Creating Connection: Affinity Groups Help Shape CCDS Culture

This past year, CCDS saw some major changes in its daily schedule.

Rather than the six-day rotation schedule, this school year each week follows the same schedule. Furthermore, the Upper School has seen some big changes with its implementation of office hours. Designed to emulate a college campus, office hours allow students to meet with teachers during designated times throughout the week. But perhaps the most impactful addition is the allocated affinity group time during Thursday afternoons.

Affinity groups offer safe spaces to students where they can connect over shared interests or experiences. They are most often racially or ethnically based, and, this past year, the number of affinity groups has almost doubled.

“Over the past three years, we have had a number of student leaders attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, where they were able to experience being in an affinity group,” says Angela Barber-Joiner, director of belonging and wellbeing. “Once they returned, they communicated to the faculty how meaningful it was to share their experiences with a large group of students that aligns with their identity. The student voice is what showed us how important it is to set aside that time for them.”

Moreover, the implementation of affinity group time strongly aligns with the school’s EDI statement, which emphasizes the belief that a diverse community is among our institution’s greatest strengths. “By having the space to share pieces of our cultural identity, affinity groups enhance the cultural awareness in our community,” says Ms. Barber-Joiner.  

Affinity groups have brought a lot to the CCDS community over the past few years - from South Asian wedding attire fashion shows to Latin dance classes to bake sales offering students the chance to sample foods from different cultures, many of these affinity groups aim to make cultural learning fun through immersion. “We are always trying to organize activities to educate and involve others,” says Vic Quintero `25, leader of LAHSO (Latin and Hispanic Student Organization). “During one affinity group time earlier this year, I brought in the ingredients to make brigadeiros, which are Brazilian chocolates, so we could make them together. So, it’s a lot of experiential learning as well as a way for us to bond as a club.”

Vic highlighted her experiences at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), which she has attended twice. “My experience at SDLC really sparked the conversation about affinity groups, pushing me to promote practices of inclusion at Country Day,” says Vic. “The affinity group time gives me space to be proud of my culture, to explore it, and to share it with others.”

While this implementation has myriad benefits for the community, the question remains: How can this time best serve students who don’t fit into an existing affinity group?

“While there are conversations about forming allyship groups and inviting students to attend different affinity group meetings to experience different cultures, it’s equally important to reflect on the school’s broader cultural dynamics,” says Ms. Barber-Joiner. “We need to ensure that all students feel welcome and empowered to share their experiences and perspectives.”

The implementation of affinity group time at Country Day marks a significant step toward fostering inclusivity and cultural awareness within the school. By providing students with spaces to share, connect, and celebrate their identities, these groups have really enriched school culture.

Article written by Shiva Shyam `26.