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Dear SCM Community,
In the wake of the recent murder of George Floyd, and before him, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and too many others, victims whose experiences never made headlines and whose names will never become public, I am writing to acknowledge the work that we must all do to transform the systems, structures, and conditions that make everyday life more dangerous for people of color.
These murders are indicative of the systemic racism, oppression, and violence inflicted on Black people, and on all underrepresented members of our communities. The same oppression and systemic racism operating in our larger society is reflected in our institutions, including our schools. Educating for peace can include actively educating for sustainable change, in ourselves, in our school community, and in the larger community. We must be willing to learn, make mistakes, take risks, and ultimately create sustainable change by doing some difficult and sometimes uncomfortable work.
We ask that you take a moment to review the Vision Statement developed by the Diversity Committee, below.
Santa Cruz Montessori School Diversity Vision Statement
Santa Cruz Montessori School embraces diversity and recognizes the richness, complexity and depth of all people’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, family constellation, socioeconomic status, age, religion, and physical and mental abilities. Diversity is a core value, central and indivisible from our mission to guide and nurture the natural unfolding of the whole individual. Diversity comes from us all, challenges us all, and benefits us all, as individuals and as one community together. Making progress on diversity is more than social responsibility, it is necessary if we are to meet our mission.
We believe that knowledge of the rich human experience will prepare our children to care for themselves, others, and the earth. Together, we will create a school community:
- Where we explore, through curriculum, our fundamental similarities and unique personal differences in the context of Montessori’s Fundamental Needs of Humankind.
- Where we acknowledge and celebrate the many, diverse and positive attributes of the students, staff, and families who are members of our community.
- Where identities are not imposed and each person is allowed to grow without fear or shame.
- Where tolerance and respect are taught as a way to achieve social, moral and ethical understanding.
- Where we make an effort to actively practice our commitment to maintaining an environment of respect for one another, inclusive of our differences, every day.
- Where we all contribute to providing every individual the opportunity to reach her or his full potential.
- Where the learning environment is prepared and resources are available to students, staff and families so interactions about diversity can be sensitive,healthy and productive.
- Where we cultivate in one another the grace, courage and skill to discuss complex issues, about which we may deeply disagree, while maintaining an environment of dignity and respect for all.
- Where healthy discussions about differences are recognized as a necessary part of a balanced community.
- Where each of us embraces the values in this statement and commits to making this vision a day-to-day reality.
Our mission is to guide and nurture the natural unfolding of the whole individual in a developmentally based Montessori learning environment.
We are here to support and empower every member of our school community. With that in mind, some resources for further discussion with your family are provided below, and we look forward to more education and action together next year.
“A great social mission that will ensure the child justice, harmony, and love remains to be accomplished. And this great task must be the work of education, for this is the only way to build a new world and to bring peace.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori, Education and Peace
Resources:
Resources for Adults,
Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America
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