BSD Family Update
Thursday, June 4, 2020
A message from Superintendent Leavell
Dear Bremerton School District students, families and staff:
I write to you this week with a sense of unshakeable sadness, hope and opportunity. The most recent events in the tragic and senseless deaths of black Americans has placed a spotlight directly on systemic and institutional racism that still exists today. The horrific scenes that are being replayed on the news and in our minds are tragic and unacceptable. It is not enough to just acknowledge the glaring hatred that is present in our society. We must come together and take actions that advance peace, celebrate diversity and promote respect.
During my 20 years in the Bremerton School District, I have served in many different positions ranging from a teacher and a coach, a mentor, an assistant principal and principal, assistant superintendent and your superintendent for the past seven years. In all that time, we have experienced growing pains as they relate to inequities, racial disparities, understanding of cultural differences and competencies, and a workforce that does not demographically reflect or look like many of our student body and families. While I wholeheartedly believe we have made progress, we have a long way to go.
So, what can we do? We all must lean into the conversations about race. Listening and learning from the past and present will help us to move future forward. We are fortunate to live in a community where so many resources, collective impact coalitions and leaders of both public and private affiliations create the space to encourage us to show up and be active in the conversations and the work. And while it may be uncomfortable, we must be willing to be vulnerable and have a seat at the table.
I have always been impressed with and proud of our students. I believe the critical change agents reside within the generations of youth in our schools today. Parents and guardians, I encourage you to speak with your children about race and racism as you see appropriate (links to helpful resources to assist with this are listed below).
As the leader of our great district, I know I can do better and I am willing to listen, learn and act for change, for our students and our community.
Take good care and be well!
Resources for families
Embrace Race – Raising a Brave Generation
https://www.embracerace.org/resources/teaching-and-talking-to-kids
Center for Racial Justice in Education: Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence
https://centerracialjustice.org/resources/resources-for-talking-about-race-racism-and-racialized-violence-with-kids/
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education: Talking to children after racial incidents
https://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/talking-children-after-racial-incidents
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Tomorrow is our LAST districtwide Fun Friday!
Ver el folleto Fun Friday en Ver el folleto Fun Friday en español
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Bremerton School District in the news
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Character trait of the month for June: Courage!
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Student learning & grading quick links:
- Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) state grading rules and guidance
- Superintendent Chris Reykdal's video about student learning and grading
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Student Learning & Grading (from OSPI)
- Bremerton School District Student Learning & Grading Plan
Need help with your Chromebook?
Special Education hotline
Grab & Go Meals
Information about our Grab-n-Go meal program is available at www.BremertonSchools.org/Meals.
Educational resources & activities for families
2020-21 kindergarten registration open!
Social Distancing guidelines remain in place
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Bremerton School District Non-Discrimination Statement
BSD School Closure Updates (Distributed 6/4/2020)