Sayre Families,

In times of tumult, grief, and fear, I struggle to find the words to bring comfort, reassurance. So many of us are shocked, angry, and saddened by the recent events seen and heard throughout Chicago and the nation. I am worried that we are unable to be together to help our students make sense of a world that has become so unpredictable. As we close out this week, know that we must all take a collective breath, allow ourselves to be human.

While we each grapple with concerns of safety, issues of injustice and racism in our country, worries about the COVID pandemic, please know that as a school community, you are entitled to process, to pause.

Though the hardships are many, I hope you take courage in the small ways we are each able to make a difference. Whether we are working on being more conscious, being better listeners or simply holding space for the struggle of others, we are always stronger together.

In this edition, we are and will continue to gather information and resources that may support our students and their families. We are strengthened by our teachers who have already engaged our students in meaningful discussions about how they are processing their world. Many of our staff members are beginning the often difficult but courageous conversations around race and equity.

If I have learned anything about Sayre Language Academy, it is that we are a community of strength, love, and resilience. We will continue to fight for equality, equity and justice in the classrooms and beyond.

In Solidarity,

Dr. Adekunle

Whether your learner at home is struggling to make sense of images on tv, or unrest in the community. Whether you would like to proactively engage your child in conversations about the issues behind the injustices behind the protests, we offer these books as a place to start. A few copies are available for check out in the Main Office. Please email Ms. Adekunle at fuadekunle@cps.edu if you are intersted in checking out a copy!