A Message from Dr. Cain
June 8, 2020
Good Afternoon,
Over the last few weeks, we have watched events unfold in our region, our state, our nation, and abroad that are both heartbreaking and challenging. Protests here in our own District have been peaceful and I am grateful to the organizers and our leaders in the police departments for effectively working together to ensure that happened. All of this in the midst of a pandemic can be overwhelming for adults and certainly for our students.
I would like to be very clear that we are committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment where students of all backgrounds feel included and respected in the Wentzville School District. That is our responsibility as educators and we owe that to the families who entrust us with the education and safety of their children every day. The death of George Floyd and the resulting unrest in our nation are additional evidence of the pressing need to find ways to talk about race constructively and respectfully. Racism has no place in our schools, or on our campuses, as it goes against our core values and mission to provide a world-class education for all students.
Our children look to us for how to respond during times of crisis. Though our campuses are (temporarily) closed, we still have a moral obligation to create safe spaces to discuss race, inequity, and current events with our children, and to help parents and guardians do the same at home. We want to empower our students, families, and staff by providing resources to help facilitate these important conversations. Our school counselors, educational support counselors, administrators, and teachers are here to offer support as well. They work daily to ensure that students of all cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives are provided an environment and resources necessary to reach their greatest potential.
Talking to Kids about George Floyd - Child Mind Institute
How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism - Parent Toolkit
Supporting Vulnerable Students in Stressful Times - National Association of School Psychologists
Discussing Difficult Situations With Your Children - National PTA
Our administrators and teachers have been working together through intensive training over the last two years to become more aware, engaged, and better leaders on issues of equity and inclusion, and on being trauma-informed. Conversations about race and equity are not always easy and we know that work is far from finished, but we pledge to continue as we are committed to an environment where all students and staff are supported, individual strengths are developed, and our diversity is celebrated.
I am confident that with some grace, empathy, respect, and understanding, we can all be agents of change and examples of hope for our students. Thank you for joining me in those efforts and for all you do to support the students and staff of our outstanding District.
Sincerely,
Curtis Cain, Ph.D.
Superintendent