Dear EMS Families,

This past Monday EMS faculty and students discussed and watched films to support our readiness for the raising of the Black Lives Matter flag on February 5th.

Students in our Youth Participatory Action Research class powerfully framed those watching The Hate U Give with the following:

"This movie highlights what started the Black Lives Matter Movement. Black Lives Matter is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people. Police brutality is the main focus of this story.

"Though it may seem that these problems are far from Vermont, there have been multiple cases in the last five years of police brutality toward people of color in Burlington, Vermont. Jeremie Meli and Albin Meli were victims of racially biased treatment by Burlington Police, resulting in lasting brain damage affecting Jeremie’s future as a medical student, and torn ligaments in his brother Albin’s hand.

"Remember why we are watching this movie. Spreading awareness. Raising the flag is just the first step in supporting the black and brown students at our school. The first step will be working on projects in your community time classrooms that show and represent the messages you got from this movie and then prepare to present them in front of the whole school. Your projects can include skits, posters, videos, murals, timelines, etc.”

There has been a desire by some families to strengthen their own learning of the why behind the Black Lives Matter movement. With that in mind, I have included below an excerpt from the New York Times that describes the why behind Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter, in addition to some additional resources.

“Those in the Black Lives Matter movement say black people are in immediate danger and need immediate attention, like the broken bone or house on fire. Saying 'All Lives Matter' in response would suggest to them that all people are in equal danger, invalidating the specific concerns of black people. 'You’re watering the house that’s not burning, but you’re choosing to leave the house that’s burning unattended,' said Allen Kwabena Frimpong, an organizer for the New York chapter of Black Lives Matter. 'It’s irresponsible.'

'More to the point, it is a given that all lives matter,' said Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, an assistant professor of African-American Studies at Princeton University. 'That has always been an assumption,' she said. 'The entire point of Black Lives Matter is to illustrate the extent to which black lives have not mattered in this country.”'"(https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/16/us/all-lives-matter-black-lives-matter.html)

Black Lives Matter Resources for Families to Explore Together

TED Talk interview with the founders of BLM (Transcript available in 17 languages)

Comic that explains the critical importance of BLM (in response to “all lives matter”)

http://chainsawsuit.com/comic/2016/07/07/all-houses-matter-the-extended-cut/

Explore the BLM website together: https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/

Learn about the BLM 13 guiding principles: https://www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/black-lives-matter/13-guiding-principles

See what some other schools are doing to take action for Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com/media-2/

Find a way to take action and get involved: https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com/

Discussion Questions

• What do you know about Black Lives Matter?

• Why is Black Lives Matter important in our community?

• What are you learning about Black Lives Matter that surprises you?

• What are you learning about Black Lives Matter that inspires you?

• What questions do you have? What would you like to talk about more together?

In partnership,

Meg

Friendly Reminders

• 01/27 - Quarter 3/Semester 2 begins

• 01/28 - 8th grade transition meeting at BHS

• 01/31 - Quarter 2 report cards sent home

• 2/11 - Engage EMS meeting - 5:30 - 7 p.m. EMS Library/Makerspace

• 02/22 - 03/03 - No School - February vacation

Community Announcements

• Students involved in the District III Music Festival will be attending the festival January 31-February 1. Students will be leaving school at 8:30 am on Friday. Teachers will be emailing families details and logistics. This year we have an awesome group of students attending! We are constantly amazed at their dedication and talent as they work on their above-grade-level district music.
  

• The 8th grade transition process has officially begun. Burlington High School guidance counselors met with students on January 23rd to discuss the process. Please join the Parent Meeting at BHS on Tuesday January 28th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (See flyer below)

• Rising 9th grade course selection process for BHS will begin for current 8th graders in March when we return from February vacation. To help facilitate this process, Pat Hulbert will provide office hours to support families with questions and wonders. Details will follow in the next newsletter.

• EMS’ YPAR students put forth a proposal for a new dress code. Superintendent Obeng will be reviewing this proposal with BSD Sr. Directors on 2/4.