June 5, 2020

Dear Northwood Families,

Our arrival at the month of June this year has felt heavier than any other in my years in education.  As communities, we have been challenged by the global pandemic and its effects on the lives of people around the world.  We have seen the racial inequities in our society more starkly as the effects of the pandemic hit communities of color much harder than white communities.  Additionally, across the U.S. and in our local area, the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police officers and the subsequent protests of these past days have underscored the obligation of our school community to be actively anti-racist, working every day toward realizing our District Fundamental 7, “Foster and embrace diversity, inclusiveness and equity, with a focus on respect and acceptance of every student.” 

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to read the Superintendent's Message sent to all our Mercer Island School District Families earlier this week.  Contained in her message was a link to resources, linked again here, https://www.embracerace.org/, that may support your family as you talk with your children about social justice and anti-Racism.
Read more of Aimee's message...