An important message from Superintendent Dr. Marie Wiles:
Dear GCSD School Community,
As I try to process the terrifying images of the attack on our Capitol yesterday, I feel shock, horror, and sadness over this assault on our democracy. I suspect that we are all struggling to process our feelings about the disturbing images of lawlessness and violence that the whole world witnessed. It is heartbreaking to think that our democracy, even with its flaws and failures, has been the gold standard for the rest of the world, but not last night. Yesterday was not simply another day, it was truly a dark day.
At school, we teach about our nation’s democratic processes and encourage students to be informed and good citizens. Yesterday those processes were violated by our own citizens, and it’s hard not to ask the question, “How could this happen?” This is a defining moment for our nation and a critical time to ask important questions like this.
It can be difficult to talk to our children about yesterday’s events and what those events mean for our future, especially when we may still be feeling the aftershock ourselves. How you choose to support your children and family members is an individual decision, but I want to share some suggested resources that might help get the conversation started:
- Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
Finally, we are living through a time that is certain to be blazed in history. We are in the midst of a pandemic, in a nation that is deeply and bitterly divided, at a time when racial and social justice is desperately needed. It is my hope that the stunning events of last evening can be a turning point for our nation when our democratic process can be reaffirmed and we can continue the work of becoming “a more perfect union.” The Guilderland Central School district is committed to doing its part in that essential work.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marie Wiles
Superintendent of Schools