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April 19, 2021
Dear KIPP Texas Families,
I just can’t make sense of the rising hate and racism so deeply rooted in our country. After the AAPI murders a few weeks ago and rising crime against Asian Americans over the last year, here we are mourning the senseless murder of yet another Black young man, Daunte Wright, who was shot and killed after being stopped for having hanging air fresheners in his car. And also last week, we saw the horrific video of Adam Toledo being killed. Adam was 13. Thirteen years old. He was in the 7th grade like my daughter and the 7th graders we teach daily.
And, we are seeing the continuation of the immigration crisis with young children seeking asylum in our cities.
And, beyond that, closing arguments in the Derek Chauvin trial took place today and, now, we anxiously await the verdict.
It is just too much. As I read this post being circulated on social media, I can’t help feeling both devastation and helplessness that change isn’t happening fast enough.
In times like these, when I feel at a loss, I find hope in our KIPPsters. I go from hopeless to hopeful when I reflect on our stance as an anti-racist organization and our commitment to creating affirming, joyful classrooms every day. I am hopeful when I think of the generations of KIPPsters we are teaching who will leave our walls and go into the world equipped to be accepting, open minded, thoughtful, and conscious leaders ready to build a more just world.
Although I am hopeful, I know that an ideal future state doesn’t prevent the trauma our Little and Big KIPPsters have been experiencing and are feeling today.
We will continue creating safe and brave spaces for our Little KIPPsters, such as restorative circles, so they can process, listen, learn from each other, and feel loved and affirmed.
As a Team & Family, we will continue to stand together to dismantle anti-blackness, anti-darkness, systemic racism, and demand those who commit injustice be held accountable. We will also continue to do our part to learn about ourselves, other cultures, and each other. We will continue to grow and be the change we want to see in our classrooms, communities, and our country.
________
As I mentioned last week, we will start to communicate decisions for the 2021-22 school year as they become available, which may be as early as late this week! As we plan for next year, we will continue to hold sacred our promise to create equitable, joyful, academically excellent schools.
Please remember that today is the first day of in-person early voting for the May 1 election. If you are able, you can find more information on polling sites, their hours of operation, and sample ballots on your county’s website here.
Ramadan Mubarak and wishes of peace to our Muslim Team and Family, and happy new year to our Hindu Team and Family.
With gratitude,
Sehba Ali
Important Links:
At a Glance Back to School Guide
Complete Family Back to School Guide
