May 1st - Message From Dr. Gordon

May 1, 2026

Dear D303 students, staff, families, and community,

Our D303 Core Value of Belonging states: “We honor the dignity of each person by accepting, validating, and appreciating them, and by treating every individual fairly.” This is not aspirational language; it is our standard. When that standard is violated, we have a responsibility to respond. This expectation is already part of our work, and we are reinforcing it with urgency.

Some students in our schools, elementary, middle, and high school, are using offensive, racially charged, derogatory, and harmful language toward Black, Latino, Hispanic, and Indian students. This is happening, and it is not acceptable in our schools or in our community.

I want to be clear. This language is not “funny.” It is not “joking around.” It is not “just words.” It is not, “no big deal.” It is harmful. And, it won’t be tolerated.

It is our hope that any student who has experienced this at school knows that you deserve better, and we will do better in supporting you.

The adults in our schools are here to support you. If this offensive language is directed at you, around you, or about you, tell a trusted adult. We will act.

You also have a voice. If you feel comfortable, speak up and tell others to stop. We recognize this can be difficult, and we will support you. This language is hurtful, and it does not belong in our schools.

We are here for you, and you are not alone.

To our educators and staff: When you hear or see this language, step in. Consistently and without hesitation. Every time, without exception. You are the adults in the room, and silence, even in the most uncomfortable moments, is understood by students as permission. Your intervention, done with care and conviction, is one of the most powerful lessons you will ever teach. You have my full support and the district’s. This expectation is part of our professional responsibility to every student.

To our students: The vast majority of you treat your classmates with dignity, care, and respect, and we see that. But decency also means speaking up when something is wrong. Being a bystander is a choice, and we are asking you to make a different one. Tell a trusted adult. Do not ignore it.

To our families and community: We need your partnership at home and in our community. Talk with your children about what belonging means, the harm hateful words cause, and the kind of community we want to be. When your child shares a concern, let us know. We will act.

When a student’s dignity is violated, our schools will act immediately and directly, with clear consequences, accountability, and a deliberate effort to repair harm and restore a sense of safety for the student who was targeted. We will address it directly.

No student can learn, grow, or thrive without feeling safe and valued. That is the floor, not the ceiling. We have built something excellent in D303, and protecting it requires all of us, every educator, every student, every parent, every neighbor, to take that responsibility seriously.

If you have concerns, please reach out to your school’s principal. We are listening, and we are committed to doing better, together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul Gordon

Superintendent