Support and solidarity are fundamental to a strong community and the fulfillment of Wilbraham & Monson’s Mission. We aim for all students to experience a transformational education through which they experience opportunities for challenges, collaborations, critical thought, self-reflection, compassion and leadership. WMA’s students thrive by developing their own identities, learning from and listening to the lived experience of others and growing alongside fellow Titans whose differences they honor and respect.

With this at the heart of our work, the Community & Belonging team united around a common goal: to lead WMA in building an inclusive community of students, faculty, staff, families and alumni. From feedback sessions, structural support projects, school climate surveys and policy reviews, members of the Community & Belonging team prioritize listening to and supporting the experiences of our most valuable and important stakeholders - our students. 

WMA’s Community & Belonging team values building an intentionally inclusive learning community where all members are equipped to build connections and hone their attention to better serve one another and the world. Using a 5-year backwards planning process as outlined in our 2023-2028 Strategic Roadmap, the Community & Belonging Team meets in our three specialized committees in pursuit of these goals.

Outreach & Involvement 

Faculty members: Josh Bain, Durelle Brown, Annie Kandel, Heather Hamel '08 and Stuart Whitcomb

Tasks: This subcommittee will advance outreach strategies to include WMA families and alumni in our initiatives, as well as develop strategies to recruit and retain diverse families.

Professional & Institutional Development 

Faculty members: Melissa Earls, Meaghan Cavanaugh, Cheryl Feder, Michael Dziura, Don Nicholson '79, Teddy Ryan and Wally Swanson

Tasks: This subcommittee will work with all aspects of faculty involvement, including athletics and academics, as well as assess the optics of DEIB-related work on social media and marketing initiatives. We will also promote strategies for recruitment and retention of new employees.

Student Life 

Faculty members: Julie Chan, Carly Garbarino, Lillian Gharios, Gayle Hsiao, Liz Squindo and Rita Sullivan

Tasks: This subcommittee will collaborate on various aspects of student enrichment opportunities including the Cultural Calendar initiatives, student-led organizations and affinity spaces, and special event planning.

Strategic Planning

Using a five-year backward planning process as outlined in our 2023-2028 Strategic Roadmap, the Community & Belonging Team works in pursuit of the following six goals:

1. Create and revise Systemic Practices for Community Feedback and Data Collection

2. Embed structured opportunities to examine Identities and Cultivate Perspective-Sharing

3. Amplify and affirm Student Voices

4. Review, revise and publicize School Policies and Values that align with DEIB

5. Design and facilitate DEIB-related Professional Development for Faculty/Staff

6. Continue to revise and improve Systems of Recruitment, Retainment and Engagement for a wide representation of Students and Employees

The Cultural Calendar features topics dedicated to highlighting, educating and celebrating the diverse cultures and identities we honor at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. 

Calendar themes