Hello Hardy Families,
I hope everyone had a restful April vacation!
We Believe Black Lives Matter:
This week we are hanging a “We Believe Black Lives Matter” flag at Hardy. It will hang in the gym, a location selected for its high level of visibility for school programming.
Throughout this school year, as a district, we have been committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. In February, we learned that the Wellesley Middle School was installing a Black Lives Matter flag in their building. In a letter written by WMS Principal Ito to the WMS community, Mr. Ito wrote,
“With the history of systemic racism against Black Americans, it is important to affirm that Black Lives Matter here…We want our Black students, staff and community members to thrive: knowing that their learning, growing, and belonging matter…”
The WMS decision sparked conversation amongst WPS administrators, faculty and staff about the need for a flag in each of the district’s buildings. At Hardy, we are committed to affirming the statement that We believe that Black Lives Matter.
Hanging this flag is an opportunity for us to more clearly articulate and affirm our R.I.S.E. values: Respect others, Include all, show Safe behavior, and Encourage all. It also offers opportunities for teaching our district’s core value of respect for human differences.
We will teach Hardy students about the “We Believe Black Lives Matter” flag with age appropriate conversations. Conversations about this flag will reinforce our school’s commitment to ensure Black Americans at Hardy, in Wellesley and in our country are treated fairly and with respect.
Hardy Faculty & Staff, Hardy School Council, Hardy PTO, Hardy Diversity, Equity and Inclusion staff committee
Resources:
Ito, Mark, WMS BLM Flag Statement of Purpose, 2021
School Spirit Day:
This upcoming Friday, April 30th, we will have our next School Spirit Day. Students are encouraged to wear their Hardy gear to school. Go Huskies!
Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal