Parent/Guardian Affinity Groups
Affinity groups at OES are designed to support families whose children’s identities have been underrepresented or marginalized, and to increase families’ sense of belonging in the community by providing spaces for renewal, dialogue, reflection, and action.
These groups offer caregivers the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences among a peer group that shares a common identity. Parents and guardians develop self-awareness and cultural knowledge, problem-solve social interactions, and build communities of support. The groups are facilitated by two to three parent facilitators and supported by the Director for Equity & Inclusion. At OES, our affinity groups are open to all members of the community.
If you would like to attend future gatherings with any of these groups, or if you are seeking support from the school to start a parents/guardians affinity group of your own, please contact the Office of Equity & Inclusion at dei-events@oes.edu.
Mishpacha: Parent/Guardian Affinity Group for Jewish Families
Mishpacha, meaning “family” in Hebrew, aims to create a warm and welcoming space where Jewish parents/guardians and children can come together to celebrate their shared heritage and build a sense of community. The group provides Jewish families with dedicated time to connect, share experiences, and foster meaningful relationships within the OES community.
Great Minds: Parents/Guardians of Neurodiverse Learners
Families join this affinity group in search of support for themselves and their students who deal with learning differences such as ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia. The group meets regularly to offer resources and support, advocate for increased awareness to normalize neurodiversity, and share best practices for neurodivergent individuals, with a focus on addressing systemic barriers that create inequitable opportunities and outcomes.
Pride Alliance Group
This alliance group is for parents and guardians who identify as LGBTQIA+, or have students who identify as such, and for those parents and guardians who want to support our LGBTQIA+ community and be an ally. It offers an affirming space where members can foster a sense of belonging, support one another, and strengthen their voice within the school community.
Tapestry: Parents/Guardians of Learners of Color
This affinity group is for families who have students who identify as learners of Color. This group exists to create space to support each other, network, and advocate for students. In this space, parents come together to build community for themselves and their children, learn about various supports to strengthen positive identity, connect with school leadership, and educate themselves on issues that affect student life.
OES’s DEIA efforts are inclusive and are not intended to exclude or disadvantage any legally protected group. OES does not consider race, color, religion, disability that can be reasonably accommodated, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, or other legally protected status in admission or employment. OES encourages diversity of thought and critical inquiry while respecting each person’s identity and perspective.