Dear OLMC Families,
We are living through extraordinary times. We are all heartbroken by the events we are witnessing around our country. The civil unrest, anger, destruction, discrimination and sadness triggered by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police leaves us worried and struggling as human beings and as parents. How do we explain racism to a six year old? How do we talk to a teenager about police brutality? The questions are countless and the answers are personal and individual to your beliefs and values. It is our responsibility to teach the young to understand racial injustice and police community relations. We have to engage in conversations that are tough and uncomfortable because racial socialization and literacy are important at all ages. We must be our children’s emotional support while teaching them about race, oppression, diversity, protests, solidarity and equality. We must practice what we preach and show our children by example how to treat others. When the world feels chaotic make sure to find time to calm it down at home and listen to what your kids questions and thoughts are. Opening the door to communication is the first step in creating change for the better. When it comes to tackling any tough topic with your children, age-appropriate honesty is always going to be your best bet. “If we want to raise our children to be compassionate people who participate as responsible citizens in a democracy, we need to find ways to talk with them about the thorny issues that we struggle with as a country,” Dr. Laura Markham of Aha! Parenting. There is no way to sugar coat these difficult realities but being there to support your children along this process and learning journey is exactly what they need at this time. I recognize there is a lot going on in our world and want to acknowledge that we are here for you. We see you and support you.
Please continue to reach out to our Social Worker, Jamie Kagan-Heit, as a resource for you and your family at Socialworker@nullacademyolmc.org
Mrs.Kagan-Heit Ms. Verdonck
Social Worker Interim Principal
Resources for parents K-12
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/movies-that-inspire-kids-to-change-the-world
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/health/protests-racism-talk-to-children-wellness/index.html
https://www.today.com/parents/how-talk-kids-about-racism-protests-injustice-t182929
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/books-with-characters-of-color
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/144/2/e20191765
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/black-history-movies-that-tackle-racism
https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2020/06/02/teach-talk-children-racism-violence-protests-race
How to Talk to Your Kids About Anti-Racism: A List of Resources
https://decider.com/2020/06/03/sesame-street-racism-message-town-hall/
Sesame Street aired a town hall on Saturday, June 6, at 10am – it aired on CNN, CNN international, and CNN en Española; it also streamed live on CNN.com’s homepage . After the initial airing, you will be able to find ways to re-play it on the internet.
https://decider.com/show/sesame-street/
God and Father of all,
in your love you made all the nations of the world
to be a family, and your Son taught us to love one another.
Yet our world is riven apart with prejudice, arrogance, and pride.
Help the different races to love and understand one another better.
Increase among us sympathy, tolerance, and goodwill,
that we may learn to appreciate the gifts that other races bring to us,
and to see in all people our brothers and sisters for whom Christ died.
Save us from jealousy, hatred, and fear, and help us to live together
as members of one family at home in the world,
sons and daughters of one Father who live in the liberty of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen