Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

I, too, have watched the disturbing images of George Floyd’s tragic death and I am still having great difficulty processing what I saw.  How can a human being be treated like this?  Unbelievably, this is just one painful example of many.  I am sure we are all experiencing a wide range of emotions, including, grief and outrage, and there are undoubtedly many students who are struggling to process these feelings.  Please know that although school is not physically in session, we are still here to provide support.  Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school counselor should your child like to speak with someone.

School Districts must serve as vital partners in helping to foster inclusive environments and promote empathy, respect, and acceptance.  I ask all families and all of our staff to reflect upon and discuss the implications of George Floyd’s death as well as other recent tragedies, and more importantly, discuss how each of us can be part of the change that is so desperately needed.  In part, we must make a commitment to examine our own actions and engage in crucial and courageous conversations as we seek to inspire solutions. 

You have the District’s commitment that we will continue to adopt programs, implement initiatives, and form partnerships that make our community stronger.  We will not rest until all students, parents/guardians, and staff feel welcome, accepted, and valued.  This ideal is a major component of our strategic plan and must serve as the backbone of our school community and beyond.  Please know that regardless of current programming, we must and will do better.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Below please find some family resources:

National Traumatic Stress Network: Racial Injustice and Trauma

Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent’s/Guardian’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice

Healthychildren.org: Talking to Children about Racial Bias

National Geographic: Talking to Kids About Race

American Psychological Association: How To Talk To Children About Difficult News

Sesame Street in Communities: Community Violence

Best,

Scott Rubin