Combating “The Only”: Creating Lower School Affinity Groups

This is just what Riverdale Country School did with the creation of SOC’s – Students of Color lower school affinity group. Back in 2008, Jocelyn Gooding–Smith, past Asst. Admissions Director at RCS, along with current 3^rd grade teacher, Demetra Caldwell, made the case and expressed the rationale for creating SOC’s. Having a critical mass of children of color not only supports positive self images at the ground floor of our institutions, but makes the business case for recruitment and well-balanced retention of families who require diverse learning environments.

Two years later, with the full support of administration and families, the SOC’s after school program is a successful lower school affinity model. Current facilitators, Demetra Caldwell and LaToya Allen were presenters at the 2009 PoCC in Denver. A full house of eager educators were on hand to learn about the obstacles that can be encountered, the practices and materials found most effective, and how the entire school community benefits from having SOC’s!  Demetra, Latoya, Lorraine, and Kristina are doing awesome work. Go SOC’s!

Let RIISE know if you are interested in learning more about the SOC’s model.

Click here to see SOC’s in action!

SOCS from Mark Alhadeff on Vimeo.