HSD Equity and Inclusion Updates

OQS: Kari Amick & Laura Brooks

WRS: Kathleen Grady & Linda Saturley

HMMS: Patrick Lincoln, Angela Janoo, & Susannah Conway

HHS: Becky Whitney & Steve Gagliardone

HACTC: Timmy MacDonnell

TWS: Sheri Gauvin & Julie Gribble

There is a lot going on in the world right now that feels challenging - the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents, Venezuela, Greenland, Iceland, Ukraine, Gaza, anti-trans legislation, and rising costs of living in America. It reminds me of the Summer of 2020 when George Floyd was murdered and I had to grapple with how and if I should have these conversations with my then 8-year old child. When I asked a friend of mine what she was planning to do, she gave me an answer that revealed the immense privilege buried in my own silence. She said, "I do not have a choice not to talk to them about it." Her children's father is a Black man living in Vermont. They have to educate their children around what it means to be Black in America, what to do when they get pulled over by a cop, how to be in the world so that they can survive. After that conversation, I also did not have a choice not to talk to my own children about the injustices of the world and our role in it.

It's important that we acknowledge that things are hard and to make sure we are able to protect and manage the safety and well-being of ourselves, our families, friends, and community. In this newsletter, we offer some tools and resources to help have these conversations, take action, and get what we need.

Here is a short article with tips for talking to your kids about what's going on in the world.

In summary:

While adults often wish to shield children from scary news or may feel too overwhelmed to discuss it, these conversations are vital opportunities to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and foster compassion.

Here is a summary of the five key strategies outlined in the article:

1. Build Understanding Beyond Headlines: News headlines are often sensationalized or negative. Research topics deeper so that you can explain them in a way that is accurate and developmentally appropriate, helping to clear up any misconceptions a child might have picked up elsewhere.

2. Answer Questions Honestly: Children need trusted adults to help them make sense of the world. Answer questions truthfully to maintain that trust. If you don't know an answer, it is okay to admit it and look for reliable information together, teaching them media literacy in the process.

3. Manage Emotions and Foster Resilience: It is important to validate a child's feelings, letting them know it is okay to feel scared or sad. Model healthy coping mechanisms by sharing your own feelings and demonstrating how you manage stress, such as taking a walk or talking to a friend.

4. Find Ways to Make a Difference: To counter feelings of helplessness, discuss tangible ways to help, such as donating or volunteering. This empowers children to see themselves as "helpers" in their own communities or the wider world.

5. Focus on Humanity: Conversations shouldn't focus solely on trauma or conflict. Learn about the culture, history, and people involved in the news stories (e.g., listening to their music or reading their folktales). This humanizes the people behind the headlines and teaches children to value diverse identities and culture.

Learning for Justice has these resources for educators, parents, and caregivers to have discussions with kids about wars and conflicts.

The beloved Mr. Rogers asks us to Find the Helpers when we are faced with obstacles and catastrophes that seem too big to overcome. "If you look for the helpers, you'll know that there's hope."

We can also learn about the upstanders who have had to face injustice and stood up for what was right. Check out these books/read-alouds (recommended by our elementary school librarians!) of some inspirational people who fought for justice.

The Federal Government is investigating The Champlain Valley School District's trans athlete policy. Being singled out and targeted for supporting our students' rights to be themselves is harmful to the entire community.

Sometimes a small act of kindness can go a long way. When the world's problems seem too big, we can step up in small ways to help. Consider sending a letter of love and support to the Champlain Valley School District. The addresses of each school are listed below.

CVUHS

369 CVU Rd

Hinesburg, VT 05461

Williston Central School

195 Central School Dr.

Williston, VT 05495

Charlotte Central School

408 Hinesburg Rd

Charlotte, VT 05445

Shelburne Community School

345 Harbor Rd.

Shelburne, VT 05482

Hinesburg Community School

10888 Rte. 116

Hinesburg, VT 05461

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

Carry a “Know Your Rights!” Card that says:

• I am choosing to remain silent.

• I want to contact a legal representative.

• I will not sign documents before my legal representative reviews them.

• I do not give you permission to enter my property OR search my belongings.

• If I am under arrest, I want to make a phone call.

Learn more:

Know Your Rights! Videos in Various Languages

Know Your Rights! Flyers in Various Languages

I recently walked through the halls of the White River School and found comfort in the "Take What You Need" wall. It's important to pause and remember that "You are a good person." "You are a good helper." "You're doing great." and "It's going to be okay." Thank you to the students who are spreading this message of resiliency, taking care of yourself, and supporting each other.

February is Black History Month!

January - February is Hopi Holy Cycle

February 1 Tu B'Shevat (Jewish)

February 15 Shivratri (Hindu)

February 17 - March 3 Lunar New Year (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam)

February 17 Seollal (Korea)

February 18 Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins (Christian)

February 18 Losar (Tibet, Buddhist)

February 18 Ramadan Begins (Islam)

February 22 Abu Simbel Festival (Egypt)

February 22 - March 5 Great Prayer Festival

In your school's weekly newsletter, we provide a quick blurb, article, video, or story to help you better understand the HSD Anti-Racism and Gender Inclusivity Policies. Here is a link where you can access all the past Curiosity Corner information!