Dear Families,
February is Black History Month. Shouldn’t this be celebrated everyday as an embedded part of what we do? In short, it should be. In reality, it isn’t always. The majority white culture of Vermont does not lend itself to People of Color being represented across the state, and history books often leave out the history and achievements of minority communities. People of Color are becoming represented more often in the media. However, who is being represented? Stars, actors and athletes? What about the business owners, inventors, educators and other people of color?
It is our job to educate all the children. Part of being able to do that, and do that well, is to do it in a way that reflects who we are and the values we hold as a school district. In celebrating Black History Month, and Women’s History Month, and Asian Pacific History Month, and all the other designated months, it gives us the opportunity to look at what we do with a critical eye. It does not mean that we celebrate one specific group for a month and then forget about them. Instead, we consider it a jumping off point. It is an opportunity for us to look at a specific segment of the population and evaluate how we are representing them in what and how we teach.
I started some google docs for our educators to use as potential resources. So far, I have populated the Black History Month folder, and I am beginning to work on the Women’s History Month Folder. All of the adults in school have access to the folders. I wanted to share the folders with our families as well in case you were interested in some resources. If you know of resources that I have not added to any of the folders, please contact me so I can add the information. The more resources we have as a school and community, the better we can support and educate all of our students.
We have an amazing community and school. We all want the students in our school to become successful adults. By looking at what we do with a race and culture lens, we only enhance what our students learn and empower them to be able to function in a multicultural world.
Have a fantastic weekend
Sara Raabe
JFK Principal
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Upcoming Important Date
Wednesday, February 12th – 12:15 Early Release with Activities
Wednesday, February 19th – PTO Meeting, 5:30 in the library
Monday, February 24th – Tuesday, March 3rd – No School