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Dear Editor:
In light of the recent events, like many of you, I find myself dealing with emotions such as horror, shock, confusion, concern, sympathy, and yes, ignorance. We have watched protests call for justice and equality after the killing of George Floyd. We saw thousands of people engage in nonviolent peaceful protests while we also saw unspeakable images of violence in our communities locally and across the nation. As Superintendent, my thoughts surround our young people.
Our youth are trying to understand these events and as adults and educators, together we are seeking the right way to teach our students to positively and productively stand up against injustice, racism and inequity.
Every person deserves to be respected, valued and treated with dignity. Now more than ever there is a cry for justice and there is a call for our school community to renew its commitment to address the inequities that exist within our school family.
As I take this time to reflect deeply on how best to move forward in light of recent events, I have asked myself and our WWS staff, how might we embrace the realities of today to strengthen our school family? That is the question WWS staff will begin to answer as we come together prepared to listen, learn and engage in community conversations around issues of race, fairness and equity. It is imperative that we approach these conversations with an open mind, ensuring the voices of our students, staff, and families are heard.
In this difficult hour, we are inspired by the words of the late Nelson Mandela: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
We are WESTFIELD SHAMROCKS and like any difficult time, I know we will stand up against injustice in our world while drawing on the emotions of kindness, love, support and gratitude toward one another. Because that is WHO WE ARE – SHAMROCKS! ROCK ON!
Dr. Sherry Grate
Westfield Washington Schools Superintendent