This week has unfortunately been marked by another tragic act of violence with the shooting deaths in the Atlanta area of eight individuals, including seven women, six of whom were Asian or of Asian descent.
As I reflect on this event and its effect on our community, especially on those who may be experiencing fear for themselves and those they love, I want to acknowledge the feelings of outrage and sadness that I expect we all share. As parents and educators, it is as important as ever to remind every member of our community, especially our children, how much they are valued and loved.
As a Friends school, we look to the Quaker testimonies of Peace, Equality, and Community that are at the heart of our mission and affirm our responsibility to put those values to work toward a more peaceful and equitable world. We are called to value diversity of all kinds and to promote equity and inclusion by advocating for the dignity of all people. We condemn discrimination and violence in all its forms and foster in our students the knowledge and perspective to appreciate and value all people.
When such tragic events occur and capture the nation’s attention, it can be challenging to help our children navigate what they are hearing in the news or in our adult conversations. I encourage you to monitor the seemingly continuous stream of reports and commentary through television, radio, and especially social media, and want to share a few resources (below) that I hope you will find useful.
In closing, I ask that you join me in holding those impacted by these recent events in the Light.
In peace and friendship,
Matthew H. Bradley
Head of School
10 tips for teaching and talking to kids about race (from embracerace)
Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (from the Child Mind Institute)
Talking to Kids About Racial Stereotypes (from Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy)
Tips for Parents on Media Coverage (from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
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