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June 1, 2020

 
To the MBUSD Community,

A week ago, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minnesota. As we all know, this is only the most recent example in a long series of African Americans being killed by white police officers. The pain and anger being expressed in response are understandable and all too familiar. We have been here too often. This weekend, in scenes repeated here in LA County and across the nation, we watched peaceful protesters conveying messages of anger, the need for change, and hope. Unfortunately, we also saw looters causing mayhem, chaos, and fear. Earlier today, the City of Manhattan Beach proclaimed a Civil Emergency .

Yesterday, MBPD Chief Abell sent a message out to the Manhattan Beach community. It was heartfelt and personal, and if you have not already read it I encourage you to do so. I join with Chief Abell in condemning the murder of Mr. Floyd, supporting the first amendment rights that are fundamental to our nation, and denouncing criminal behavior that puts our citizens and our community at risk. As an educator - and, in particular, as a history teacher - I take very seriously the importance of helping young people to understand the principles upon which our nation was founded. The events that are unfolding have so many implications for all of us, all of which are compounded by the added health, financial, and social-emotional challenges presented by COVID-19.

I am sensitive to the fact that our students, while they remain at home, will be making meaning of all that is happening outside of the classroom environment. As parents, we will play a critical role in supporting our children as they process the events as they transpire. Each of us as parents makes our own choices on how we parent our children, but I know that I appreciate any ideas I can get on tough topics. If it is helpful, here are some resources you could consider:

  • There are basic pieces of advice for parents during all safety crises:
  • Reassure our children that they are safe
  • Listen with our full attention
  • Acknowledge their feelings and watch for signs of distress
  • Model self-care, and know that our children are always watching us for cues on how they should react

  • In this time of 24/7 news coverage, be mindful of how much information our children are exposed to and be mindful of adult discussions in their presence. Be prepared to help children make meaning of the news that they do hear.

  • Check in with your children to learn what they may be seeing or hearing from their friends.

  • Here in MBUSD, this is a stark reminder of what is important. Our Inclusion STAND UP Commitment remains an important guiding light for our district, and it's something I have asked all of our families to discuss at home.




  • Remember that our nation was founded out of protest, and that the overwhelming majority of the protesters are breaking no laws, and only seeking to bring the nation’s attention to a national problem that persists. Protests have always been an essential part of who we are.

  • Talk with your children about the role of our local police and how they should not be afraid to ask them for help when they need them. I know that our police chief speaks for the overwhelming number of police officers who have devoted their lives to protecting citizens, and are horrified by the killing of George Floyd. MBPD Chief Abell wrote:
  • Like you, I am angry and disgusted by the murder of Mr. Floyd. He did not deserve to be killed and certainly did not deserve to be treated with a lack of basic human decency. Like many of you, the members of the Manhattan Beach Police Department are also struggling with what took place and are hurt by the criminal actions of those in question. The Manhattan Beach Police Department works extremely hard at fostering community trust and demonstrating fairness, professionalism and unbiased-policing. In essence, “treating others the way we would like to be treated” is what we expect from ALL of our department personnel. We teach our officers and other police staff to demonstrate professionalism at all times and de-escalate situations in an effort to bring about peaceful and meaningful solutions. I am proud of the men and women of the Manhattan Beach Police Department for their dedicated professional service minded attitudes and their commitment to treating everyone with the same level of dignity and respect they deserve. 

I hope that some of these ideas are helpful to you. One of the things that makes me most proud to work in Manhattan Beach is the community that we are all part of. In difficult and challenging times, our strength shines through, and I know that we can count on each other now, as we always have. My thoughts are with everyone, and I am wishing for peace, understanding, and justice, the same dreams that all parents have for their children. We all have a role to play.

Thank you,
Mike Matthews, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Manhattan Beach Unified School District
325 S. Peck Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310)318-7345, x5900
[310-318-7345, x5902]  [mmathews@mbusd.org]  [www.mbusd.org]