Messages from Dr. Kasmarick
Our WFB Racial Equity Statement includes this paragraph:
Developing an understanding of the complexities of racism will be vital to our society as we move forward. We recognize that we as a community have work to do. All of us should talk with our children and the people around us about race and racial injustice. Race-conscious and anti-racist children will enhance our local and broader communities. As a District, we will continue to build understanding and foster the belief that “all means all.”
Conversations about race are sensitive and challenging, even among adults. We continue to do this work with each other as adults in the District (and many of us in our own lives) and our students engage in many lessons about identity, diversity, and understanding others. They see a wide range of characters and perspectives in mentor texts, literature discussion group books and in selections available in our classroom and school libraries.
It is also true that children come to school talking about current events, and it is just as likely they come home with questions about something they have seen or heard. As always, I encourage you to talk with your children openly about race, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it is, no matter whether you believe you have the just-right words. Dr. Erin Winkler, a widely published speaker and writer on racial identity in youth cites research showing that children develop racial biases by ages 3-5. It is never too early to begin these conversations. We do not have to look far to see examples of racial discrimination, harassment or hate; The time is now. Here are two of many resources available online: 10 Tips on Talking to Kids About Race (PBS) Talking to Your Kids About Racism (Unicef)*
*From the Unicef resource: Being Silent Cannot be an Option.
Quarter Four: We are happy to welcome 76 additional in-person students to the building next week Thursday, April 8 as we begin quarter four. Families of students who are transitioning to in-person learning, as well virtual and in-person students who are joining new classrooms as a result of classroom rebalancing where necessary, will be notified on Monday, April 5. This year has required unprecedented flexibility and grit from all of us and we are grateful for your support as we do all that we can to finish strong.
District Loaned Devices: If you no longer need the device you borrowed for your student last fall, we would love to have it back right away so that we can use it with our increasing in-person population. Devices and chargers can be sent to school or dropped off at school in a bag clearly marked with your child’s name. Of course, if you need the device until the end of the school year, keep it until then. Thank you.
2021-2022 Class Placements: The creation of class lists for each new school year is a complex process involving much collaboration and refinement. The ultimate goal is a successful academic, social, and emotional year for each of our students! If there is information that you would like to provide as we work through this process, please complete the Optional Input on Class Placement Form by Friday, April 30.
Safety Walkthrough: Week of 3/29/21
- Hand Hygiene/Respiratory Etiquette - Not observed during walkthrough, as no students were transitioning between spaces or activities, however hand washing stations are set up as expected.
- Masks - Yellow - All students were observed to wear masks correctly, as well as staff members working with students. One clarification was provided to adults sharing a large space.
- Physical Distancing - Yellow -Students in assigned seats and working with teachers in small groups were distanced 2-3 feet apart. In a small number of cases, students were closer together for brief periods of time during less structured periods of time.
- Ventilation - Ventilation data is collected regularly and reported to Buildings and Grounds.
- Cleaning/Disinfection - Cleaning and Disinfection is monitored daily by Head Custodians, and reported on weekly, using the Cleaning and Disinfection checklist.
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