Parents Association

McDonogh School is committed to embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to achieve and maintain standards of excellence. In the spring of 2021, the McDonogh Parents Association (MPA) bylaws were amended to include the Equity & Inclusion Committee. The bylaws provided that the Equity & Inclusion committee "shall be responsible for providing insight and recommendations, developing strategies, and coordinating and supporting programs and opportunities that ensure that the MPA continues to be inclusive, employ processes that support continuous self-reflection, representative of members from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. The Equity & Inclusion Committee will work with other MPA committees and the School to ensure that the MPA promotes an environment where there is a sense of respect, fairness, and belonging."

MPA Equity & Inclusion Committee

The MPA Equity & Inclusion Committee was created to assist with maintaining McDonogh's standards of excellence. The purpose of the committee is to provide support to the School community, to promote an environment where there is a sense of respect, empathy, and belonging aligned with the McDonogh mission, vision, and values.

Committee Chair for 2025–2026

Eric Greene P '27, esgbaritone@gmail.com

Parent Heritage Circles (PHCs)

Parent Heritage Circles (PHCs) are welcoming spaces for McDonogh parents and guardians to connect, share experiences, and build community. These identity-based gatherings reflect our belief that every family deserves to feel a sense of belonging.

Formerly known as affinity groups, PHCs celebrate heritage and identity as sources of strength and connection. These circles are specifically designed to support families from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups, providing space for authentic voice and community partnership.

PHCs provide opportunities to:

• Celebrate shared heritage and culture
• Build relationships across grade levels and divisions
• Advocate for the needs of students and families
• Partner with the School on student success and advocacy

Each circle is facilitated by parent volunteers who manage meeting logistics, create a safe and supportive environment, navigate challenging conversations to promote group cohesion, maintain confidentiality, and provide feedback to the Director of Equity & Inclusion and Parent Engagement and the Chair of the MPA Equity & Inclusion Committee.

How to Engage in a PHC

We welcome and support parents who are interested in joining or launching a PHC. To get involved:

• Connect with Enaye Englenton, Director of Equity & Inclusion and Parent Engagement
• Attend a PHC meeting or School-hosted gathering

McDonogh currently has the following active PHCs:

• Parents of Black Students
• Parents of East and Southeast Asian Students
• Parents of Hispanic Students
• Parents of Jewish Students
• Parents of LGBTQIA+ Students
• Parents of Muslim Students
• Parents of South Asian Students

McDonogh provides communication and logistical support to help you build a meaningful and sustainable group.

If you have an idea for a new PHC or are interested in creating one, please complete this form. Please don't hesitate to contact Enaye Englenton with any questions.

Community Read and Table Discussion

This year, we invite the McDonogh community to join us in reading I Never Thought of It That Way by Mónica Guzmán. The book offers practical guidance on how to have open, curious conversations across differences—an essential skill that reflects McDonogh's commitment to Freedom of Expression and Civil Discourse.

To deepen this shared experience, we will host a Community Table dinner and discussion in January (date to be announced). Families, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to participate in this evening of dialogue, reflection, and community-building.

Stay tuned for more details on how to take part—we look forward to learning, sharing, and strengthening our community together.

Resources

We have compiled a list of resources for parents interested in learning more about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics. These resources, including books, podcasts, and organizations, offer a diverse range of perspectives and insights on understanding and addressing various issues. Whether you want to facilitate inclusive conversations at home or expand your knowledge, these resources provide a rich tapestry of ideas and experiences, offering a solid starting point for meaningful exploration and growth.