The events of the last week in Minneapolis and cities across the country, including right here in the Capital Region, have created much anger and sadness. In ordinary times, we might come together in our classrooms to talk through current events and provide support for our students.
Please know that even though we can’t be together physically at this time, Capital Region BOCES teachers and administrators are here to support your children and your family.
What we are experiencing in our communities and seeing on the news is difficult to comprehend and seemingly impossible to explain. For many of us this is personal, painful and traumatic.
As you talk with your children this week, we encourage you to listen carefully to them and let them ask questions. You are your child’s first and most important teacher and have the ability to offer them hope and compassion, and to help raise their awareness and understanding around issues related to race and equity.
Here are some resources you may help find helpful for your conversations at home:
- American Psychological Association: Resources for Parents — Uplifting Youth Through Healthy Communication About Race.
- TEDX Talk by Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? and Other Conversations about Race”
- A video talk by Dr. Robin DiAngelo, author of “What Does it Mean to Be White?” on talking about race with children.
Thank you for your continued partnership, especially during this difficult time. If you would like additional support or resources for your child or your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or principal.
Anita Murphy, District Superintendent