Our School

Community Engagement & Belonging

Helen Parkhurst, "Education on the Dalton Plan," 1922

The second principle of the Dalton Laboratory Plan is co-operation or, as I prefer to call it, the interaction of group life…A school cannot reflect the social experience which is the fruit of community life unless all its parts, or groups, develop those intimate relations one with the other and that interdependence which, outside school, binds men and nations together.

Office of Community Engagement & Belonging

Our mission to educate and prepare students so that they may Go Forth Unafraid in a complex global community hinges on their capacity to think critically and make ethical decisions that stem from a core belief in the value of difference, a sense of cultural fluency, and a sincere and empathic regard for interdependence.

The commitment to inclusion and belonging embedded in our mission is made explicit in the Strategic Plan, a multifaceted, community-wide set of objectives published by the Board of Trustees, and includes admission of a student body with diverse backgrounds; recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, administration, and staff welcoming of, and advancing opportunity for all; the development of inclusive curricula; ongoing education on complex cultural issues; equal access for all community members to participate fully in the life of the school; and measures to determine our accountability and progress.

Programs & Initiatives

Our curriculum, programming, and initiatives cultivate belonging, authenticity, leadership, empathy, awareness, and community. See below for programming, groups, and initiatives taking place across constituencies.

  • FP House 91

    During House 91, the K-3 community comes together to highlight and celebrate the beauty of our inclusive community. H91 assemblies bring the community together through songs, videos, read-alouds and performances that highlight the richness of our community. H91 also provides opportunities to showcase dynamic K-3 classroom and student projects that pertain to themes of inclusion and belonging.

  • C.E.B. House

    Community Engagement & Belonging House provides a space for students to engage meaningfully with one another on topics such as identity, core values, self-care, power, privilege and more. With thoughtful reflections, developmentally appropriate frameworks, and applicable scenarios, Belonging House helps students build empathy, allyship, affirmation, and understanding within themselves and one another.
     

  • HS Dialogue Lab

    High School DialogueLab serves as a dedicated time and space for reflection about our identities and our unique and shared experiences as members of the Dalton community. With interactive activities and thoughtful discussion, DialogueLab aligns with our mission to “cultivate values of respect, integrity, compassion and justice to encourage community responsibility, combat prejudice and engage students as participants in a democratic society and global community.”
     

  • A Seat at the Table

    We began hosting "A Seat at the Table" in response to parent interest to focus on our collective work to build a sense of community and belonging at Dalton. Twice per year, over a shared meal, the Office of Community Engagement & Belonging facilitates discussions and welcomes speakers on topics relevant to our parent community, with the goal of forging connections through stories and conversations. Recent topics included, "Encouraging Empathy Through Inquiry," and "Complex World: Complex Conversations."

  • Affinity Groups

    These optional, informal groups, chosen by student interest, provide opportunities for community members to connect, learn, and gather. These spaces foster interactive reflection, discussion, and activities.
     
    Student groups are offered in Middle and High School supported by a faculty advisor. Parent groups are led by volunteers in partnership with the Parents Association.

  • Professional Growth Opportunities

    Throughout the year, the Office of Community Engagement and Belonging supports opportunities, both internal and external, for employees to deepen knowledge and application of equity and belonging in their respective roles. This includes a training for new faculty and staff led in conjunction with peer schools.

  • Community Celebrations

    The CE&B Office sponsors community celebrations, often in partnership with the Parents Association, including:
    • A Belonging Celebration
    • Sukkot
    • Multicultural Festival
    • Interfaith Club Dinner
    • Holi
    • Bollywood Night
    • La Gran Fiesta
    • Parents of Black Students Block Party
    • Lunar New Year
    • Eid

  • IDEA LAB

    IDEA Lab is an innovative form of professional development for Dalton faculty and staff related to inclusion and belonging. In IDEA Lab, participants engage in interactive workshops, led by their colleagues and guest facilitators, that provide essential skills and tools to support a culturally responsive and progressive teaching and work environment.

  • Institutional Committees

    Central to our commitment to foster a diverse and inclusive community are the Board of Trustees' Inclusion and Culture Committee and the Alumni Council Bridges Committee, both which play pivotal roles in advancing the school's objectives related to inclusion and belonging.
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Featured News

News Stories

List of 3 news stories.

  • The Dalton Conference 2026 - Whole Child, Whole School: An Ecological Approach to Wellness

    Last weekend, the Dalton Conference brought 24 New York independent schools to our 89th Street building for a day of education and reflection.
    Read More

  • A Seat at the Table: Encouraging Empathy Through Inquiry

    At our spring “A Seat at the Table” event, members of our parent community came together for a thoughtful and energizing conversation around encouraging empathy and curiosity in potentially challenging conversations.
    Read More

  • “A Seat at the Table” Kicks Off with Leaning In and Leaning On: Intentional Listening and Engagement

    At this year's first “A Seat at the Table” event, parents from all divisions joined administrators over a shared meal to explore the science and research behind conflict and connection in relationships, focusing on intentional listening and engagement. 
    Read More

Meet the Team

List of 6 members.

  • Photo of Johára Tucker

    Johára Tucker 

    Chief of Community Engagement and Belonging
  • Photo of Diku Rogers

    Diku Rogers 

    Associate Director of Community Engagement and Belonging
  • Photo of Avani Tandon

    Avani Tandon 

    Fourth Grade House Advisor & MS CEB Coordinator
  • Photo of Elif Espinola-Engin

    Elif Espinola-Engin 

    Middle School L.A.S.S. Teacher and House Advisor
  • Photo of Shobana Ram

    Shobana Ram 

    Second Grade House Advisor & FP CEB Coordinator
  • Photo of Mahsa Shabani

    Mahsa Shabani 

    Third Grade Associate Teacher & FP CEB Coordinator

Grades K-3

53 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128

Grades 4-12

108 East 89th Street, New York, NY 10128

Physical Education Center

200 East 87th Street, New York, NY 10128

Contact Info

212-423-5200    |    Email Contacts

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