SPENCER, MA - April 23, 2021 -
We still have work to do... Supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in our classrooms!
Following the murder of George Floyd last summer – one of so many horrific instances of violence against Black men and women in our country, it is important to acknowledge the disturbing and dramatic increase in violence and hate crimes against our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities during this past year. Recently, this increase in violence has been blamed on the pandemic, however, we also need to recognize that it is unfortunately part of a long history of anti-Asian racism in our country. As we prepare for a return to more in-person learning (Grades 7-12), we need to ensure that our schools are not just COVID safe, but also emotionally and physically safe for all of our students and staff. I know that many of you are taking important steps towards advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in your own homes. We here in the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District remain committed to doing the same.
Following the murder of George Floyd last summer – one of so many horrific instances of violence against Black men and women in our country, it is important to acknowledge the disturbing and dramatic increase in violence and hate crimes against our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities during this past year. Recently, this increase in violence has been blamed on the pandemic, however, we also need to recognize that it is unfortunately part of a long history of anti-Asian racism in our country. As we prepare for a return to more in-person learning (Grades 7-12), we need to ensure that our schools are not just COVID safe, but also emotionally and physically safe for all of our students and staff. I know that many of you are taking important steps towards advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in your own homes. We here in the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District remain committed to doing the same.
And as we reopen our doors to in-person learning as a regional school district, our vision and mission has never been more important and remains - to ensure that every student has what he/she needs to achieve. The essential work of building a better and more just world for our children starts with our everyday actions and decisions, big and small. We have the power and responsibility as a learning community to do this; it is core to who we are and what we stand for... as parents, families, students and staff.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District. #Progress #Unity #Knowledge
Sincerely Yours,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools