Getting to Know Miryam Harvey, Dean of Students + Faculty

How would you define your role in the SGS community? 
I serve as the bridge between a student's home and school life. In addition to holding the social and emotional health of our students, my team supports co-curricular programming. We do this in partnership with students and adults from home, with the personal touch that is part of the SGS experience. My team includes the Front Desk, Registrar, Athletic Director, and Student Support Specialist. 

Why is middle school at SGS so unique? 
Well, let me count the ways! At SGS, students can show up as their authentic selves. The adults on campus model this by being whole humans in brave spaces: staying vulnerable, learning from mistakes, taking care of ourselves (whether that means emotionally, physically or mentally). We embrace learning and growing as a journey for students. This shows up most prominently in the identity work that is woven into the curriculum throughout a student's time at SGS. 

How is the SGS mission lived by students? 
How is it not!? Currently, adults on campus are discussing the norms of our new building in anticipation of the conversations we will have with students. We arrive with curiosity and want the students to do the same. Joy is lived through the curriculum, this beautiful building, and our faculty and staff. We encourage advocacy and change making, so we know the students will raise questions if they discover an accessibility issue or barrier. Students will be at the table with the leadership of our student council when creating our norms.
 
What kind of student does SGS serve best? 
I think representation matters, and students see themselves in the adults on campus here. They may look like adults they see, or may discover another affinity with folks at SGS. This allows a wide variety of students to feel at home here, and to navigate middle school years with comfort (even when things feel quirky and challenging). We want kids to bring their uniqueness to school and to share it as a part of campus life; we don't strive for perfection, because that is not how life is! We're a great fit for students who are seeking community, want to partner with their peers, and will engage in a collaborative learning experience. 

What are you most excited about at the new campus? 
The new building itself! We have a great outdoor space, interesting nooks, cool colors, and great shared learning spaces indoors and out, plus lots of windows that will allow the building to be a light-filled space year-round. We have furnishings and a building structure that support our learning with a variety of spaces. All of this only enhances the collaborative curriculum design we have at SGS. 
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Located in the Central District, Seattle Girls' School is an independent school for girls and gender nonconforming students in grades 5-8. Our mission is to inspire and develop courageous leaders who think independently, work collaboratively, learn joyfully, and champion change.