Peoples Day, Formerly Known as Columbus Day
9/18/20 EJI Bookshelf
The Parent Anti-Bias Education Group is a group for people with a connection to Hilltop to do anti-bias self-education work for themselves and for their families. In 2019-2020, the group generated a list of recommended readings for all ages, the Hilltop Diversity Bookshelf, and held a series of workshops on parenting for racial justice. In 2020-2021, the Education Group is hosting a Zoom book club around Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad. Contact Trustee Caitlin Senni if you would like to participate in anti-bias educational activities and/or help to organize them.
2020-2021: Monthly meetings with EJI Director by Program
2019-2020: Staff meetings and inservice days dedicated to anti-bias work
2018-2019: Implementation of the Equity and Anti-Bias Work Group
2021: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
2019: Trans Allyship Workbook: Building Skills to Support Trans People In Our Lives by Davey Shlasko
2018: Waking up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving