At New Hampton School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a time for learning, reflection, and action. Instead of taking the day off, our school community reframes the day as an opportunity to engage deeply with Dr. King’s legacy by turning it into a day “on.” This year, our approach shifted from traditional workshops to an integrated, academic focus that allowed students to explore themes of representation and equity across their regular classes.
The day began with an all-school meeting, where members of the Council on Representation and Equity shared an inspiring presentation. Their reflections and research set the tone for the day, inviting everyone to consider how their individual actions can contribute to building a more equitable world. From there, students transitioned into their classes, where faculty had crafted unique lessons designed to explore representation and equity through the lens of their subject areas.
By incorporating these themes into existing curricula, teachers encouraged students to think critically about equity and inclusion in fields ranging from music to mathematics. This holistic approach highlighted the importance of diversity and representation across all disciplines, fostering meaningful connections between academic content and the principles Dr. King championed.
Highlights from the Day’s Lessons
The Arts
Our arts department covered a vast range of topics through performing and visual arts. In Musical Theatre, students explored identity-conscious casting, while Stage Combat covered disabilities in theatre and how to combat ableism. One of Mr. Masterson’s classes learned the history of the song “We Shall Overcome” and practiced its words, melodies, and rhythms while considering its purpose. Ms. Wilson’s class explored the power of music, with one student, Bri ’25, reflecting that “Every song has a message behind it. The more a song is sang and shared, the more the message is spread, And the more the message is spread, the more power there is behind it.” Mr. Smith prepared a lesson on underrepresented artists, comparing and contrasting their exceptional works with contemporaries, while helping students explore the Harlem Renaissance and artists of color with cultural context and social justice in mind.
Mathematics
Practical lessons in pre-calculus challenged students to consider economic feasibility through wages and cost of living expenses for differing family sizes within Chicago, ultimately determining through their calculations what a fair living wage truly is or is not. Other lessons explored BIPOC contributors in mathematics, while another examined the economics of generational wealth and the advantages and disadvantages this presents.
Languages
Discussing diversity, ethnicity, and representation through language is a great springboard for deeper explorations. In Mr. Driscoll’s English class, students found inspiration in the powerful words of poet Langston Hughes, analyzing how his work addressed themes of racial justice and resilience, and leaning into Hughes’ “Daybreak in Alabama.” Some Spanish classes explored the diversity of ethnicity across Latin America, focusing on how Latin identity is portrayed in media and its impact on societal perceptions. These discussions provided students with a deeper understanding of representation and cultural narratives within the context of language and communication.
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The day’s reimagined schedule elevated the typical academic experience, transforming it into a powerful exercise in empathy, awareness, and critical thinking. By weaving lessons of equity into the fabric of each subject, New Hampton School demonstrated its commitment to honoring Dr. King’s legacy not just in word, but in action. Students left the day inspired to continue these conversations and bring these values into their daily lives, embodying the spirit of a day “on.” The work continues on campus with opportunities for students to engage in discussions, gatherings, and open CORE meetings.
