Lakeside School

In her role as Middle School student equity programs coordinator, Krista Morales shares information about affinity groups, this year’s programming at the Middle School, and how parents and guardians can be involved. 

What is the goal of Lakeside’s Middle School affinity group programming? 

The Lakeside Middle School student affinity group program provides an intentionally crafted, developmentally appropriate opportunity for students to learn about the foundational and evolving aspects of their own identities and those of others. It helps students develop a positive sense of self and builds students’ self-awareness, knowledge, and skills. It further increases awareness of what other identities, seen and unseen, exist in our communities; this maximizes students’ ability to positively engage with a diversity of peers and adults. This will benefit students in their preparation to engage in the smallest of communities to a larger global stage. 

What are affinity groups? 

Affinity groups offer opportunities for people who share an identity to connect, share experiences and resources, and identify successes and challenges that impact their ability to fully engage with others or with an organization. 

Affinity groups are often categorized by racial and ethnic categories; these categories are a societal construction that can influence how a person is seen, or how they see others, in and beyond their communities. Identity groups are not monolithic, meaning that groups who share an identity have varied experiences and perspectives. This variability creates rich and meaningful communities that are exciting to acknowledge and examine. 

What Middle School affinity groups are meeting this year? 

The following student affinity groups will be meeting in the 2024-2025 school year.

• African, African American, or Black affinity. 
• East Asian or Pacific Islander affinity. 
• Greater Middle East and Northern African affinity. 
• Jewish affinity (new this year). 
• Latino/a/e/x affinity. 
• Multiracial affinity. 
• South Asian affinity. 
• White affinity. 

All students choose their affinity group based on the identity with which they most closely identify. Other categories of identity will also be incorporated into these lessons, giving students choice in reflecting on what facets of their developing self make the most sense to closely reflect upon at any given time. 

If parents/guardians have any questions about how their students choose to navigate the decision about which group to participate in, they can reach out to me, Mr. Rachid, Ms. Abu Rahmeh, or Mr. Soler.

Why do we primarily organize these groups by racial and ethnic affinity rather than other marginalized groups? 

The Lakeside program centers racial and ethnic affinity primarily because it is the most visible lens to start this examination and offers an opportunity to explore the other intersections of other identity development in which they may have shared experiences.

How is the programming different for 5th/6th graders and 7th/8th graders? 

Programming in the 5th and 6th grades will focus on understanding identity; celebrating the joy, resilience, and community contributions of those who share our identities; how stereotypes and assumptions can cause harm, whether intentional or not; and practical strategies to interrupt potential harm and promote positive interactions. 

The 7th/8th grade programming will have students apply and examine these principles in more depth. This may include analysis of relevant case-studies; learning about larger systemic issues in our society; and consideration of communities beyond Lakeside. It is important to note that the curriculum will balance difficult truths with examples of agency and progress that build communities in which all people can safely bring their full selves to their environments. 

What is the role of Upper School students in this program? 

One of our students’ favorite parts of the program is that the affinity groups are led by trained Upper School students who share that racial and ethnic identity. The Upper School student facilitators are supported by Lakeside staff and faculty. This deliberate mentorship helps build connections between our younger and older students and allows Upper School students to share their knowledge and experiences, both at Lakeside and in the greater community. One Upper School student shared that a meaningful takeaway they took from their time in Middle School affinity groups was that “...everyone truly has different experiences and it’s very important to give everyone the space to share that.” 

The Upper School students who are facilitators have found such value from their own exploration of identity that they have become the ambassadors of this programming. This positive impact is evident in the increasing number of Upper School volunteers; roughly 70 interested Upper School facilitators this year! 

How can parents and guardians be involved? 

This program becomes even more meaningful when families get involved. After each affinity group meeting, parents and guardians receive prompts for discussion through the grade-level deans weekly update. We encourage you to continue the conversation at home. We also encourage you to learn about the affinity groups hosted by the Parents and Guardians Association. Information about the 2024-2025 affinity groups offered for parents and guardians was shared in an email from Head of School Kai Bynum. 

If parents and guardians have any questions about the student programming, they are welcome to contact me, Mr. Rachid, Ms. Abu Rahmeh, or Mr. Soler. Ms. Abu Rahmeh will be emailing Middle School families next week with more information.

Krista Morales coordinates student equity programs at the Middle School. You can reach her, and all DEIB team members, at info@lakesideschool.site.