Diversity and Community
A SENSE OF BELONGING
Middle school girls need to belong. At Orchard House, we meet people where they are and create space for learning, reflection, and even mistakes in our pursuit of a more just and inclusive school.
We acknowledge that:
Power and privilege are real and impact us every day
Equity work is ever-changing and never complete
Accountability, both inside and outside the classroom, is as much about character as it is about schoolwork.
The wealth of our differences is the heart of OHMS, and we aspire to mirror the rich diversity found in the greater Richmond community.
Affinity Groups at OHMS
Student affinity groups meet twice a month to provide space where students can connect around shared identities and experiences. These gatherings foster belonging, enhance engagement, and support the well-being of our diverse community
Gems
Gems provides a safe space for Black girls to build resilience, empower each other, and share experiences around being a Black girl in predominantly white spaces. In weekly meetings, the girls will learn how to find their voice and develop self-confidence while engaging in discussions and activities around a variety of topics.
Facilitators: Stacie Brown & Melody Scott
Kaleidoscope (SoCG)
Kaleidoscope provides a supportive space for girls to discuss diverse experiences and unique perspectives including, but not limited to, belonging in predominantly white spaces. The group will discuss topics that build capacity for self-love, self-advocacy, agency, and a sense of belonging. Students of color are any student that identifies as Black/ African/ African-American, Asian/ Asian-American, Middle-Eastern/ Middle-EasternAmerican, Native-American/ Native/ American Indian, Latinx/ Hispanic, and/or Bi-racial/Multi-racial descent.
Facilitators: Stacie Brown & Melody Scott
Spectrum
Spectrum is a weekly lunchtime discussion group for 7th and 8th Graders who are allies to the LGBTQ+ community, students with LGBTQ+ family members, and LGBTQ+ students. Faculty facilitators lead the group with topics that highlight the nuts and bolts of constructing and finding inclusive communities, the importance of upstanders and ally networks, self-expression, LGBTQ+ culture and history, and how to take part in discussions that strive to hear all voices. Student submissions for topic requests are also important parts of the ever-evolving curriculum.
Facilitators: Rebecca Reyes & Penn Ward
Girls for a Change - Girl Action Team
Girls for a Change is a non-profit organization aimed at empowering self-identifying Black girls in Central Virginia. Girl Action Teams support girls in fully developing their voices, abilities, and problem-solving capacities to realize their full potential. They tackle social issues they feel passionate about, coming up with solutions with guidance from their coaches. Action Teams are at the heart of Girls For A Change.
