May 31, 2020
Dear Yu Ming family,
During this past week and weekend, we have seen people’s sadness, outrage, and anguish manifest itself across the country in the aftermath of the tragic killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others. It is important to see these deaths as part of a racialized system of inequity that has spread through an unequal education system, laws, and policies that have for too long devalued Black lives.
We at Yu Ming are profoundly affected as educators, as parents, and as Americans, and we unequivocally condemn these violent acts and all acts of racism and bigotry in all its forms.
We stand with our students, families, and staff who are personally impacted by the daily threats against their safety and well-being. And we stand with those across our nation peacefully calling for immediate change and justice. /p>
At Yu Ming our power is in co-constructing a future with you, one where all children thrive in a safe and just world, a future that is not yet reflected in the realities of all in our community. And in this critical time, we re-commit to listening and learning, to creating inclusive and affirming spaces for one another and our students, and to taking anti-racist actions as educators and citizens.
This week we will be using our advisories, morning meetings, one-on-one check-in, and community circles to hold space for our students and staff. Crystal Simmons, our Director of Student Supports and School Psychologist has created a guidance document for our team with resources on “Responding to Racism.” At the end of the document you will find links to resources families may find useful in having conversations with your children, including this article fromUSA Today
We also deeply care about your well being and safety. Tonight Alameda County issued an Alert Advisory advising Alameda County residents to stay home due to the civil unrest across the greater East Bay. Please be safe and know that the Yu Ming community stands with you.
In unity,
Sue Park
Head of School