Letter from Yolo County Principal to staff

See below a note from a Yolo County principal sent out to school staff today. I love how it talks about the need for staff to not only take care of their students in this tumultuous time but also the need for staff to take care of themselves and reach out for help, if needed.  I have heard some concerns about possible negative comments between students backing different candidates.  We as adults need to help our youth create a safe space to share concerns and emotions.  This is a potential teaching opportunity about respectful acceptance of differences and creating a safe environment for open dialog and sharing. We know there are many that have strong emotions and we as adults need to model safe and respectful behaviors (I know i had to do some damage control with my daughter this evening - I wasn't such a good role model last night!)

Dear Staff,

You may be arriving today with strong emotions regardless of your political views.  We have heard our students in the previous weeks talk about their fears, anxieties and hopes for this election.  You may be searching for a way to approach your students after the election results last night.  Before having those conversations, take a moment to think about your “why” for education and ground yourself in your values and passion.

Remember these key things in supporting yourself and your kids today:

1. Support is essential for everyone.  If you have kids who need extra support, attention or a break, give them some extra nurturing today and feel free to send them to the office or to counseling.  We are also here to support you if you need anything at all. 
2. School should be a place of safety for all kids and adults.  If you hear negative comments from one student to another, please intervene.  These are teaching opportunities.  Help students understand that their behavior and decision making impact their campus community.  Help them choose to create a positive climate.
3. Routine and predictability are comforting for all of us.  Please stick to your normal daily routines and practices.  Though some things may feel out of control for adults and kids, this helps to ease that unpredictability.

We may not have control over how the nation responds to this election, but we do have control over the decisions and choices we make and how we respond to one another.  My hope is that we can pull together as a campus community to protect and care for one another and our students. 

I believe in kindness. I believe in us.