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Superintendent Message: Recent Tragedies

 
 
Dear Staff,
 
Just as we begin to be hopeful about emerging from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we now confront the tragedies of Atlanta and Boulder.  The ripple effect of this grief and fear reverberates through entire communities on our campus and across the nation yet again.  
 
The mental health impacts on individuals, families and communities are real.  Mass shootings are terrifying for all of us and we need to support each other and our students by providing  each a safe place to reflect on the issues of senseless violence. This year has us in the thick of co-existing traumas and the resurgence of mass shootings simply magnifies our trauma.  I am always at a loss to suggest a clear path forward to address violence that is spurred by hate and racism and fear. Even when the world feels chaotic and unsafe, we must remind ourselves of the importance of being together, encourage daily kindness for each other, empathy and compassion with each other, and to commit daily antiracism and antibias work. 
 
The following resources(several from Colorado) may be helpful:
 
In closing it is so important that each of us to do the work we need to do to dismantle racism. My heart goes out to the families and communities that were impacted by mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, and all victims of hate in the past year, and we stand with them in solidarity. 
 
Thanks,
Claire
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