Message from CMS Superintendent, June 2020
Team CMS,
The last few weeks have been hard—this week has been particularly tough. To see the brutal killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor and to witness the weaponization of race against Christian Cooper have stirred emotions of outrage, fear, frustration, anger and exhaustion. When I think about those killings against the backdrop of a global pandemic that has taken so many lives – African-American lives at a disproportionally higher rate – it is overwhelming.
These same emotions are playing out in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and across the nation. Violence and destruction are not the answer. They are only distractions. These distractions keep us from focusing on the root cause of the issue. Hatred. Bias. Bigotry. Racism.
What I know for sure is that it is one thing to not be a racist, but another to be someone who fights actively against and resists racism. This is our work. The reality is we must dismantle the systems that create inequitable outcomes for some children, and create new learning environments that recognize that the old ways have failed far too many. Until we do this and also join with other community partners to enact lasting change, we will continue to witness the scenes that are playing out in the streets across this county and around the nation.
I encourage each of you to check in on your colleagues. Give space and time to reconcile what you are seeing against your own lived experience.
This pandemic has created an opportunity for us to create an education experience for children that is significantly better than the dated public education system in which our parents and their parents were educated. We can and must emerge from this period of uncertainty with the resolve to embrace new approaches that enable us to live the mission of educational equality. It is an honor, a point of pride, that we shoulder the responsibility of educating ALL who walk through our doors. By reflecting on our own mindsets and committing ourselves to each do our part in mending the gaps that have for far too long left many students behind, we will make history and contribute perhaps more than any other profession to bringing an end to the cycles of injustice and unrest unfolding around us.
Earnest
On June 1, the US Department of Education’s (ED’s) Ready to Learn Television grants, debuted a new PBS show, “Hero Elementary™.” “Hero Elementary” is about a school for up-and-coming superheroes, where kids learn to master powers like flying and teleportation while exploring science along the way. The series pushes children ages 4 to 7 to think like scientists to solve problems while also touching on social issues, like kindness and empathy. One of the main characters, AJ Gadgets, loves all things “super,” makes super gadgets and has the power of thought projection. He is also on the autism spectrum. AJ is accepted and appreciated for the unique skills he brings to the “Sparks Crew.” The show offers its viewers more awareness, acceptance, inclusion, and appreciation for people with disabilities. A preview episode is available now on YouTube.
Message from CMS Superintendent Dr. Wilcox, August 22, 2107
"As you have discussions at home and in school in the days ahead, I would like to share some resources from the National Association of School Psychologists that our staff members will use to guide their work:"
6 Strategies for Teaching Cause and Effect [Grades 1-3] - SAMPLE ANCHOR CHART appropriate for Pre-K
10 Ways Well-Meaning White Teachers Bring Racism Into Our Schools
21 children’s books to spark important discussions about race + tolerance If you're wondering when the "right" time is to begin having these talks—it's now, mama.
Anti-Racism For Kids 101: Starting To Talk About Race - Booksforlittles.com
Are You An Anti-Racist Educator? Here Are Seven Questions to Help You Decide.
Bias isn’t Just a Police Problem It is a Preschool Problem - NPR 2016
FOUR PROMISING FACTORS TO CLOSE OPPORTUNITY GAPS AMONG CHILDREN OF COLOR - PreK specific
How We Talk About Achievement Gap Could Worsen Public Racial Biases Against Black Students - Education Week 6-3-2020
It's Time to Talk about Dr. Seuss Learning for Justice 3-4-2019
Lessons on Culturally Responsive Teaching From Black Churches - Edutopia 6-4-2020
PBS Media: Let’ Talk: Race and Racism
What Anti-racist Teachers Do Differently: They view the success of black students as central to the success of their own teaching.
Cultural Relevancy: As you continue to add additional activities to your Canvas page/Read Aloud 2 time, remember to include culturally relevant read-aloud options.
We consciously create a culturally inclusive in-person classroom environment and want to continue that with our remote classroom environment. Survey the cultures in your classroom and find ways to include their experiences in your virtual and in-person classroom. Here are some resources to help you get started:
Granddaddy’s Gift, Margaree King Mitchell - lesson: determination and endurance in the face of prejudice
Grandfather’s Journey,