Given the recent events that are occurring in our country, I wanted to take this time to acknowledge how hard this is for our community - for our staff, our scholars, our families. Our students are experiencing a flood of emotions after a sensitive and traumatic week and weekend. Our country has seen yet another black man – George Floyd – killed on video at the hands of police. A Black woman – Breonna Taylor – shot to death while sleeping peacefully in her own home. The systemic racism and systems of oppression that people of color face day in and day out in our country are on full display, named loudly on the streets in protests occurring across the country and in our own backyard. This is traumatizing, horrific, and unjust; and NCS unequivocally takes that stand.

NCS deeply values diversity, inclusion, community, respect, and love. Especially in times like this, as our country is suffering, we will continue to remain a community that upholds these values.

Especially as families of young children, it is important to take time to process for yourself. The images playing out in the media can cause a range of reactions in us and in our children, and we should be prepared to answer questions and hold space for emotions. We encourage you to speak to your children. Process with them. Let them know this hurts you too. Discuss. Let this be a time that we stand in our values as a school community and denounce the circles of violence that plague communities of color.

We hope the resources we have gathered here will be a support to you in engaging in dialogue with your children and protecting their emotional wellbeing.