Dr. Lexi Cunningham, Salt Lake City School District Superintendent, sent the following letter to SLCSD parents, students, and staff, reaffirming SLCSD’s commitment to providing a quality education for all students and to keeping schools as safe spaces:
“Dear SLCSD Families,
Excellence and Equity: Every Student, Every Classroom, Every Day: this is our vision statement for the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD). We are committed to achieving this vision and ensuring ALL students in our district obtain a quality education.
We believe in our students and in their hopes, dreams, and potential. Our schools and our students are strengthened by our district’s diversity. SLCSD embraces and supports all of our students, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, or any other factor. And we will continue to champion our students and families, and to welcome and teach every single child who enters our school doors.
In January 2017, the SLCSD Board of Education passed a Safe School Resolution affirming our district’s commitment to our students and our schools. During these uncertain times, we appreciate the support of our teachers and our parents in having conversations with students about current events and reassuring them that school will always be a safe space.
Below are some tips to help adults talk with children about these important yet challenging topics:
- Don’t be afraid to talk to children about recent events that appear in the news and on social media.
- Promote a sense of safety by acknowledging current events, and ask children if they have any questions or concerns they would like to talk about.
- Use age-appropriate language (i.e. talk to elementary-school-aged children about the importance of being a good friend and valuing each other’s differences).
- Share experiences, when appropriate.
- Model good behavior, such as being supportive of other cultures.
- Share ideas about how our children can respond to those who are displaying inappropriate behavior.
During the school year, SLCSD administrators and counselors are a good resource to assist teachers and parents in addressing any concerns that may arise when speaking to children. We in SLCSD will never stop doing what is right for ALL of our students.
