A Message from Unity’s Head of School – no classes tomorrow, June 2nd
Dear Unity families,
In classes today, students connected with their teachers and one another in processing the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade, as well as the ongoing protests. Our community is what makes us strong, and we will continue to use our time together to process, reflect, grieve, and plan for action.
At the same time, we know that many of us are struggling to carry on in light of the trauma that has been happening in our country for centuries, but in renewed focus at the forefront of our national consciousness in the past week. In order to support all members of our community, particularly our Black and Brown colleagues and friends, we are going to take a collective day off from school tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2nd. School will not be in session and the day will be to support mental health and self-care for our community, as well as a public declaration of solidarity with those impacted by institutional racism and the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade.
While we will not have classes tomorrow, we do still want to offer ongoing support for our students, families, and staff. The principals at each site, as well as Ms. Del Purgatorio, our Director of Social Work, will be available as resources for both students and staff throughout the week. See the schedule and meeting links below:
- Middle School:
- MS Families: Open Forum with Mr. Burns and Ms. Gaines at 11 AM tomorrow
- MS Students: Structured Space with Ms. Rivera, Ms. Brookins, Ms. Kittoe, Ms. Tucker, and Ms. Del Purgatorio on Friday at 11:45 AM
- For additional support: Email tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org or text 347.688.9107 to set up a time to talk
- High School:
- HS Families and Staff: Open Forum with Ms. Fuller and Ms. Yun at 12:30 PM tomorrow
- HS Students: Structured Space with Ms. Rivera, Ms. Brookins, Ms. Kittoe, Ms. Tucker, and Ms. Del Purgatorio on Wednesday at 11:45 AM
- For additional support: Email tdelpurgatorio@unityprep.org or text 347.688.9107 to set up a time to talk
Our decision to not hold classes tomorrow, but to instead provide optional space for dialogue and support, represents what we believe to be right in caring for our community. We look forward to our continued support of one another and to reflect with our community this week in charting our course forward.
In unity,
Joshua Beauregard
Head of School
Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn