April 19, 2021
Dear Marysville School District Families,
In the next few days, there will be a verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial for the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. No matter how the verdict is returned, this event and the larger social struggle will continue to dominate the media and our collective attention. These issues are complex, and for many, they are deeply personal. This story affects us all in different ways and brings up strong and sometimes conflicting emotions. Many people will experience a sense of being overwhelmed at times, particularly those among us who have personally felt the pain of racially motivated hatred and bigotry. We want to acknowledge this truth, share our support for those who are experiencing renewed trauma, and provide resources that we hope will be helpful for all Marysville families.
Marysville is a diverse community, and diversity is more than demographic data. The demographics represent real people - real students and families. Each student deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and care. We do not and will not tolerate racism or hateful behavior of any kind in our schools. Everyone has a place in our halls and in our classrooms.
This is an emotionally charged time. It is also a time for self-reflection and growth. As educators, it is our goal to support and empower students through times like these. We will do that in our classrooms, and we encourage families to have important conversations at home, too. We have identified a collection of resources to help you approach these conversations more confidently:
CNN / Sesame Street - Standing Up to Racism, a Town Hall for Families
Anti-Defamation League – Table Talk, Family Conversations about Current Events
National Association of School Psychologists – Talking with Children about Race and Privilege
And, finally, if you feel your child needs additional support, please talk with their teacher and/or their school’s counselor. Remember we do have a reporting system in place for any incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying: Safe Schools Alert
We will do our best to match you up with additional resources to help you and your child through these challenging times.
Warmest regards,
Board of Directors