Dear PTA Community,

In a time of questioning and uncertainty, one thing remains clear– our voices, heard as one, CAN enact change and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

The Hunt District PTA Executive Board is profoundly saddened, angered and disturbed by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all black lives that have been taken too soon. The Hunt District PTA and its members always strive to cultivate connections and build our communities to ensure the success and betterment of all children. We stand in solidarity against racial injustices and inequities and offer our commitment to continue to learn, listen, engage and empower our leaders and members to advocate for our students impacted by systemic racism.

It is not enough to simply celebrate our differences – we must also use our voices to dismantle systems designed to oppress. If we value diversity in our schools, we must also ensure each of our students is, in turn, being valued. Our students and families and their rich, cultural heritages, skills and abilities, values, and preferences will not be honored until we begin to review and alter practices, policies and curriculum currently in place that do not fully support the opportunity for educational growth and impactful success.

As we begin to look forward and ask ourselves “What can we do?”, we encourage you to use the resources below in beginning or continuing the conversation within your own families. We encourage our PTAs to review the Virginia PTA position statement on Advancing Equity and Diversity, research equity assessments conducted within school divisions, designate a delegate to participate in MSAAC meetings and work to incorporate these understandings into PTA practices, budgets and priorities.

Please take the time to reflect, listen and continue to learn. We can do better and we must do better.
 
With PTYAY Love,
The Hunt District PTA Executive Board



Helpful Resources:

How to Talk to your Kids about Racism, Race & Activism

31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism and Resistance

Talking Race With Young Children

Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture Talking About Race Resources

Virginia PTA Position Statement on Advancing Equity and Diversity

Loudoun County Public Schools Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee

LCPS Equity Assessment