During the night of September 7, 2017 there was terrible graffiti spray-painted on roads and the side of a farm building in Glover. Although this did not happen in our schools, it profoundly affects many of our students, families, and staff members. I am deeply disturbed that these acts of hate happened in our community and I urge all of you to be aware of those who may need extra support during this time.
The Orleans Central Supervisory Union is committed to teaching tolerance and raising awareness of social justice issues as evidenced by our opening in-service workshops this year. Additionally, teachers and administrators will participate in focus groups throughout the year that are focused on topics affecting our students and community and the Identity and Education Group will continue to meet after school, supported by a grant from the Rowland Foundation.
Below are some resources that might prove helpful in supporting teachers and administrators in responding to these incidents.
Pages 11-22 of this resource from Teaching Tolerance detail best practices for administrators in responding to instances of hate in the community. I encourage you to give it a look: http://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/Responding%20to%20Hate%20at%20School%20ONLINE_3.pdf
In brief, their "checklist for administrators" is to:
https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/empowering-young-people-in-the-aftermath-of-hate?_ga=1.265904079.1555487405.1487980800
https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/5-Tips-for-talking-to-Children-1.pdf
The next meeting of the Identity and Education Group will be on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 4:00 at Lake Region. The meeting is open to students, staff, parents, and community members. I urge you to come and work with us as we consider ways to build a community where everyone feels valued and respected, and where kindness overshadows hate.
The Orleans Central Supervisory Union is committed to teaching tolerance and raising awareness of social justice issues as evidenced by our opening in-service workshops this year. Additionally, teachers and administrators will participate in focus groups throughout the year that are focused on topics affecting our students and community and the Identity and Education Group will continue to meet after school, supported by a grant from the Rowland Foundation.
Below are some resources that might prove helpful in supporting teachers and administrators in responding to these incidents.
Pages 11-22 of this resource from Teaching Tolerance detail best practices for administrators in responding to instances of hate in the community. I encourage you to give it a look: http://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/Responding%20to%20Hate%20at%20School%20ONLINE_3.pdf
In brief, their "checklist for administrators" is to:
- Put safety first
- Denounce the act
- Investigate
- Involve others
- Work with the media
- Provide accurate information—and dispel misinformation
- Support targeted students
- Seek justice, avoid blame
- Promote healing
https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/empowering-young-people-in-the-aftermath-of-hate?_ga=1.265904079.1555487405.1487980800
https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/5-Tips-for-talking-to-Children-1.pdf
The next meeting of the Identity and Education Group will be on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 4:00 at Lake Region. The meeting is open to students, staff, parents, and community members. I urge you to come and work with us as we consider ways to build a community where everyone feels valued and respected, and where kindness overshadows hate.