Dear San Marino Unified Staff, Students, Families, and Community,
Over the last several days, we have watched protests and protestors, both peaceful and violent, fill our screens as a result of recent harrowing events. Stories of racism, stereotypes, injustice, and inequality are dominating national airwaves and social media feeds, and we have begun to feel the negative impact of these and other events on our students and families right here in San Marino. As Superintendent of Schools, the health and well-being of our kids must be front and center.
As our students seek to understand what is happening, and as they consider their own response(s) to what they see and hear, I am calling on our community to stand in support of ALL of our students and in support of one another. Let's join together with full hearts and clear eyes. With humility and empathy, let's help our students understand and sort through these difficult issues. Let's guide them to appropriate ways to vocalize their intolerance for racist behavior and the inequitable treatment of others. Let's empower them to stand against injustice wherever it is found and to do so in positive, productive, and meaningful ways.
Likewise, it takes action from each of us to affirm our intolerance for xenophobic or sinophobic statements and insensitive remarks related to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, and national origin. Let's ensure that all of our students, staff, and families feel accepted and that our campuses are safe and welcoming.
Please take a moment to look through the following resources that we hope will empower you to have meaningful conversations with your kids and with one another. Perhaps we may play a small part in disrupting the negative patterns of behavior that inevitably emerge and support our students' mental health and wellness as they navigate these very difficult days.
Resources for Making a Difference and Mental Health Support:
- WeTip: There is an anonymous tip line available to report crime, suspicious activity, concern for other students, or bullying. The phone number for reporting incidents is 1-800-782-7463. Tips may be reported online at https://wetip.com/
- Care Solace: San Marino Unified students, staff and families have a no-cost resource, Care Solace, which is an online tool with a live 24/7 concierge line to assist individuals in finding local mental health-related programs and counseling services, which can be accessed at: https://caresolace.com/site/smusdfamilies
As a community, we have shown resilience, strength, empathy, kindness, and support for each other. Let's continue to model those attributes that have helped define the San Marino experience.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeff Wilson, Superintendent
San Marino Unified School District
