I am writing to let you know that e
ffective immediately, along with Superintendent of Schools David Fleishman, I will be setting in motion a series of initiatives to ensure an accepting and welcoming environment for all residents, visitors, students, staff and faculty throughout the Newton Public
School system.
In response to recent incidents that are contrary to the City of Newton's values, we will be implementing programs to strengthen protocols, provide training for administrators on how to respond to hateful incidents, and engage and educate students on maintaining our community values at all times.
In order to facilitate these initiatives, we will be working with Richard W. Cole, Esq, a Civil Rights and Safe Schools consultant. Attorney Cole is a former Assistant Attorney General and former Chief of the Civil Rights Division at the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General.
I look forward to engaging the community and schools throughout the City to promote broad participation in the our efforts to ensure that a welcoming environment is in place at every school.
Lastly, earlier this month I announced that I will be hosting the first annual community discussion on ensuring that Newton is a welcoming place for all.
The event will be held on
Thursday, April 7th at 6:30pm
in the War Memorial of Newton City Hall, located at 1000 Commonwealth Avenue. I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
