We Are Crew!

At the beginning of the school year, 5th Grade Redbud and Maple Crews explored the concept of identity as our first unit of study. We categorized what makes up an individual and found that people in general had a history of not being accepted or stereotyped. Many had to take a risk to preserve their right to express their thoughts and feelings freely. This was transparent from the start. The topic of identity saw us sharing aspects about what made us special no matter who we are.  As one quarter led to the next, a cluster of our/my students proudly formed and launched Detroit Prep’s GSA Club. This movement occurred right out of the box -the beginning of the year- :)  Talk about an action oriented group of youngsters-WOW WOW WOW!!!

The leadership of this club eventually rested under the tutelage of Ms. Aly our social worker and it was here that students across our Upper School acquired a safe space to talk about their identities.  In the end and in conjunction with National Pride Month, our school’s 5th grade GSA founders spearheaded to own, plan, and execute Detroit Prep’s Pride Week Celebration on June 9th of 2022-2023. DP’s wider community came together to celebrate equitable treatment of our core being no matter who we are. We Are Crew. 5th graders know it and are proud of it.

Crews’ 5th grade study of identity, diversity, justice, and action ran its course because of intentional planning from our administration, specialists, lead teachers, and parent support. The motto “ We are Crew” is recognized, practiced, and deliberate throughout our CREW term planners.  In turn, the daily initiatives of Morning & Closing Crew opened the door for Redbuds and Maples to teach others a valuable lesson: Set the bar high when it comes to addressing, accepting, respecting, and most of all celebrating the rights we hold for one another. And if you don’t believe me, just keep watching our school’s collective group of students in the years to come!