June 1, 2020
SPS Team:
As we prepare to begin summer learning this week, we know that many are struggling during the ongoing, painful aftermath of the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Our students, staff and families are burdened by the racism that exists in our nation, region and community. Many of us may be experiencing a variety of complex emotions, including anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and despair. I know, as a woman of color and a mother to a biracial son, that I am personally dealing with all these emotions as I process the recent weeks.
In our role as SPS educators, it is our responsibility to be equity champions for all students and to create learning environments that are inclusive and affirming of all identities and lived experiences. The following resources are designed to help us better understand the challenges we face in order to better serve and support our students and colleagues. I encourage you to read, reflect and engage.
- Resource 1: This is an article written by a woman who details her journey with understanding her Whiteness and race relations through critical and transformative readings that helped her.
- Resource 2: This article provides detailed steps on how to become an ally for racial justice along with other recommended readings and resources.
- Resource 3: This article details a list of anti-racist readings.
In addition, the following article addresses racism and Covid-19 as current, disproportionate public health issues.
It is important that we acknowledge that the realities of Minneapolis and other cities are not isolated from the experiences of our students, our families and staff members here in Springfield. These resources will not only prepare you for important self-reflection, but also prepare you for the critical conversations that you may face with our students, staff, families and community members.
The learning should not stop with these resources, but continue to expand. This is why our Board of Education adopted the expansion of the district's Strategic Plan by adding
Focus Area 5 on Equity and Diversity.
This is also why training and professional learning will continue throughout the district.
The equity and diversity team is here to support you through these challenging times as you guide and support our students. To be successful in this collaborative work, we remain focused on partnering with each of you to ensure the progress we make together is both strategic and systematic, for the benefit of all. Working together, we can build a space where students are comfortable engaging without fear or discomfort.
I encourage you to reach out to us by phone or email anytime.
Sincerely,
Yvania Garcia-Pusateri, Ph.D.
Pronouns in Use: She, Her, Hers
Chief Equity and Diversity Officer
Office: 417-523-0315
Twitter:
@YvaniaSPS
