3 June 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
The nationwide unrest and the peaceful responses that have unfolded since the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd, and the many others before him, bring into sharp focus the deep anger and hurt of American people. This is unsettling for so many of us. Depending on what your child is seeing or hearing, he/she may have concerns and questions, too.
Our schools believe education is one path towards illuminating voices, ideas, and possibly new solutions to ongoing and systemic issues in our nation and world. Because of this belief, we engage with our students in heartfelt, yet age-appropriate, discussions about kindness, acceptance, justice, and peace during various parts of the school days and do so explicitly through Character Education at TBD and through Social Studies at CDW. Teachers of our upper-grade students will engage in age-appropriate conversations about this current event and social justice topic as the students, themselves, raise questions.
If your child has questions or if you would like to speak with your child at home about our country’s events over this past week, we have culled these possible resources for you:
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold (2018)
Different is Awesome by Ryan Haack (2015)
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison (2018)
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung (2018)
We’re Different, We’re The Same by Bobbi Jane Kates (1992)
Please remember that our trained wellness professionals are always available for you and your family. In this edition of OT Connections: Want to Talk? Want to Read? Want to Check In?, you will find all of these professionals’ direct contact information, as well as our live check-in sessions dates and times for this week and next week.
At TBD and CDW, we strive to celebrate the differences of all our children and adults, alike. We believe in each of them. Thank you for joining us, hand-in-hand, in the work of cultivating a school community that serves and supports all.
Please be safe and remain strong and healthy.
Respectfully,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District