---
title: Enter to Learn. Go Forth to Serve. Every Word Counts
description: St. Luke's Director of Equity and Inclusion shares about SLS's Every Word Counts, a mini-conference for Middle and Upper School students, faculty, and staff featuring conflict mediator and leadership coach Jason Craige Harris.
image: https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-298_edit.jpg
---

[![](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/logo-2025.png)](https://www.stlukesct.org/)

[![SLS-Logo-2025-white](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/SLS-Logo-2025-white.png)](http://www.stlukesct.org/)

![blogleadingvoices  banner.jpg](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/blogleadingvoices%20%20banner.jpg?width=1000&name=blogleadingvoices%20%20banner.jpg "blogleadingvoices  banner.jpg")

[Inquire](https://stlukesct.myschoolapp.com/page/admissions/apply-to-sls/inquire-online) [Visit](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us) [Apply](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls)

# [Enter to Learn. Go Forth to Serve. Every Word Counts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/everywordcounts)

 by [Jacqueline Nelson](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion)

![Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Nelson_Jaci.jpeg)

#### SLS recently hosted Every Word Counts, a mini-conference for Middle and Upper School students, faculty, and staff featuring conflict mediator and leadership coach [Jason Craige Harris](https://www.jchheals.com/about). This community-wide event extended SLS’s civil discourse platform and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and human connection, especially in times of division.

![SLS-Jason Craige Harris-156](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-156.jpg?width=501&height=339&name=SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-156.jpg)

In [*The Best of Our Human Instincts*](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts), we acknowledged the strength of SLS diversity —  rooted in the many voices, perspectives, and needs that shape our community. We are also a school deeply committed to moral compass development, civil discourse, and ethical leadership through our [Leading with Humanity curriculum](https://www.stlukesct.org/leadership/leading-with-humanity). These commitments call for strong skills in active listening, emotional regulation, reflection, and perspective-taking. Every Word Counts was designed to help strengthen those skills.

![SLS-Jason Craige Harris-114](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-114.jpg?width=501&height=323&name=SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-114.jpg)

During his keynote, Jason Craige Harris shared practical strategies for effective communication. The subsequent advisory scenario discussions further highlighted the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the distinction between feeling discomfort vs. unsafe. His approach aligns with [St. Luke’s Community Goals for Learning](https://www.stlukesct.org/academics/curriculum) and emphasizes open-mindedness and constructive disagreement.

![SLS-Jason Craige Harris-161](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-161.jpg?width=501&height=339&name=SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-161.jpg)

He centered his message on three essential values: empathy, curiosity, and humility.

Empathy requires more than understanding — it involves attentive body language, checking for understanding, and reflecting back on what we hear. Empathy and curiosity ask us to listen more and speak less.

Curiosity encourages us to ask open-ended “what” and “how” questions that clarify intent, invite perspective, and focus on understanding rather than judgment. In a culture often quick to “cancel,” curiosity is an invitation to engage rather than retreat. Questions might include:

> “Could you say more about that?”  
> “What experiences shape your perspective?”  
> “How did it impact you?”  
> “What might you do differently?”

Humility allows us to question our assumptions, speak from personal experience, and own our impact, regardless of intent. It can look like taking a breath, pausing to reflect, or stepping away to reset. Key questions include:

> "What might I be missing?"  
> "Is there another way to view this?"  
> "Could I have gotten something wrong?"

*![SLS-Jason Craige Harris-73](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-73.jpg?width=501&height=339&name=SLS-Jason%20Craige%20Harris-73.jpg)*

*Every Word Counts* offered a shared framework for thinking about inclusion and belonging through the lens of civil discourse. In a dynamic school community, we grow stronger when our efforts are transparent and responsive. To extend this experience beyond the Hilltop, the keynote was live-streamed to parents, caregivers, alumni, and trustees — an invitation to join the conversation and see how the Office of Equity & Inclusion is helping to shape thoughtful, respectful dialogue at SLS. The ultimate goal of this gathering was to inform, empower, and enrich members of the SLS community as we all work together and Lead with Humanity.

[See more photos from *Every Word Counts.*](https://slscommunications.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Special-Events/Every-Word-Counts)

 

Read more from Director of Equity & Inclusion Jacqueline Nelson

[We See As We Are](https://blog.stlukesct.org/weseeasweare)

[Creating Durable Communities: Fostering Belonging & Respect on the St. Luke’s Hilltop](https://blog.stlukesct.org/creatingdurablecommunities)

 

- <https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Feverywordcounts&t=Enter%20to%20Learn.%20Go%20Forth%20to%20Serve.%20Every%20Word%20Counts>
- <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Feverywordcounts&text=:%20St.%20Luke's%20Director%20of%20Equity%20and%20Inclusion%20shares%20about%20SLS's%20Every%20Word%20Counts,%20a%20mini-conference%20for%20Middle%20and%20Upper%20School%20students,%20faculty,%20and%20staff%20featuring%20conflict%20mediator%20and%20leadership%20coach%20Jason%20Craige%20Harris.>
- <http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Feverywordcounts&title=Enter%20to%20Learn.%20Go%20Forth%20to%20Serve.%20Every%20Word%20Counts&summary=St.%20Luke's%20Director%20of%20Equity%20and%20Inclusion%20shares%20about%20SLS's%20Every%20Word%20Counts,%20a%20mini-conference%20for%20Middle%20and%20Upper%20School%20students,%20faculty,%20and%20staff%20featuring%20conflict%20mediator%20and%20leadership%20coach%20Jason%20Craige%20Harris.>
- <https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Feverywordcounts>

 

 

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2035825/566156bb-3d49-4096-bde2-7d2724e323b9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2035825/566156bb-3d49-4096-bde2-7d2724e323b9)

 

 

## Leave a comment

### Get our latest blog posts!

![Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Nelson_Jaci.jpeg)

[Jacqueline Nelson](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion)

 Jacqueline Nelson is St. Luke's Director of Equity and Inclusion. Jaci has a decade of experience in independent schools as both a teacher and administrator, previously serving on the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Diversity Committee and currently serving as a Commissioner on the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Commission on Diversity. Education: M.S., Bank Street College of Education, Early Childhood Education, General and Special Education, Pre K- 2nd B.S., Towson University, Business Marketing

![profile_icon.png](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/profile_icon.png?width=200&height=200&name=profile_icon.png)

### By Author

- [Amber Berry: Former Head of Middle School ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/amber-berry)
- [Beth Yavenditti: Director of Global Education ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/beth-yavenditti-director-of-global-education)
- [Carrie Meatto: Spanish Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/carrie-meatto-spanish-teacher)
- [Daphne Teittinen-Schreck: ESS Director ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/daphne-teittinen-schreck-ess-director)
- [Dr. Jason Haynes: History Chair ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/dr-jason-haynes-history-chair)
- [Dr. Stephanie Bramlett: Former Director of Inclusive Excellence ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/dr-stephanie-bramlett-former-director-of-inclusive-excellence)
- [Gareth Fancher: Director of Emotional Intelligence ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/gareth-fancher-director-of-emotional-intelligence)
- [Georgia Rosenberg '19: Student ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/georgia-rosenberg-19-student)
- [Hunter Martin: Summer Program Director ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/hunter-martin-summer-program-director)
- [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion ( 4 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion)
- [Jane Olsen: Fifth Grade Teacher (retired) ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jane-olsen)
- [Jason Giffen: Director of Enrollment Management ( 4 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jason-giffen-director-of-enrollment-management)
- [Jessie Samuel, Fifth Grade Science Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jessie-samuel-fifth-grade-science-teacher)
- [Jim Foley: Asst. Head of School for Leadership & Innovation ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jim-foley-asst-head-of-school-for-leadership-innovation)
- [Jim Yavenditti: Director of Studies ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jim-yavenditti-director-of-studies)
- [Joshua Schneider, Upper School Science Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/joshua-schneider-upper-school-science-teacher)
- [Julia Gabriele: Associate Head of School & Chief Financial Officer ( 5 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/julia-gabriele-associate-head-of-school-chief-financial-officer)
- [Kate Parker-Burgard: Director of Community Connections ( 22 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/kate-parker-burgard-director-of-community-connections)
- [Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics ( 11 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/liz-perry)
- [Mark Chuhta: Asst. Head of Middle School ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/mark-chuhta-asst-head-of-middle-school)
- [Mary Halpin Carter: Head of School ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/mary-carter)
- [Nancy Troeger: Director of Marketing and Communications ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/nancy-troeger-director-of-marketing-and-communications)
- [Sonia Bell: Director of College Counseling ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/sonia-bell-director-of-college-counseling)
- [Stephen Vehslage: Associate Director of College Counseling ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/stephen-vehslage-associate-director-of-college-counseling)
- [Students: Jack Briggs '21 and Liam Patty '21 ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/students-jack-briggs-21-and-liam-patty-21)
- [Tom Owen: English Teaching Fellow ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/tom-owen-english-teaching-fellow)
- Gareth Fancher ( 1 )

### Recent Articles

### Posts by Topic

- [Leadership (44)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/leadership)
- [Character (33)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/character)
- [Mission (32)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/mission)
- [Community (28)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/community)
- [School (25)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/school)
- [Innovation in Education (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/innovation-in-education)
- [Lifelong Learning (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/lifelong-learning)
- [Service (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/service)
- [teens (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/teens)
- [private school (14)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/private-school)
- [Inspiration (13)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/inspiration)
- [Values (13)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/values)
- [Moral Compass (11)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/moral-compass)
- [Parenting (10)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/parenting)
- [Diversity & Inclusion (9)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/diversity-inclusion)
- [Global Perspective (9)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/global-perspective)
- [Above and Beyond (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/above-and-beyond)
- [Gratitude (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/gratitude)
- [Moral Courage (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/moral-courage)
- [Well-Being (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/well-being)
- [Freedom (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/freedom)
- [Mindfulness (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/mindfulness)
- [SLSHeroes (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/slsheroes)
- [college (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/college)
- [Civil Discourse (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/civil-discourse)
- [College Admissions (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/college-admissions)
- [Resilience (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/resilience)
- [Student Voices (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/student-voices)
- [Technology (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/technology)
- [humanity (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/humanity)
- [Meditation (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/meditation)
- [Parents as Partners (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/parents-as-partners)
- [Postive (Alumni) Outcomes (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/postive-alumni-outcomes)
- [Private School Admissions (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/private-school-admissions)
- [student-led learning (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/student-led-learning)
- [Athletics (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/athletics)
- [Family (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/family)
- [Patriotism (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/patriotism)
- [middle school (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/middle-school)

\[see all\]

### Popular Articles

#### Related posts

[![The Best of Our Human Instincts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Hubspot%20Blog%20Banner%201200x300%20(2).png)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts)

### [The Best of Our Human Instincts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts)

![Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Nelson_Jaci.jpeg) 

 By [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion)

<https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fbestofourhumaninstincts&t=The%20Best%20of%20Our%20Human%20Instincts> <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fbestofourhumaninstincts&text=:%20> <http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fbestofourhumaninstincts&title=The%20Best%20of%20Our%20Human%20Instincts&summary=> <https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fbestofourhumaninstincts>

[![A Curious Talk About A Wildly Different Tool: St. Luke’s School Embraces Emerging Technologies](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/AI%20Blog%20Banner.png)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk)

### [A Curious Talk About A Wildly Different Tool: St. Luke’s School Embraces Emerging Technologies](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk)

![Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Perry_Elizabeth470-1.jpg) 

 By [Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk/author/liz-perry)

<https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fcurioustalk&t=A%20Curious%20Talk%20About%20A%20Wildly%20Different%20Tool: St.%20Luke’s%20School%20Embraces%20Emerging%20Technologies> <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fcurioustalk&text=:%20> <http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fcurioustalk&title=A%20Curious%20Talk%20About%20A%20Wildly%20Different%20Tool: St.%20Luke’s%20School%20Embraces%20Emerging%20Technologies&summary=> <https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.stlukesct.org%2Fcurioustalk>

- [REQUEST MORE INFO](https://info.stlukesct.org/get-started)
- [Come Visit Us](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us)
- [Apply Now](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls)
- [Make a Gift Today](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/giving-at-st-lukes)

- [![Facebook](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Lukes-School/44751060933)
- [![instagram](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Instagram.png)](http://instagram.com/stlukesct)
- [![twitter](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/stlukesschool)
- [![youtube](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/YouTube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/stlukes377/featured)
- [![pinterest](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Pinterest.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/stlukesct/)
- [![linkedin](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/LinkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/st--luke%27s-school)

St. Luke’s School is a secular private school in New Canaan, Connecticut for grades 5 through 12 serving 25 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our rigorous programs and diverse co-educational community strive for excellence, fostering students intellectual and ethical development and preparing them for top colleges. St. Luke’s balanced, multi-dimensional experience provides students with the tools they need for leadership and service in the world.

<https://k12.niche.com/st-lukes-school-new-canaan-town-ct/>

![St. Luke's Logo and Contact Block](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/footer%20Logo.png)

- [377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/377+N+Wilton+Rd,+New+Canaan,+CT+06840)
- [(203) 966-5612](tel:(203)%20966-5612)
- [info@stlukesct.org](mailto:info@stlukesct.org)
- [**Contact Us**](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/facultystaff-directory)

- [![NAIS](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/NAIS.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx)<http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/regional-list/company/hearstct/st-luke-s-school>

Open Sitemap

- [Admissions](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions) 
    - [Welcome](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/welcome)
    - [Visit Us](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us)
    - [Apply to SLS](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls)
    - [FAQs](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/faqs)
    - [Tuition & Financial Aid](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/tuition--financial-aid)
- [Academics](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics) 
    - [Love of Learning](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/love-of-learning)
    - [Curriculum](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/curriculum)
    - [Middle School](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/upper-school)
    - [Academic Resources](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/academic-resources/advisory-program)
    - [Learning & Technology](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/learning--technology)
    - [College Counseling](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/college-counseling)
- [Center for Leadership](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/find-your-voice-make-a-difference-) 
    - [Find your voice. Make a difference.](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/find-your-voice-make-a-difference-)
    - [designLab](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/designlab)
    - [Inclusion](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/inclusion)
    - [Global](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/global)
    - [Service](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/service)
    - [Leading Voices](http://blogs.stlukesct.org/leadingvoices/)
    - [Lunch & Lead](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/lunch--lead)
- [Athletics](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics) 
    - [Home of the Storm](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics/home-of-the-storm)
    - [Team Pages](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics/team-pages)
    - [Athletics Calendar](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics/athletics-calendar)
    - [Sports Medicine](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics/sports-medicine)
    - [Championships](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics/championships)
    - [Athletic Facilities](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics/athletic-facilities)
    - [Storm Zone](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/athletics/storm-zone)
    - [Alumni Athletes](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/alumni/alumni-athletes)
    - [SLS Squash Club](http://www.slsquash.org/)
- [Arts](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/arts) 
    - [The Arts at SLS](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/arts/the-arts-at-sls)
    - [Visual Arts](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/arts/visual-arts)
    - [Music](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/arts/music)
    - [Theatre](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/arts/theatre)
    - [Arts Facilities](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/arts/arts-facilities)
- [Community](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community) 
    - [A Culture of Kindness](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/a-culture-of-kindness)
    - [This is Us](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/this-is-us)
    - [Parents](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/parents)
    - [Trustees](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/trustees)
    - [Alumni](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/alumni)
    - [Traditions & Innovations](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/traditions--innovations)
    - [Giving at St. Luke's](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/giving-at-st-lukes)

![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1848052215220399&ev=PageView&noscript=1)