June 6, 2020
Dear Briarcliff HS Parents and Students,
The uncertainty and stress of the Covid-19 pandemic has burdened us for the last few months and has taken its emotional and psychological toll on us as a community and nation. We have realized human connections and expressions of love are essential for our health and well-being. Sadly, we are confronted with a harsher reality in the desperate need for social justice reform and equal opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, guaranteed as citizens of the United States of America. As a country, our diversity is the foundation of our strength and unity binds us, yet our divisiveness threatens all we hold dear. The Briarcliff High School Community shares the heartbreak and grief following the deaths of George Floyd, Amaud Arbrey, and Breona Taylor and the anger expressed across the country and the world. We deeply mourn the needless loss of all lives that have occurred in our streets. Citizens across the land have demonstrated great courage, and empathy during our health crisis and now we must demonstrate the same resolve to understand and attempt to put an end to the pain, suffering, and outrage caused by racism.
A team comprised of administrators, clinicians, faculty and students, met virtually to discuss the ways we can provide a forum to our students and families to express fears and concerns but more importantly how we, as a high school community can reflect on feelings, have constructive, respectful dialog and unite to propel systemic changes in our society. We thank all participants for their insight and fortitude.
Providing support, a caring presence, resources and opportunities to process what is occurring in our country and express feelings are centric to our roles as educators and responsible adults. Covid-19, virtual learning, separation from friends and trusted adults have been difficult for our students. Add to those struggles, the chaotic and disturbing events highlighting the inequities dividing our nation and it may not be possible for students to comprehend and properly process these events without help and guidance.
As such, Briarcliff HS is hosting a virtual student forum on Tuesday, June 9th at 3:00pm. The forum is open to any student in grades 9-12 and families who are able to be with their children via TEAMS > Difficult~Necessary Conversations site. Each student will be notified by email invite to join the forum. The forum will be facilitated by Ms. Simone Gamble, Chapter Leader at The Brotherhood/Sister Sol Organization, located in New York City. Ms. Gamble's biography is accessible via the link below. https://brotherhood-sistersol.org/about/staff/simone-gamble/
Please understand, this is simply a first step. There is much work to be done as a school community and country to examine, learn from our past, and create a harmonious and equitable society for all. As educators we are committed to providing a comforting presence, love, and an avenue for respectful communication and expression. Our counselors, Ms. Safer, Mr. Muranelli, Mrs. Ryan, and Mr. Cuddy along with our Social Worker, Mr. Pellegrin, Student Assistance Counselor, Ms. Ohmes as well as the BHS Administration, are available for any student or family who may need our support. Listed below are resources which may be helpful to families and students:
CNN Video & Article: How to talk to your children about protests and racism YouTube Video: How to Talk to Kids About Race Coping Skill Spotlight: 5,4,3,2,1 Grounding Technique American Academy of Pediatrics: The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health American Academy of Pediatrics: Talking to Children About Racial Bias Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About George Floyd
We look forward to you joining The TEAMS Difficult~Necessary Conversations forum on Tuesday, June 9th at 3:00pm.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely, Debora French, Principal dfrench@briarcliffschools.org
Diana Blank, Assistant Principal dblank@briarcliffschools.org
Daniel Goldberg, Assistant Principal dgoldberg@briarcliffschools.org
444 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY - 10510 |