This year, for the first time in the Lower School's history we decided we needed more than one day to celebrate our Unity and Diversity. With the new implementation of Unity and Diversity curriculum in the nursery through fifth-grade homerooms, the Unity and Diversity office felt we would need more time to celebrate curriculum, new learning, inquiry, and each other.
The pandemic did not make this task easy. Of course, we had a COVID outbreak the week we had originally chosen to celebrate Unity and Diversity. After conversations with the planning committee we all strongly believed this work and this celebration needed to happen in person. We made some adjustments and were able to start the celebration Monday, January 25th. Our Lower School Director Felicia Vinces, Princess Bomba our Director of Unity and Diversity and two amazing Upper School students Beyanca Guilme '23 and Lila Rizvi '22 helped us open the week with words of gratitude, inspiration and song. 
During the four day week, students explored our 2020-2021 Unity and Diversity Theme; Rise and Resist Antiracism and Us. This exploration happened across subject content, through various media platforms, class discussions, and projects. Our culminating event took place on both Providence and Seekonk campuses. Additionally this culminating event included our remote learners via zoom or in-person participation. I believe this was our first ever Antiracist March. Students made signs that expressed thoughts and ideas about what it means to rise up, resist and be an active member of the antiracist community here at Wheeler.
None of this would have been possible without the leadership of the administration, Allison Gaines Pell, Princess Bomba, Felicia Vinces and John Green. I have to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our teachers in the Lower School. They show up, guide and support our students in navigating a confusing time and lead them to understanding the value of working towards a world of equity and inclusion. I work in partnership with John Goncalves, Unity and Diversity Coordinator. I am so proud of our teachers, our students and I am grateful to be a part of this amazing community.
In partnership,
Charlene Williams~ LS Librarian and Unity and Diversity Coordinator