Superintendent Message: Inauguration Day

Dear Families and Staff,
 
We are living in unprecedented times. In 2020, we came together as a world and a nation to address the challenges and uncertainties of COVID-19. These challenges continue to face us, but we have increasing hope with the roll-out of the vaccine. At the same time, we experienced national protests against the racism that continues to plague our Nation. Most recently, we observed an attack on our Capitol. We all have questions about these events and what they mean for the future and how to navigate the concerns that our students may bring into the classrooms with them tomorrow.
 
Throughout our history, Inauguration Day has been a celebration and a peaceful transfer of power from one Administration to the next. Watching the news, many are expressing concerns that this may not be the case. Watching the news, we may all be feeling cautious about how we approach the conversation of Inauguration Day, the storming of the Capitol, and the protests against racism in our country. While we, as adults, are watching the news, asking ourselves these questions, it is essential to remember that our students may have questions and concerns that we need to address.

Many of our classrooms will watch segments of the Inauguration tomorrow, as it is a tradition to allow our students to witness American history firsthand. In preparation for tomorrow, we wanted to provide the following resources to families and staff as they observe the Inaugural Day events and reflect on the events leading up to it. Our school counselors will be available for any staff or student who may want to reach out with additional questions.
 
Resources to Help Guide Conversations

• Teaching the Inauguration - from Teaching Tolerance
• The Library of Congress: Beginning with George Washington, each U.S. president has brought a unique personal history to the nation’s highest office, a different set of priorities, and an inimitable character. In turn, each has put a distinctive stamp on the presidency and on the nation itself. Taking a close look at the moments in which these leaders first took office can provide rich opportunities to investigate the history of the United States as it has changed over the centuries. It can also provide unique insights into these remarkable individuals as they first stepped into account.
• The NEA offers Inauguration Day activities based around a range of different focuses, including a look at how inaugurations have changed over time, primary resources from past Presidential Inaugurations, quizzes, and tips to think critically and analyze this year’s event.
• National Geographic - Talking to your kids about Inauguration Day
• Special Live Inaugural Day Broadcast for Students and Families at 10 am ET 
• Parent Magazine, Romper: Provides strategies families can use to talk to their children about Inauguration Day.
  
• When Bad Things Are Happening: When news breaks of disaster or violence, your students may want to discuss a crisis as it unfolds. Here’s how. By Teaching Tolerance  

As educators and as a community, now more than ever, it is our responsibility is to prepare our young people to be respectful, engaged, and active citizens. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your building principal or school counselor.
Thank you.
Mike Messore