Beloved Community Launches Small Groups
On Sept. 4, St. Andrew's hosted its second annual Beloved Community Dinner. Families in grades K-12 gathered at the Upper School's Learning Commons to connect, share a meal and learn about the different ways that St. Andrew’s is intentional about fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging for all.
As families gathered, trading stories, listening, eating and making connections, "a joyful hum" could be heard throughout the entire event, said one parent.
The intentionality of the Beloved Community was most evident in the opening prayer offered by K-8 Chaplain, Ashley Brandon; the presentation shared by Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Kendall Evans; and the ideas offered by a handful of enterprising parents regarding parent-led small groups.
These Beloved Community small groups will meet throughout the year with the intent to bring together St. Andrew's families with shared experiences and to foster relationships. The groups meeting during the 2024-2025 school year include Heritage Harvesters; Naan Stop; Cheers, Queers!; The Yadda Yadda; and Diamondback Craic, curators of Texas Trad.
The intentionality of the Beloved Community was most evident in the opening prayer offered by K-8 Chaplain, Ashley Brandon; the presentation shared by Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Kendall Evans; and the ideas offered by a handful of enterprising parents regarding parent-led small groups.
These Beloved Community small groups will meet throughout the year with the intent to bring together St. Andrew's families with shared experiences and to foster relationships. The groups meeting during the 2024-2025 school year include Heritage Harvesters; Naan Stop; Cheers, Queers!; The Yadda Yadda; and Diamondback Craic, curators of Texas Trad.
Introducing Beloved Community Small Groups
Naan Stop
A group for Asian-American families (and all others at St. Andrew's who would like to attend) that are interested in making cultural connections through Indian food.
Get Involved—Get-togethers will take place 4-5 times a year, starting with our inaugural gathering at noon on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Superbhat. If you plan to attend, please RSVP so we have an accurate headcount: RSVP for September 28 Event.
Get Involved—Get-togethers will take place 4-5 times a year, starting with our inaugural gathering at noon on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Superbhat. If you plan to attend, please RSVP so we have an accurate headcount: RSVP for September 28 Event.
Questions—If you have any questions, direct them to SAS parents, Ruchit Shah and Stefanie Scott (stefanietscott@gmail.com). We hope to see you there!
The Yadda Yadda
A lively and inclusive gathering for connecting, celebrating and exploring the joy of our Jewish heritage. We'll meet every couple of months for themed events surrounding holidays, food, comedy, family lore, music and a heck of a lot of kibitzing! From those who fully identify as Jewish, to those who have blended backgrounds, to those who have converted or are partnered with or parenting Jewish folks, all are welcome.
Get involved—If you're interested in creating this community together, please contact Rebecca Soffer (rksoffer@gmail.com) for more details.
Diamondback Craic, curators of Texas Trad
My vision for a "Texas Trad Session" is to have a core group of 3-5 musicians host a session at an Irish pub once a month. The core group will lead the session and anyone who wants can participate: parents, students, grandparents, outsiders, etc. Using the session as an excuse to be social is also highly encouraged. We could start with 5 songs for the first session and add a few every month. A really cool t-shirt design is also a top priority. (Check out our logo!)
We are a group for LGBTQIA and our allies who will join together to raise a toast to our families and our commitment to diversity at St. Andrew's. Our goal is to gather 2-3 times this year with the first event being a family friendly happy hour at our home with the hopes of getting to know other families.
Get involved—Please contact Joanna and Kristen Benjamin-Holden (jholden310@gmail.com) if you are interested in having a gay (or not) ole' time!
Heritage Harvesters
Heritage Harvesters
A group of St. Andrew’s families dedicated to preserving and sharing culinary traditions from diverse heritages. The group focuses on exploring, celebrating, and passing down recipes, techniques, and food stories that reflect the rich cultural histories of various communities. Through potluck gatherings, recipe exchange workshops, and collaborative cooking events, Heritage Harvesters promotes the importance of food as a means of connecting with one’s roots and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Our mission is to ensure that traditional culinary knowledge is honored and passed on to future generations and plan to meet three times this year .
Get involved—Contact Krittika Kapani (krittikakapani@gmail.com) for further information.
Get involved—Contact Krittika Kapani (krittikakapani@gmail.com) for further information.
Parenting in the Digital Age
We are a fun, active and growing group of SAS families who come together about once a month to listen, think, and learn about all things related to technology and parenting in the digital age. In some months, we'll host discussions and guest presentations relating to the use and prevalence of technology, including topics ranging from maintaining our children's well being to artificial intelligence, innovation, and cyber security. In other months, we'll get together for social and fun events where the whole family can join other members of the group and the SAS Community.
Get involved—Contact Dominique Thuot (dm.meli@gmail.com) for more information.
Get involved—Contact Dominique Thuot (dm.meli@gmail.com) for more information.
