Dear Colleagues,
This past year provided us all with many challenging, teachable moments. Yesterday’s events at our nation’s capital shook our democracy, nation, and communities. As the events were unfolding, we decided to hold off on sending our regularly scheduled staff newsletter. We understand that for many staff, it was hard to focus on anything other than the chaos happening across the nation and we wanted to be respectful of those struggling with this emotional day.
Watching the assault on democracy, I am reminded just how very important our mission as educators is. A fundamental responsibility of public education in this country is to teach students the tenets of our democracy and the principles of the constitution and the republic.
The events that have unfolded at our nation’s capital yesterday are not a reflection of these principles, our nation and our community. We remind our community that we stand in solidarity and partnership to help our country heal from this division and the effects of COVID-19.
As a District, we value all students and are committed to upholding a culture of safety and respect. It is our responsibility to maintain a positive district climate to ensure student learning can occur without disruption. Our job is to facilitate conversations in a professional, education-based manner. We have listed a few resources and tips to help facilitate these difficult topics and conversations with our students.
- Encourage students to be inclusive and respectful in their conversations. Use this Board policy for discussing Controversial Issues- Board policy.
- Help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears. Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Reinforce that schools are safe spaces for talking about feelings with trusted adults including counselors, teachers, principals, etc.
- For resources to use in the classroom to teach topics surrounding the election and race, please reference CUHSD Equity Resources
- Review classroom rules and expectations for civil discourse and responsible citizenship. If you find yourself navigating a discussion that has created a polarized classroom, please refer to this resource from Teaching Tolerance. The best way to avoid a polarized classroom is to prevent it by establishing discussion norms that protect each student's right to an emotionally safe space for learning.
Each beginning of a New Year is an opportunity to renew our promises to each other and therefore, we must move forward with resilience, strength, and hope for a bright future.
Sincerely,
Robert Bravo,Ed.D.,
CUHSD Superintendent