Community e-Newsletter
April 11, 2021
Commitment to Support and Unity
As you may know, on Wednesday night our high school administrative team was notified that messages from an anonymous Instagram account and group chat were directed towards several of our students of color. The language used was racist, hateful, and threatening and resulted in students not feeling safe at school. We are working closely with our partners in law enforcement to identify the responsible party as quickly as possible.
During recent years we have asked our students to give voice to their experience and have been listening closely. Our students, in particular our students of color, have expressed concern about racism within our schools. Our recent Equity Audit Report provides valuable student insight and further evidence that racism has created an unwelcoming environment for many of our students and negatively impacts all of our students. A team of students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members are in the midst of helping us create the district's first-ever Equity Action Plan (EAP) that will help us to advance systemwide equity initiatives.
The deliberate, disgusting actions of some are not consistent with the core beliefs of our school district, nor are they consistent with any part of our mission statement, especially the key attribute that ours is a culture that respects diverse people and ideas. These actions are not consistent with our equity commitment: To nurture the whole student, we disrupt systemic inequities by recognizing, honoring, and embracing all cultures with humility and respect.
Please be assured that as a school community we stand united in our commitment to ensure a safe, respectful environment for our students. Racism and racist behavior will not be tolerated. The outpouring of support for our students of color provides hope that we can become the community that all of our students deserve.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, Superintendent
In Photos: Conversations and collections
Student News
Getting outside
Hugo Elementary students recently collected boxed goods for the Hugo Food Shelf. Before the items were turned over, students celebrated out on the blacktop by watching a domino run of all of the collected boxes. The collection contained a total of 663 boxes of food that weighed in at 602 pounds when the donated goods were dropped off at the Hugo Food Shelf.
Important conversations
Connections
The district's Senior Program is hosting a Parking Lot Rummage Sale from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on May 22 in the Normandy Park Education Center parking lot.
Special Attention
The district's Community Services Summer Catalog includes the Bear's Bulletin, a flip-book companion to the catalog that includes district/school updates and notices of upcoming events. The recent Spring 2021 issue included a call for pics of students in their Bear Wear, and the community did not disappoint. Those who wish to do the same may email photos to communications@isd624.org - you may find your little one(s) featured in a District publication!
Activities Update
The WBLAHS Baseball Team will host its Home Opening tomorrow, Friday, April 12. Middle School Athletics seasons will start tomorrow as well.
Please contact the Communications Department (651-407-7695) to submit Student News for inclusion in future publications.
The Week in 62.4 Seconds
Enjoy The Week in 62.4 Seconds videos highlighting weekly district activities throughout the school year.
School Board News
Upcoming Meetings
The April 12, 2021 School Board Work Session Meeting will be conducted in person at District Center, with social distancing measures being put in place.
The remainder of the 2020-21 School Board meetings will continue to be viewable via electronic means. Livestream links are available on the district's online calendar and will be posted on the Meeting Materials page the week prior to each meeting.
Past Meeting Highlights
March 22 Work Session
March 1 Regular Meeting