There is an adage so familiar to us at the International School of Denver that it seems a pulsation beneath our footprints, a gentle echo so simple and yet so profound. You belong here. 

We say it a lot and we mean it. You belong here. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, no two pieces the same, but every piece of equal importance and absolutely vital, the puzzle incomplete without it. You belong here.

Inspired by Artist Tim Kelly, ISDenver Spanish Faculty, Ingrid Alvarz, and Director of Community Engagement, Janet Yenter, partnered to create the ISDenver Identity Puzzle Project. The ISDenver Identity Puzzle Project is a collaborative experience for faculty and staff asking each person to consider the question, “What makes you, YOU?”

There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he/she/they has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle (of life).

- Deepak Chopra

Here is how the ISDenver Identity Puzzle Project came together:

• Each participant received one puzzle piece.
• Participants were asked to design their puzzle piece to represent who they are, considering their culture, personality, talents, hobbies, or experiences that best describe them. 

Ingrid and Janet launched the project at the January Professional Learning Community (PLC) gathering as a DEIB Committee initiative. They encouraged peers to get creative and showcase their identity through art - no right or wrong ways to complete the project.

Peers unveiled their puzzle pieces to one another at the February PLC. The room was abuzz as colleagues shared their stories with one another and deepened their roots. You belong here. It wouldn’t be the same without you.

The final ISDenver Identity Puzzle art installation is now on display in the Dragon’s Den. The installation showcases the diversity and vibrancy of our incredible, international community.