Superintendent Letter to the Community
Dear Clarkstown School Community:
I am very saddened by the events of the past few days as it pertains to unrest in cities across our nation following the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I have been reflecting on what our students need to hear and know to help them cope with the chaos and pain they may be experiencing. As a community, every child needs to know that they are seen and valued and that we will never accept racism, discrimination and intolerance in any form.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –Coretta Scott King
At every level, our District is committed to promoting and supporting a school environment centered on dignity for all students that does not tolerate hatred, discrimination or violence within our schools. Our values are reflected in the District’s mission and vision statements, our policies and our Code of Conduct. We are here to teach, lead, guide and support our students on a daily basis with academics as well as on societal issues in our community, nation, and world.
Ensuring equity and meeting the social and emotional needs of our students is core to our mission. For over sixteen years, our high schools have implemented the “A World of Difference” peer mentoring program led by our students. A World of Difference Institute's programs and resources are designed to help participants: recognize bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals and society; build understanding of the value and benefits of diversity; improve intergroup relations; and confront racism as well as all other forms of bigotry. Our middle school and high schools are also recognized by the Anti Defamation League as “No Place for Hate” schools.
As a District, I want to emphasize the importance for all of us to be here for one another, as partners in education, to support our students. In the traditional setting of the school, we would be engaging in critical conversations with our students to share thoughts, feelings, questions, and concerns about racism and equity.
During these challenging times, our Distance Learning will not serve as a barrier for discussion and support of our students. Please reach out to your child’s teachers, pupil personnel services staff, school counselors, and administrators if you need support to engage in dialogue about peaceful protests, unrest and civil rights. As always, we will focus on supporting and guiding your children to understand their needs and assist them to be successful.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Martin D. Cox, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools