A Message from Marshall Pyramid Principals

Dear Marshall Pyramid Parents and Community,

We reach out to you today as a united group of educators to acknowledge the events that have transpired portraying the anger and hurt that exists in our country.  Racism and hate have no place in the Marshall Pyramid, rather our schools are places that strive towards inclusiveness and compassion for all while providing hope for the future. To our Black and African American families and community members, we echo the words of our Superintendent, Dr. Brabrand as he shared with FCPS staff today, “we see you, we believe in you, and we stand with you.”

At each of our schools, we have made a commitment to bring awareness to social and emotional issues within our buildings through an equity lens.  Every school in the Marshall pyramid has an equity lead who partners with the Principal to ensure staff have the tools to recognize and take action on inequities within our buildings. We have participated in professional learning on equitable and culturally responsive practices and are committed to furthering our learning in order to address the topics of racism and equity with our students and with each other.

During this time, we will not sit silently. We have all worked together to create places and spaces where all are welcome and seen. In our classrooms and within our school communities, we will continue to learn about, value, and embrace each other’s differences while working to change the conditions that allow injustice. Please know that your schools are here for you and stand with our Black and African American community. It is the diversity of our community members who make the Marshall pyramid a wonderfully unique place to live, work, learn and grow.  We recognize that everyone may be impacted by these recent events differently and we welcome you to reach out to your school’s Principal, school counselor, or clinical staff with any questions or concerns. 

For additional resources, please consider the following:

As a community, we are here and we stand together.  

Sincerely,

Your Marshall Pyramid Principals

Nicholas Zapadka - Freedom Hill ES, Ashley Castillo - Lemon Road ES, Joshua DeSmyter - Shrevewood ES, Erica Riley - Stenwood ES, Mary Tam - Westbriar ES, Hallie Demetriades - Westgate ES, Amy Miller - Kilmer MS, Jane Quenneville - Kilmer Center, Jeff Litz - Marshall HS, and Chad Clayton - Davis Center