“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Braves:
During this time of unrest, I rely on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to help guide me. Dr. King was a leader and teacher for us all. Dr. King laid a foundation for us, as educators, to understand the role we play, and the purpose we serve. The business I’ve dedicated my professional life to for 25 years is one of service, to you.
You, our students.
You, our parents.
You, our community.
Within the Indian Hill School District, a learning institution dedicated to delivering enduring excellence in learning, leadership, innovation, and service, part of what makes us uniquely Indian Hill is our promise to embrace the beauty and diversity of each student we serve with a focus on developing our children both academically and socially.
Every student; every parent; every member of our community matters.
The images we’ve all seen weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. It is a mosaic of anger made up from the broken pieces of the history – from our inception to our current reality – we have lived as a nation. As educators, it is an important reminder of the role we play in developing a future where every student; every parent; every member of our community; every human matters.
There is work to be done.
At Indian Hill, we have the opportunity to provide resources in several ways:
• Our Indian Hill Parent Equity Group, founded in 2016, is an organization of parents from a multitude of racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds who support the Indian Hill School District initiative to bring racial awareness and cultural competency into our District and community. They help the District engage in dialogue around important topics that impact the safety and well-being of all students.
• Our Indian Hill Global Parent Network representing approximately 40 different nationalities within the District assists the District in planning unique, age-appropriate learning activities for our students, and meets regularly to discuss ways to help our students and families grow and thrive in our community.
• Our Courageous Conversations learning opportunities for staff to collectively dive deeper into the most pressing social issues we face as individuals.
• Our school counselors and administrators are always here to create a safe space for our students to connect to ask questions and have difficult conversations.
We will be calling on all of our resources to help guide us as educators, and to help us influence a future of love and respect for all.
Change is a direct result of education, and learning begins with listening.
To any and all of our Braves who seek to dialogue, share, or process the ongoing events around us, I want you to know I am here for you. I will make myself available for conversations, counsel, or to provide resources to those who seek help.
We will continue to learn; we will continue to evolve; we will never wavier in our dedication to do what is right.
This is the #IHPromise we make to you.
In service to our children,
Posted June 2, 2020