Equity and Belonging
Alliance Group
GLOW (Gay, Lesbian, Or Whatever!)
GLOW is a LGBTQ+ alliance group. Their goal is to provide a space where all students can share experiences, ask questions, and feel comfortable exploring their sexuality and gender identity without fear of judgment. GLOW is open to everyone and anyone who may be interested in queer topics as we believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their identity and when exploring their perspectives and the perspectives of others.
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups offer an opportunity for students to come together in a safe, supportive space where they can connect with others who share similar experiences and identities. These groups help foster meaningful relationships, where students can feel a sense of belonging and empowerment, knowing they’re surrounded by peers who truly understand them. We emphasize that creating a space where personal growth and identity exploration can happen in a nurturing environment. It’s about honoring and celebrating who they are while also helping them build connections that strengthen their sense of self.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
The mission of BIPOC is to provide a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for students of color so they can better understand their experiences as a marginalized student at Derryfield.
Breakthrough Manchester
Breakthrough Manchester is housed on Derryfield’s campus and is the second oldest of the 24 Breakthrough program sites in the country. Our Breakthrough students are all Manchester area residents and the program currently serves 169 students, 73% of whom identify as students of color. In 2016, we partnered with Southern New Hampshire University, in an effort to meaningfully expand this academic enrichment program beyond the middle school years, all the way through grade 12. On Derryfield’s campus, middle school students have their summer and school year educational experiences, while SNHU supports them through high school and the college enrollment process.
Community Leaders
Tony Bonjorno
Tony Bonjorno
- Job Title:
- Arts & Design Department; GLOW Advisor
- Email:
- tbonjorno@derryfield.org
In addition to teaching general music, Tony leads the MS and US string ensembles, is the music director for our school musicals when he is not playing violin in the pit orchestra, and teaches a songwriting elective. He is the advisor to the GLOW Club. Prior to joining the DS faculty, Tony taught at the Surry Village Charter School and the Micro Academy Charter School, and taught private voice and violin lessons. In addition to teaching, Tony writes, plays, and records his own music and is very involved in youth and adult theater.
Courtney Cheetham
Courtney Cheetham
- Job Title:
- Director of Wellness; Leadership, Ethics, and Development Program Coordinator
- Education:
- Boston College - B.A., Rivier University - M.Ed., Rivier University - CAGS
- Email:
- ccheetham@derryfield.org
Role: Director of Wellness, Algebra 2 and LEAD Teacher
Other Hats: Girls varsity basketball coach, Advisor – Grade 8
Favorite Assignment: Ropes Course – In LEAD we are able to do the indoor climbing wall and outdoor ropes course. It’s a ton of fun to watch students develop confidence and step out of their comfort zones on the high ropes. It’s really high!
Favorite DS Tradition: Community meeting – it’s a unique opportunity to hear from all kinds of voices and to truly bring the community together with such cool presentations!
Anela Kruščica
Anela Kruščica
- Job Title:
- Director of Equity and Belonging
- Education:
- Southern New Hampshire University - B.S., M.B.A. (in process)
- Email:
- akruscica@derryfield.org
