Office of Community Engagement
Formed in 2018, the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) continues to build upon the decades-long work undertaken by Grace faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni, alumni families, and trustees. The OCE’s role is to ensure that Grace honors its commitments to belonging, sustainability, and service learning, thereby allowing the School to realize the fullest expression of its mission.
Led by Jean-Robert Andre, Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and Antonella Dominguez, Diversity Programs Coordinator, the OCE:
- Partners with parents and families to create programming and host community-wide events.
- Facilitates professional development opportunities and provides administrative support for faculty and staff
- Oversees student groups and select student programs, including the annual MLK Peace Program.
OCE News
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2025 Welcome Lunch for Families of Color
On September 13, 2025, over 100 members of Grace’s community gathered for the Welcome Lunch for Families of Color. This 40-year-old annual tradition is open to the entire Grace community and is hosted in partnership with the Office of Community Engagement, the Office of Admissions and Enrollment, and the Families of Color Parent Group. The event was first launched by Linda Cooper, former assistant to the head of school, to strengthen the School’s efforts to nurture a culture of dignity and belonging for all, and it continues to do so today, bringing together families from across the Grace community. -
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Program
In 1993, Grace’s Middle School held an assembly to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During the three plus decades since, the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Program, as it has come to be known, has evolved into an interdisciplinary school-wide event featuring performances, assemblies, guest speakers, workshops, artmaking, and service learning opportunities. -
Family Shabbat
The Grace Jewish Parents Alliance Group (JPAG) hosted a Hanukkah-themed Shabbat dinner, welcome to all Grace families and community members. The dining hall was buzzing with conversation, laughter, and song as attendees enjoyed crafts, games, music, delicious food, and a short service. Tables were brimming with Mediterranean fare and desserts, both traditional and less conventional, from babkas to Dunkin Donuts. Students decorated cookies, made jewelry, and tried their hand at the dreidel. Guest musicians filled the space with rhythm before making way for the voices of parents of JPAG, Henry A. ’25, and Rabbi Misha, who shared the importance of Shabbat and extended their gratitude for the volunteers and attendees. -
Visibility Exhibit
Grace marked the tenth anniversary of its Visibility Exhibit this year, a biennial photography project that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer loved ones connected to our school community while acknowledging that the work of LGBTQ+ inclusion is far from over. In the ground floor hallways of the high school and JK–8 campuses, colorful portraits and joy-filled snapshots showcased many members of our community and extended community with LGBTQ+ loved ones. -
Hispanic Heritage Month
Grace took part in the annual celebration of Latinx Heritage Month from September 15–October 15 with JK–12 students sharing, learning about, and reflecting on Latinx history and heritage and the important contributions of Latinx people. -
"We Really Mean It"
On the morning of September 6, new junior kindergarten through eighth grade parents and parental figures gathered in Tuttle Hall for a welcome and orientation to kick off their first school year at Grace. As part of the formal program, Head of School Robbie Pennoyer greeted families and described his hopes for the partnership that will develop between them and the school in the years to come, a message he also shared with new high school families earlier that week. -
Food & Justice Night
Earlier this week, students, families, faculty, and staff gathered for Grace’s third annual Food & Justice Night, an evening of learning, sharing food, and telling stories that explore the intersections of social justice, sustainability, and culture. -
Black History Month Chapels
February was Black History Month, and Grace Church School students commemorated it through speeches, artwork, and performances. -
GJA x MOCA
The high school's Men of Color Affinity group recently visited George Jackson Academy, a nearby independent middle school serving boys of color. -
PGSA with Grace Librarians
The Parent Gender/Sexuality Alliance is an open group for LGBTQ+ families, families with LGBTQ+ children and children who are exploring their identity, and anyone interested in strengthening inclusion efforts at Grace. -
High School MLK Jr. Symposium: January 17-19, 2024
The theme for the 2024 all-school Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Program was "In Service Of...," honoring the original intent of the MLK holiday as a national day of service. The annual High School MLK Symposium culminated with a morning of local community service. -
Welcome from the OCE
We are thrilled to start this new academic year and to (re)introduce the Office of Community Engagement! One aim of the OCE is to share resources for interested families to learn more about the different cultures that make up the Grace community. To that end, please check out the OCE resource board on GraceNet for up-to-date information on all the work we do throughout the year.
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© 2025 Grace Church School
Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for over 800 students in junior kindergarten through twelfth grade.
