It’s doubtful there would be
argument around the fact that this year’s Presidential election was long,
emotionally charged, and exhausting. Its outcome has left some Americans
relieved and satisfied while leaving others disappointed and afraid. All await
what happens next and how we will come together as a true United States of
America. As it has played out in society, so has it played out in our schools
as students tried to make meaning from the speech making and media
interpretations; personal histories, attributes, and flaws of the candidates;
and now, the aftermath and path forward.
The Melrose Public Schools, like so
many in our nation, understand how impactful this dynamic can be on students,
and our district has addressed it in a variety of ways. Below please find
Superintendent Taymore’s review of the situation and how it’s been (and
continues to be) addressed:
Schools across the country, including those in Melrose, have
been responding and providing support to their communities throughout the past
year of this divisive election campaign. It has been an ongoing effort at
every grade level to assist students, families, and staff that have been distressed
and even frightened by the campaign’s intolerable rhetoric. Supporting our students,
day in and day out, is the primary mission of this district. My administrators
and I are well aware of how this is playing out not only in our schools, but
also in our Melrose community and across the state and country.
Wednesday
was a difficult day for all of us, but staff was prepared to work with students
and their families as a result of efforts over the last 2 1/2 years. We
started the day by providing them with additional information on how to talk to
students about the results. I say this is "additional" because
it follows up on the training we have been doing with all staff as recently as
the day of the election. Moreover, I sent a personal note to staff emphasizing
that our message to students is that we will always care for them, advocate for
them, and provide them a safe space. We do the work we do because of our
commitment to children. Numerous staff members throughout the district
worked with students in response to their needs. In fact, METCO Director Ms.
Ward and I worked together with our METCO students. Lastly, MHS Principal Mr.
Merrill has been very clear in his message to students, families, and staff
that MHS will welcome and respect all members of our community. We will
continue to reinforce that belief and work with students as individual
situations arise. My staff and I are also aware that we have a long road ahead
of us as this presidency unfolds over the next four years.
The return to civility must start with the adults. As
our wonderful speaker from the Tuskegee Airmen said to over 300 participants in
last Monday night’s presentation at the MHS Learning Commons: "Act as
though we are all members of one family--because we are."
A helpful resource from
Wheelock Professor of Early Education Diane Levin, PhD, can be found here: http://blog.wheelock.edu/tips-for-helping-younger-children-cope-with-the-election/.
(It contains additional resources that may be helpful for older children.) If
you have questions about this topic as it relates to work being done in the
schools, please contact your child(ren)’s teacher and/or principal. They are
prepared to assist.
