Another person’s words are the windows to his or her world, through which I see what it is like to be that person. When another speaks to me in truth, he or she becomes a transparent self, and releases in me an imaginative experience of his or her existence.

If he or she cannot speak, if I do not listen or if I cannot understand then we must remain suspicious strangers to one another, incognizant of our authentic similarities and differences.

S.E.E.D. (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) is a program originally designed by the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women to foster faculty-generated inclusive school curriculum.

It is a series of experiential monthly seminars on the impact of race, class, gender, age, ability and other defining aspects of our identity. SEED seminars focus on listening, sharing, experiencing and learning through readings, videos, thought-provoking exercises, reflective writing and candid conversations.

SEED is an opportunity to grow as a parent and role model, and to get to know others in the Nashoba Brooks community in the process.

The program began at Nashoba Brooks in 2003-2004, and has run for four complete seasons, with 51 participants. We invite you to join us this year, for a program that promises to be both profound and rewarding. Growing allies for the Nashoba Brooks community is important work.

SEED seminar meetings are held monthly, for eight sessions. They begin at 6:30 PM and conclude at 9:30 PM. Child care is available for NBS-age children.

The meetings include dinner, which participants take turns providing. Two members will bring entrees, while others bring salad and dessert. Diverse and delicious! SEED groups who use this model say it promotes other kinds of wonderful sharing, as well.

*To attend all SEED seminars. We all lead very busy lives, but SEED is like a team sport- you need to be there.

*To faithfully do the work. A short reading assignment from a thought-provoking book or article, or a short writing piece is all that is assigned each month. Participants typically agree that the time commitment is very reasonable and well worth the effort.

Genevieve (Gigi) Wolfe (978.369.4591 X 191, gigi@nbsc.org) and Polly Vanasse (978.369.4591 x 158, pvanasse@nbsc.org) both received their National SEED training in San Anselmo, California. They have co-facilitated the Nashoba Brooks Parent SEED group since 2004. Gigi is a reading specialist in the lower grades. Polly teaches science and math in grade 7, as well as coordinating the school's Service Learning programs.

SEED has been a fascinating adventure. Some wonderful reads, deep conversations, excellent meals and new friendships are what I will take away from this year.

SEED has afforded me the opportunity to talk with my children about diversity issues that I probably would not have broached until later, if ever.

The SEED program went beyond my expectations. I knew exploring our differences was important and valuable, but I had no idea how deep and rich this learning experience would be. I feel very close to our SEED group.

SEED has truly been one of the most enriching experiences I have had as a parent. It has made me more hopeful about our future as a community. Each meeting I attend, each SEED friend I spend time with, makes the sacrifices I have made to be there SO WORTH IT!

This event is open to the community. Family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, NBS faculty, and staff are all invited.

Attendance does not obligate you to the eight session parent or faculty seminars, but it will help inform your decision.

Please RSVP to Polly (pvanasse@nbsc.org; 978-369-4591, x158) or Gigi (gwolfe@nbsc.org; 978-369-4591, x191) by Monday, September 17.

"The American Dream is something that everyone, everywhere somehow seems to understand - this radical idea of creating one country from every corner of the earth with liberty and justice for all. It's very beautiful, but it's also very difficult. And it's up to us to make this dream come true." [from A Place at the Table]


	Parents’ SEED Seminar 2007-2008 Another person’s words are the windows to his or her world, through which I see what it is like to be that person. When another speaks to me in truth, he or she becomes a transparent self, and releases in me an imaginative experience of his or her existence. If he or she cannot speak, if I do not listen or if I cannot understand then we must remain suspicious strangers to one another, incognizant of our authentic similarities and differences. Sidney Jourard What is SEED? S.E.E.D. (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) is a program originally designed by the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women to foster faculty-generated inclusive school curriculum. It is a series of experiential monthly seminars on the impact of race, class, gender, age, ability and other defining aspects of our identity. SEED seminars focus on listening, sharing, experiencing and learning through readings, videos, thought-provoking exercises, reflective writing and candid conversations. SEED is an opportunity to grow as a parent and role model, and to get to know others in the Nashoba Brooks community in the process. The program began at Nashoba Brooks in 2003-2004, and has run for four complete seasons, with 51 participants. We invite you to join us this year, for a program that promises to be both profound and rewarding. Growing allies for the Nashoba Brooks community is important work. When do we meet? SEED seminar meetings are held monthly, for eight sessions. They begin at 6:30 PM and conclude at 9:30 PM. Child care is available for NBS-age children. Dates for the 2007-2008 SEED seminars: Thursday, October 25 Thursday, November 1 Thursday, December 13 Thursday, January 10 Tuesday, February 12 Thursday, March 27 Tuesday, April 3 Thursday, May 1 The meetings include dinner, which participants take turns providing. Two members will bring entrees, while others bring salad and dessert. Diverse and delicious! SEED groups who use this model say it promotes other kinds of wonderful sharing, as well. What would be my commitment for the seminar series? To attend all SEED seminars. We all lead very busy lives, but SEED is like a team sport- you need to be there. To faithfully do the work. A short reading assignment from a thought-provoking book or article, or a short writing piece is all that is assigned each month. Participants typically agree that the time commitment is very reasonable and well worth the effort. How do I sign up? Who are the facilitators? Genevieve (Gigi) Wolfe (978.369.4591 X 191, gigi@nbsc.org) and Polly Vanasse (978.369.4591 x 158, pvanasse@nbsc.org) both received their National SEED training in San Anselmo, California. They have co-facilitated the Nashoba Brooks Parent SEED group since 2004. Gigi is a reading specialist in the lower grades. Polly teaches science and math in grade 7, as well as coordinating the school's Service Learning programs. Why should I join SEED? SEED has been a fascinating adventure. Some wonderful reads, deep conversations, excellent meals and new friendships are what I will take away from this year. -3^rd grade Mom SEED has afforded me the opportunity to talk with my children about diversity issues that I probably would not have broached until later, if ever. -Kindergarten Mom The SEED program went beyond my expectations. I knew exploring our differences was important and valuable, but I had no idea how deep and rich this learning experience would be. I feel very close to our SEED group. -Father of two SEED has truly been one of the most enriching experiences I have had as a parent. It has made me more hopeful about our future as a community. Each meeting I attend, each SEED friend I spend time with, makes the sacrifices I have made to be there SO WORTH IT! -8^th grade Mom Curious? Please come for A Taste of SEED Thurssday, September 20 from 7 - 8:30pm Achtmeyer Conference Room Participate in a "Windows and Mirrors" activity Watch "The Shadow of Hate" Respond through journaling and shared conversation Enjoy the company of fellow parents and find out what SEED is all about! This event is open to the community. Family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, NBS faculty, and staff are all invited. Attendance does not obligate you to the eight session parent or faculty seminars, but it will help inform your decision. Please RSVP to Polly (pvanasse@nbsc.org; 978-369-4591, x158) or Gigi (gwolfe@nbsc.org; 978-369-4591, x191) by Monday, September 17. "The American Dream is something that everyone, everywhere somehow seems to understand - this radical idea of creating one country from every corner of the earth with liberty and justice for all. It's very beautiful, but it's also very difficult. And it's up to us to make this dream come true." [from A Place at the Table] When you clench your fist, no one can put anything in your hand. Alex Haley Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the tree. J. Willard Marriott