Diversity Celebrated at Kurn Hattin Homes

The children and staff at Kurn Hattin Homes are celebrating Diversity Month. The month is filled with opportunities to learn about world cultures, and to acknowledge the personal experiences of people from backgrounds different from one’s own. “Due to the diversity of the children at Kurn Hattin Homes, we are pleased to affirm our dedication to the exploration of identity and the celebration of difference.” said Sue Kessler, Director of Admissions.

Before the start of Diversity Month, a training for staff was led by counselor Tress Zuverino about how to best serve students of color to create a safe and empowering educational and home environment. “Diversity is a value that we hold of highest importance at Kurn Hattin Homes”, said Principal Sergio Simunovic.

The kick-off to Diversity Month began, fittingly, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The choir traveled to Vermont Academy to participate in a performance. The children sang and played instruments alongside alumni of Kurn Hattin Homes who now attend Vermont Academy. The song list included “We Shall Overcome”, “When You Believe”, and “The Prayer”. A video of the performance made by Vermont Academy is available on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/MJ3NAAjceEk

Each day during Diversity Month, the students discuss different topics about diversity and watch a special video that depicts children’s daily lives around the world. Global foods featured at lunchtime this past week were Indian curry, West African peanut stew, German Sauerbraten, and Middle Eastern steak and hummus. On January 26, Jack Pratt will come to Kurn Hattin to talk to the children about his experiences working closely with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.