Message from Superintendent Smith | The Days After
“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with the pain.” - James Baldwin
Good Morning SSD,
Like so many, I am struggling to process the violent attack on democracy at the U.S. Capitol yesterday while celebrating an inspiring display of democracy in other parts of the country, specifically Georgia. At this time, I wish we could come together for yet another moment of tumult in our nation’s history. I care deeply about each of you, and yet again we as educators are at the center of talking with scholars about events far beyond what we control in our virtual classroom and in-person meeting spaces. Many of us were comforted by the beginning of a new year and considering how this year is a hopeful reset to the past months, yet, unfortunately, that is not what has transpired in the past 24 hours.
I strongly condemn the horrific attack on our U.S. Capitol and democratic process. The attacks were a grotesque assault on the values of this nation. Our positive thoughts are with the Congressional delegation, those who risked their lives to protect our nation’s leaders and the families and friends who lost loved ones. As educators, these events reinforce the need to advance work of diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools as we help build up our stronger Summit community. We can not minimize, ignore or rationalize it away. How will each of us take action to meet this moment?
We can not allow hateful rhetoric and racist ideologies to take center stage. We must stand even more united and resolved to protect our democracy, a democracy that so many have sacrificed their lives to defend. I believe we all want a country (and a school district) where all are welcome, where differences are celebrated, where culture is honored, and where every person is part of a system that creates the enabling conditions for all to thrive and maximize their fullest potential. We cannot accept anything less.
As you welcome scholars into classrooms (virtual and in-person), I encourage you to take time to reconnect with your scholars, hear their voices and support their needs. We must educate and convey to our youth that what was allowed to happen in our Capitol was by design and not default. As educators, we must create a courageous space that is both welcoming and inclusive for our scholars to express those feelings. Please do not hesitate to leverage your talents and skills and to modify schedules to support social-emotional learning needs. It is a sad reality that our youth have to experience this strife and additional pain during this pandemic, which only adds to the burden and worry they are already unfairly carrying.
For classroom-based staff, below are some resources/ideas for use in your learning spaces that may help you to process these difficult times with your scholars, should you need them. A reminder about everything that I share here: There is no one easy answer. We don’t have and won’t have all the answers right away, as educators and as a country. Not everything works for every scholar or every educator or in every classroom.
Counselors are available to support scholars who may be having a difficult time and the Employee Assistance Program is available to support District staff. Additional mental health resources and supports are also available here.
We can choose which future we want for our youth, and today must reinforce our commitment to using the power of education to end hate and bigotry, and to empower communities that have been made vulnerable by systemic inequities.
As I’ve said more than once this school year, we are all in this together, and I appreciate you!
Dr. Marion Smith Jr. | Superintendent