Cultural Connections at Sayre

Once again, in our efforts to celebrate diversity at Sayre School, we offer a fun gathering time for children of different origins. This affinity group, Cultural Connections, encourages students to develop a sense of pride in their own identities, establish friendships with other children of diverse backgrounds, and draw strength from their shared experiences so that they know they are not alone. Conversations with Upper School students at Sayre lend strength to our belief that there is a need to gather young students of different cultures for support and celebration. 

We welcome all students of diverse cultural heritages. Cultural Connections is an affinity group program created in recognition of the unique needs, experiences, and issues students of color encounter in independent schools. The primary purpose of this group is to bring together Lower School students of color in the kind of critical mass that creates a “majority experience.” This program is designed to provide our students (children with Asian, African, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, Middle Eastern, bi- and multiracial heritage) with an opportunity to discuss topics pertinent to them and work on age-appropriate projects that reinforce positive self-images, reaffirm identity, and celebrate issues of diversity. 

We believe affinity groups further the school’s strategic commitment to diversity by maintaining positive identities for children of all origins. This is achieved by providing time and space for children to increase their comfort, form a supportive community and find a common ground. This specific affinity group may be particularly helpful to students who are in a classroom where they are one of only a few students of color.