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Multicultural Affairs and Community Development

We believe diversity is a gift, a living educational resource that demonstrates the interconnectedness of life, inspires critical thinking, promotes compassionate action, and prepares students for the dynamic world beyond St. John's.

In support of the mission of St. John's Prep, and rooted in the profoundly inclusive message of the Gospel, we are all called—faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, Board of Trustees—to build a community in which everyone is known, loved, and valued as a unique expression of God's love. As a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School, our commitment to enduring personal relationships rests on a foundation of trust, honor, humility, and respect. We understand and appreciate the different gifts, challenges, and circumstances of each unique person. 

Our standard for inclusion rests on our ability to foster an atmosphere where everyone safely and confidently brings one's full self to St. John's Prep each and every day. 

Our diversity embraces, but is not limited by, dimensions of culture, nationality, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, physical ability, and learning differences. 

As a school, we take a three-way approach to diversity and inclusion: curricular and professional learning, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion programming. Much of this important work is spearheaded by our Office of Multicultural Affairs and Community Development—more commonly referred to as MACD.

We are called to build a community in which all are known, valued, and loved.

Diversity and Inclusion Programming

Dynamic student leaders and participants bring MACD programming to life. 

Student Advisory Council

This group of upperclassmen leaders helps create and develop programming for fellow students and serve as advisors to faculty and staff regarding elements of diversity programming at the Prep.

Clubs and Organizations

After school, students in grades 6 through 12 have myriad opportunities to connect with fellow classmates based on mutual interests, cultures, and backgrounds. Check out our student clubs page to read more about groups like Arabic Culture Club, Asian Cultural Club, Black Student Union, Fl1ght, L.U.N.A., and more.

Special Events

We love a reason to celebrate! Hispanic Heritage Month brings a collaboration with the World Languages Department to showcase food and performances, we welcome new families at the annual MACD parent reception each fall, we celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in February, among many other events.

Curriculum and Professional Learning

Themes of diversity and belonging are woven throughout the curriculum and incorporated into training for faculty and staff.

Diversity Advisory Council

This group of upperclassmen leaders helps create and develop programming for fellow students and serve as advisors to faculty and staff regarding elements of diversity programming at the Prep.

 

Curriculum Specialists

After school, students in grades 6 through 12 have myriad opportunities to connect with fellow classmates based on mutual interests, cultures, and backgrounds. Check out our student clubs page to read more about offerings like Arabic Culture Club, Asian Cultural Club, Black Student Union, Fl1ght, L.U.N.A., and more. 

 

Conferences and Trainings

Faculty and staff participate in a rotating roster of conferences, lecture series, and professional learning opportunities. Here are a few teams and individuals have attended in the past few years:

  • Facing History Workshop for Catholic School Teachers

  • Harvard Graduate School of Education Culturally Responsive Literature Instruction Workshop

  • National Partnership for Educational Access

  • AISNE Diversity

  • Let's Talks Conference

  • Anti-Bias Schools

  • People of Color Conference

  • Multicultural Teaching Institute 

  • Fenn School Multicultural Educators' Forum

  • Brooks School Diversity Directions Independent School Seminar

Community Engagement

Every member of the Prep community is welcomed and encouraged to participate in the work of creating a more inclusive school environment. 

Community Read

The Prep's Community Read program brings students in grades 6 through 12, faculty, staff, and parents and guardians together for conversations about important topics like generational relationships, immigration, racial identity, and more. Interactive projects, guest speakers, designated discussion time, and optional book club meetings for parents allow community members to engage deeply with that year's chosen book.

MLK Remembrance Dinner

Since 2010, the Prep community has come together to recognize individuals in the community who have significantly contributed to the advancement of the School's mission to create a community in which all are known, valued, and loved. We are honored to celebrate both those within the community—faculty and staff members, as well as external community partners, who have helped make a positive impact on the lives of our students. 

MACD New Parent Reception

Each fall, we welcome parents and guardians whose students are new to St. John's to a special reception, introducing them to the MACD team and members of the MACD Student Advisory Council, as well as administrators, faculty, and staff. While the focus is on making connections amongst new families, programming often includes information about MACD at St. John's Prep—sometimes shared in four or five different languages!

Meet the Team

Raisa Carrasco-Velez

Raisa Carrasco-Velez

Director of Multicultural Affairs and Community Development
Amy Dylengoski

Amy Dylengoski

Learning Coach
Jackson Heath

Jackson Heath

Class of 2017
Social Studies Teacher / MACD Specialist / Outdoor Education
Corey Lowe

Corey Lowe

MACD Specialist