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Dear Westgate Families,
As we embark into our final week of the 2019-20 school year, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of all things Westgate. Specifically, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude with how our families, students, and staff have navigated the hardships felt by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the national unrest and call to action for change. At Westgate, we have always ensured that all humans are treated with love, respect, and equality. Today, we commit to shining the spotlight on that work even brighter as we continue to strive to eliminate bias and inequity as a school community. The last few months, and specifically weeks, have been hard for many of us to process. I know we seek to educate our students, and each other, on how together we can make our school, and this world, a better place to be.
As a follow up to the letter we sent out as a unified Marshall Pyramid last week, I wanted to restate that as a school, and as educators, we will continue to do our part to make sure that ALL students feel welcomed, heard, and embraced. Racism and hate have no place in our country, and certainly no place in our schools. 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 last week, “we see you, we believe in you, and we stand with you.” As I have always said, it is the diversity of our families and students that make Westgate a culturally rich place to learn, work, and grow.
I recognize that everyone may be impacted by these recent events differently and I welcome you to reach out to the administration, our school counselors, our clinical staff, or your child's teachers if you need further support. I know many of our teachers have discussed some heavy issues around social justice in their classrooms over the past week. Hearing children process these situations has been beyond moving and awe inspiring. We truly have some of the most compassionate, introspective, and thoughtful group of students. I know as parents, you may seek guidance and support on how to explain some of these topics with your children. Below is a collection of some resources that you may find helpful in those discussions.
This has truly been a culmination to a school year like no other. I stand committed to keep the hard work and the courageous conversations going around equity as we sail off into summer and as we return in the new school year. As I have always said, Westgate is a very special place and it is our people that make the good that we do a reality. Please know that we are here for every child and every family. Thank you for all you do to support our mission and vision and I look forward to continuing to grow and learn from you, our students, and our staff in the years to come.
With Gratitude,
Hallie Demetriades
Resources to consider:
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