January 26, 2024
Dear SAU 90 Staff and Families,
Our greatest responsibility is to ensure the safety of our schools. This is a district goal and all three schools have also adopted this as a school goal. Specifically, this goal states that we will work to create and maintain a clean, healthy, physically, socially emotionally safe learning environment. As part of our work, prior to the start of the school year, we met with our stakeholders from all three schools to determine our scope of this work. Focal areas include Responsive Classroom and Advisory, Increasing Resources, Self-Care for All, School Safety, Behavior Response Training, Mental Health Teamwork, and Internet Safety. Additionally, a parent meeting was offered this fall on suicide prevention. Our psychologists are seeking feedback on a parent series to support these efforts. These events are important as they help to bring everyone together where we can have further conversations about these critically important topics that impact our children and schools. As the Superintendent, student safety is and continues to be our greatest priority.
Additionally, as a district we have also adopted an equity goal that specifically is aimed at creating conditions in which everyone can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Through the collaborative efforts of our staff, students, and families we can bring this to fruition. As we continue to focus on having our schools being an example of respectful learning environments, we must all do our part. We encourage everyone if they see or hear something, to say something. We are all responsible for this endeavor.
Sadly, this week, it was brought to my attention that there have been racist, unkind remarks made at our middle school. Although this is a topic that some may feel uncomfortable with, it is important to be clear that everyone has the right to feel comfortable, respected, and feel a sense of belonging in our schools. Disparaging remarks about skin color, ethnic background, culture, or identities are hurtful and will not be tolerated. Our words are our most powerful possession. They can comfort, heal, and bring cohesion to our community. However, they can also damage the culture and climate in our schools. Parents and caregivers, we kindly ask that you remind your children that everyone has the right to be in our schools. Words do matter.
By working collaboratively with everyone - principals, teachers, psychologists, case managers, SRO's, and families, we will be more successful in ensuring the physical and social emotional safety of everyone. As always, we encourage all our students and all members of our school community, if they see or hear something that could potentially jeopardize the safety of our school community, they should say something. As part of our ongoing safety talks with our students, it is important that all students feel they have a trusted adult they can speak to. Please continue to encourage the following: If you or your child see/hear something – say something to a trusted adult; ask your child who their trusted adults are in school and at home; and finally, continue to reach out to the schools, if you have any questions.
We will continue to find ways to promote social emotional learning and the well-being of our students and staff. We are committed to making the world a better place by creating safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school communities. As part of our work, we encourage respect and kindness so that everyone feels welcomed so they can do their best. To that end, we encourage all our families to consider participating in the Great Kindness Challenge not just next week but every day! We know that Marston School participates in this yearly event, however, we challenge everyone to make this not just a weekly event in January but a daily way of being. By being kind to others, we in turn lift up ourselves and make the world a better place for all! Please see the attached flyer for further ideas!
On Thursday, February 15, we are pleased to offer our families with children ages 1-8 a night out. Parents will learn strategies for helping your child identify, label, express, and regulate their emotions while children enjoy a Play Club. Dinner will be provided, and every family will receive a Calming Box. Please see the attached flyer for more details.
We are seeking coaches for the spring season of Girls on the Run (GOTR) at Marston! If you are interested in coaching, we strongly encourage your involvement. Coaching a GOTR team is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved with the program! A GOTR coach is a volunteer position that facilitates and supports the GOTR curriculum (open to girls in grades 3-5). The position requires approximately 2-4 hours per week for 8 weeks with the additional commitment of a one-time new coach training (a combination of in-person and virtual training). Coaches do not need to be runners. They must be willing to lead with an open heart and assume positive intent. Team meeting days will be determined by the group of coaches. The spring season will begin the week of April 1 and run through the 5K event on June 1. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Maggie Glos at Glos.Margaret@gmail.com.
Remember, next Wednesday is an early release for student with Hampton Academy dismissing at 11:30 AM and Marston and Centre School dismissing at 12:00 noon. Wishing everyone a wonderful winter weekend ahead.
Warmly,
Dr. Lois B. Costa
Superintendent of SAU 90
Shark News: Shark News 1.26.24