Responding to Current Events
Mass shootings, Chauvin trial
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Spring Lake Park Schools families:
We’re excited to have students back in school after spring break. We are also very aware that while we were away, tragic news continued to break.
Yesterday’s mass shooting in Boulder comes just a week after shootings in the Atlanta area left eight people dead, including six Asian American women. The violence in Atlanta brought forward the ongoing racism, violence and harassment toward Asian Americans that has increased during the pandemic.
In the Twin Cities, jury selection continued for the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, charged in the death of George Floyd last summer. Next Monday, that trial begins. We can expect the proceedings to surface memories, experiences and a range of emotions.
As students return to school today, they do so as part of the Spring Lake Park Schools community. We are defined by this vision – being a world-class learning community aligned around fostering personalized experiences so that each student feels valued, inspired, and has a sense of belonging.
This vision is more than words. It guides our actions each day to provide an equitable, enriching learning environment where we commit to know each child by name, strength, interest and need. There is no place for hate, violence, racism or harassment in Spring Lake Park Schools.
At home, you may be looking for resources to help your children process emerging current events. Here are a few – of many – you may find helpful:
- Resources to Help Educators, Adults Respond to Racism, Violence and Trauma (MDE)
- Talking to Children about Tragedies & Other News Events (AAP)
- Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide for Fighting Hate (Parents)
- Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism (PBS)
- Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Parents and Educators (NCTSN)
In addition, you will hear from your school principal and I encourage you to be in touch with them in the coming days if your family needs additional support. We are here to help.
Whether your child is learning at school or home, please know, while we are imperfect, we are fully committed to living our vision each day. We are checking in with each student as we return to learning, because when each student feels valued, inspired and like they belong, we build the foundation for a better tomorrow within and beyond our schools.
Jeff Ronneberg, Ed. D.
Superintendent
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