Affinity & community groups play an important role in building a more inclusive community by providing spaces to nurture positive identity development, empowerment, and belonging. Participants use these spaces to connect, discuss topics connected to their identities, plan cultural celebrations, share personal accomplishments, and support each other in addressing challenges their communities experience. We also host community groups that bring together families with similar support needs to help one another and share resources and ideas.
Current community members interested in joining an existing group or start a new group should contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Amina Loftin.
Group leader: Shannon O'Brien
The Antiracist Parent Education group is open to Bertschi School parents and caregivers. Members endeavor to understand their own racial identity, expand their awareness of individual, institutional, and systemic racism, and encourage antiracism through empathy and action. Meetings will focus on discussions of topics relevant to the group.
Meeting dates: Meetings generally follow the DEI speaker series events that happen monthly and other Bertschi parent education events throughout the school year. To receive group information including upcoming meetings, contact Amina Loftin.
Group leader: Frank Guanco
This space is open to parents, children, faculty, and staff who identify as Asian, Asian American, and Asian Pacific Islander, as well as parents who do not identify with the affinity group but have children who do identify with the affinity group.
The Asian@Bertschi affinity group meets monthly and plans events periodically, such as the Lunar New Year Celebration. To receive group information including upcoming meetings, contact Amina Loftin.
Group leaders: LaShondra Hayes
The purpose of Black@Bertschi is to create a nurturing and empowering space where Black students and their families can gather, connect, and thrive as a community. Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging, pride and advocacy among families, where Black voices are amplified, experiences are honored, and cultural heritage is celebrated.
The Black@Bertschi group meets monthly and plans events periodically throughout the year, such as the Black@Bertschi Cookout. To receive group information including upcoming meetings, contact Amina Loftin.
Group leaders: Ténika Versey Walker and Matthew Walker.
The Christian Parent group welcomes families and staff of any Christian faith and anyone looking for community at Bertschi. To receive group information including upcoming meetings, contact Amina Loftin.
Group leader: Geraldine Rodriguez
The Hispanic/Latinex group meets monthly and plans events periodically throughout the year, such as the Hispanic & Latinex Heritage Celebration. To receive group information including upcoming meetings, contact Amina Loftin.
Group leader: Kate Goodman
Judaism teaches that human beings need to be together, and being together creates a sense of community and completeness in oneself. The Jewish Parent group aims to help create a Jewish community within Bertschi, as well as teach our larger Bertschi community about some of our Jewish traditions and values. In a time when antisemitic incidents were up 34% in 2021, and antisemitic sentiments are being shared by people in power more often, the group will be a safe space for Jewish community members to share their lived experiences. The group also hopes to provide a Jewish community for the Jewish families who are new to Seattle, as a Jewish community is harder to find in Seattle than other cities.
In addition to creating a safe space for Jewish families, we will host events throughout the school year. One event will be open to the school to allow us to share a holiday and traditions for that holiday. Another event will be closed to just groups members, to also celebrate a holiday together as a Jewish community.
To receive group information including upcoming meetings, contact Amina Loftin.
Group leaders: Pueng Vongs & Robin Romanovich
The LGBTQIA+ group is where queer-identifying and/or gender diverse parents, children, faculty, and staff can connect and help organize social and educational events. Our space is open to parents who do not identify as LGBTQIA+ but have children who do identify. Other allies are welcome to attend certain meetings specifically designated as open-to-all and may be asked to volunteer when help is needed.
The LGBTQIA+ group meets monthly and plans events like the quarterly LGBTQIA+ Storytime (open to all). To receive group information including upcoming meetings, contact Amina Loftin.
This group is open to any family who has a child with food allergies or sensitivities. The intent is for families to support each other and to share challenges, opportunities, and triumphs. For questions please contact parent Amy Shelton or assistant head of school, Jennie Bloch Garcia.
This group is open to any family with a neurodiverse child or who has wonderings about their child. The intent is for families to support each other and to share challenges, opportunities, and triumphs. For questions please contact parent Mas Amir or assistant head of school, Jennie Bloch Garcia.
