Letter from Superintendent Tompkins regarding current unrest due to killing of George Floyd

Dear McKenzie Community,

I’ve tried to sit down and write this message many times over the past few days but have given up when the words wouldn’t come. It has become clear though over the past few days that this is a subject our nation and communities can no longer remain silent about. 

The killing of George Floyd has brought our nation’s struggles with racism towards African-Americans to the forefront of our collective consciousness once again. 

We take seriously our partnership with parents and community members in supporting students and families in understanding world events. This year we’ve helped you navigate the upheaval and uncertainty of COVID-19. We stand ready once again to partner with you during these last few days of school and beyond to help process the events surrounding the death of George Floyd happening around our nation. Furthermore we are committed to continue our work of building a more equitable and inclusive school community where racism is not tolerated. Below you will find some linked resources to help you have dialogue at home as I am sure your student has had a lot of questions about what is going on. 

To our students, parents, staff and community members of color, we see you, hear you, and stand with you in building a school committed to equity and a community in which all members are valued, respected and engaged. We acknowledge that we have work to be done but feel encouraged that we have taken steps in the right direction with our equity work this year. Please continue to help us improve. 

Here are helpful links provided by The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) with more detailed recommendations in the resources “Talking to Children About Violence” (link), tips for parents (link) for supporting vulnerable students in stressful times, and has shared a call for action (link) to end racism and violence against people of color.

Sincerely,

Lane Tompkins

Superintendent/Principal