In our first week of the second semester, nationally and locally, we have experienced startling and emotional events. We have witnessed violence and death, racism and anti-semtisim, and more. The events in our nation’s Capitol were scary and we know that processing our reactions and emotions as adults is challenging. As educators we also know that it is even more challenging for our students to make sense of these events and deal with their own emotions. Collectively, our primary focus is on the well being of our learning community and we want to reiterate the supports in place at HPHS for student access. As I say every time I am speaking with our students, reach out to a trusted adult if you are struggling for any reason. The HPHS staff is available and wanting to talk to students about their feelings and any concerns that may be coming up for them. Under the Services and Support section of this newsletter you will find additional information and how to connect with HPHS staff, including direct links to counseling and the Drop-In Center.
Looking ahead, we should note that next week marks the inauguration of the forty-sixth president. While many of us have strong and different feelings about the inauguration of this president, we all need to recognize this moment when we will have our first woman - and woman of color - as the vice president of the United States of America. I recognize the importance of this historic event - as I am proud of our community and the way in which we have conducted ourselves post-election and through recent events. We need to heed the call to continue doing our part to keep everyone safe - until we all have access to the vaccine and until the systems of racism that still exist have been peacefully dismantled.
Students should be on the lookout in the next few days for more specific information regarding options and supports before, during and after the inauguration next week.
