Dear SLUSD Community,

In the light of a new day, I felt it was important to reach out to let you know that my family and I witnessed the events of yesterday together, like many of you all, and the conversations I have had with my children have been very difficult. Grappling with the frightening images of an insurrection in our country, on top of all of the challenges we have faced together over these many months, caused me to have to reach deep to translate what is continuing to happen in our visibly divided country into a dialogue that can support and uplift my kids to move forward with hope. Many of you may be facing that same struggle.

With that being said, I want you to know that our schools, our teachers, our https://www.slusd.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Jefferson-Bilingual-Night-Carousel-2.pngs, and our support staff are absolutely essential resources you have to lean on in difficult times like these. As a district that is already engaged in work on inclusivity and equity, we have the tools to engage in difficult conversations and identify teachable moments like this, that will continue to build the ethical and cultural leaders of the next generation that we so desperately need in order to attain social justice for all. 

As our principals support our teachers in having these conversations with students, we know that you may also need support at home. We encourage you to attend our site-based coffee chats, Wednesday Family Learning Series, and other venues that are designed to support the dynamic needs of our children as we respond to ever-changing local and national events. I’ve also linked some online resources at the end of this letter. I encourage you to use these opportunities to know that you and your family are not alone.

As we work together as a community to heal, it is my hope that the historic events of yesterday will be a true catalyst for a real, lasting commitment to democracy and our shared humanity. I am proud to lead a district of professionals who are passionately dedicated to this work. I wish you and your families peace and hold you all close in my thoughts.

Sincerely,

Mike McLaughlin, Ed.D
Superintendent

RESOURCES:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers What To Say To Kids When The News Is Scary