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Good Afternoon Mount Vernon Pyramid Families,
The unfortunate and disheartening racial tension that has plagued our country the last few weeks has added another layer of fear, pain, and anger to what has already been a very difficult time for many of our students, staff, and community members.
In order to prepare to support our students and school community, our staff has begun to engage in conversations about the current events affecting our society. While conversations about race are often uncomfortable, we know we can't be silent. Silence often speaks louder than words.
As Dr. Brabrand noted,
"Racism and hate have no place in FCPS. FCPS is a place where we strive for love, inclusiveness, and compassion for all while providing hope for the future."
We pride ourselves on the strengths our diversity brings and we realize that in order to provide a safe, anti-racist, empathetic, respectful and supportive learning environment, it is important that we continue to have these courageous, even difficult conversations. We will hold ourselves, our staffs and students accountable for our words and actions that, in any way may perpetuate the racism that exists now. We will maintain our commitment to change the current narrative from this day on.
We plan to further educate ourselves by continuing the conversations and taking advantage of the many resources FCPS has offered. If your children are experiencing difficulty processing these events and you need support, please reach out to your school counselors.
We offer the following resources to support your families as you navigate these conversations.
The National Museum for African American History and Culture
Teaching Tolerance - Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice
Embrace Race - 10 Tips for Teaching & Talking to Kids about Race
https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/talking-children-after-racial-incidents
Living With the Bear
A book for parents teaching young children:
Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners: books for children and young adults
As always, we thank you for your trust. We thank you for your partnership. We are hopeful about our future because the students and staff of the Mount Vernon Pyramid will continue to lead the change.
Respectfully,
JoVon Rogers, Mount Vernon High School
Craig Herring, Whitman Middle School
Margo Pareja, Fort Belvoir Primary Elementary
Jamey Chianetta, Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary
Clint Mitchell, Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
Paul Basdekis, Riverside Elementary
Brad Bennick, Washington Mill Elementary
Laura Elliott, Woodlawn Elementary
Sharon Aldredge, Woodley Hills Elementary
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