By Propel Schools CEO/Superintendent Dr. Tina Chekan
Our safe and supportive school community has been shaken to its core by a series of senseless violent acts against Black Americans. We say the names of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and add them to a growing list. As I write this, we are seeing the outcry of grief and anger as our neighbors and families gather in the streets to speak out against injustice.
Collectively we are struggling as a community to understand why these unjustified atrocities continue to occur. The coverage of these events on the news and the discussion on social media are weighing heavily on our scholars, our families and our staff. We are keenly aware of the compounding trauma that results from these tragic events.
At Propel Schools, we value everyone and believe that our differences make us stronger. In solidarity, we stand against any and all acts of racism and inequitable treatment of people of color.
To address the pain being experienced in our school community, we are working through the current social distancing guidelines to provide virtual forums for both our scholars and our staff to discuss their emotions and find productive ways to confront systemic racism.
Propel Schools was founded on the belief that all children deserve an excellent education. During times like these, our caring educators and staff bond together to connect our scholars with appropriate social emotional support. We are grateful to our numerous community partners who work with us through these challenges. Our scholars unknowingly help us cope as well with the strength they show in encouraging their peers to remember the importance of self care and positive expression in face of adversity.
At Propel Schools, how we care for one another defines us and fuels our efforts to dismantle racism and work toward a more just society. One of our strategic goals is to ensure that all scholars feel a sense of connection to their school where their social-emotional health is nurtured and valued. The task that we vow to take on is great and it will take all of us to achieve. Each of us has a role to play in our community, our workplace, and our family to bring equity to the forefront.
