Update from the Head of School - Today's Verdict
April 20, 2021

Dear Green Hedges Families,

As many of you have heard, former Minnesota Police Office Derek Chauvin was found guilty this evening in the death of George Floyd. This outcome may arise questions and conversations with your child(ren) about the issues of race, policing, and social justice. These are all very complicated issues and we want you to know that we, as a community, are here to help you in any way we can to address these issues. Please refer to Amazeworks.org to read more about how to support children and address racism and George Floyd’s death in an age-appropriate manner.
 
The killing of Black men and women at the hands of police officers is something that we are grappling with as a nation and while this verdict is a clear message that such acts cannot be condoned, there is much work to be done to educate ourselves and those around us about how we can change the system in place that allows such acts to occur in the first place.
 
Let us take a moment to take in this verdict and continue to make Green Hedges a safe, welcoming place for all. I encourage you to reach out to School Counselor Sabine Bergwall should you want additional resources to help your family.


Warmly,
Jennifer Bohnen
Head of School
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Since its founding, Green Hedges School has always believed that each child’s journey is better and more nourished if, during these formative years, it takes place within a deeply connected and diverse community. Such a community provides children a supportive, physically and emotionally safe environment where they become confident learners who take risks and actively engage in their world. Green Hedges is this community.
 
Community
Green Hedges School commits to diversity, equity, and inclusivity among its students, families, employees, trustees, and alumni. A broadly diverse community fosters empathy, enriches teaching and learning, and promotes intellectual excellence and strong character. We hold everyone in our school accountable for respecting the multitude of identities and perspectives and for promoting a safe and supportive school environment.
 
We are a diverse community committed to a unified vision – to inspire students to achieve their dreams and reach beyond themselves to make a difference in the world. We believe that in order to achieve this vision, our community must reflect the diversity of the greater world, including but not limited to diversity in socioeconomic status, family structure, race, ethnicity, religion, belief systems, learning abilities, gender, and sexual orientation.
 
Action
We invite our community to work together to create a climate of mutual respect. We lean into the sometimes complex and challenging conversations about inclusivity because we believe that the growth of a community and learner is continual, and striking a careful balance between individuality and community can be difficult work. We are committed to this ongoing and ever-changing process.
Mission
We inspire young people of talent and promise to develop clear values, a desire for wisdom, and an appreciation for all endeavors which broaden the mind and enlighten the spirit.

Read more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives here.