We want to acknowledge the difficulties that the attack on the U.S.Capitol and state capitals around the country have caused for many members of our Hopkins Schools community. As learners of United States history, including histories that have long been ignored, we know that Wednesday’s events were not isolated, they are reflective of centuries of racial and economic injustices as well as political strife. Few of us need any more proof that we are living in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. In Hopkins Schools, we are continuously striving to create the conditions for all of our scholars to develop traits that will help them navigate these circumstances.
We are thankful for our educators, principals and school/district staff who are thoughtful about the quality of attention and time for processing needed by our students. We sent a message to our staff that acknowledged the troubling events and provided resources that could be used in a learning setting. Here is one example of a resource we shared with teachers. Please know we care about each and every student, and our job is to creatively identify methods for using real life events as teaching tools to shape the minds and hearts of our students. This is another moment in history that opens an opportunity to engage with complex truths about our country and community.
Times of crisis can cause confusion and trauma. In Hopkins Schools, we are also deeply committed to the mental health of all of our scholars. We hope these resources prove helpful to students and families in the days, weeks, and months ahead:
- “Talking to Kids About the Attack on the Capitol,” National Education Association
- “Talking to Children About Violence”, National Association of School Psychologists
- “A Clinical Perspective on Talking to Kids About Racism,” Child Mind Institute
In community,
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, Superintendent
Jen Bouchard, School Board Chair