Important Message from the Superintendent and Board Chair – January 28, 2023

January 28th, 2023

We would like to take a moment to address the events in Memphis, Tennessee that led to the death of Tyre Nichols, who died three days after an encounter with five police officers. We felt moved to send this message because of our unwavering beliefs of extending humanity towards others in all situations. It is our expectation and hope that our staff and students treat each other with respect, dignity, and compassion in all situations and when someone witnesses a departure from humanity, that they stand up or seek help. It is heartbreaking to know his family is suffering and grieving the loss of their loved one.

It is just as important now as ever that we continue to support and love one another rather than hate and attack. We can be angry at the act and the tragic result of the events that occurred in Memphis, and at a time when many of us may feel helpless, we should direct these emotions to show love and compassion to our neighbor.

When these types of events occur, we all react in different ways. Some people may avoid watching the news, and others may find themselves watching the footage repeatedly. This can result in a wide range of emotions, including anger, fear, and sadness. Please remember that repeated exposure to violence, through videos, images or news stories, can be harmful for all of us, but especially for our children.

Supports and Resources

We want students, parents and guardians to know that we have many supports ready and available in every one of our schools and we urge students to access them any time they need them. If a student is feeling any range of emotions because of this event, or for any reason, we urge them to speak to a counselor, teacher, school administrator, or any trusted adult in their building and they will receive the support they need.

Additionally, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) provides the following information for parents and educators to talk with children about violence:

• Talking to Children About Violence
• Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Families and Teachers
• Supporting Vulnerable Students in Stressful Times: Tips for Parents

Additional reminders from NASP include:

• Reassure children that they are safe
• Make time to talk
• Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate
• Review safety procedures
• Observe children’s emotional state
• Limit television (and social media) viewing of these events
• Maintain a normal routine

The HCPSS Mental Health and Wellness webpage provides guidelines, tips and sources of help.

As a school system, we continue to embrace the values of equity, inclusion and diversity. These are more than just words to us. They are actionable objectives that we dedicate resources and professional development to ensure all staff members are continually lifting them up as guiding tenants and integrating them into the work they do to instruct and support every one of our students.

In our schools and offices, we expect all individuals to embrace love even more tightly and make that extra effort to support a neighbor, friend or even a stranger who is in crisis. It continues to be our expectation that in Howard County and across our school system, we will continue to combat hate and violence with love and acceptance.

Respectfully,
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Superintendent

Antonia Watts
Board of Education Chair