A letter and resources from NECSD Superintendent, Dr. Roberto Padilla

April 20, 2021

Dear Goldback Nation,

As we continue to endure our society’s multiple pandemics - a global health pandemic, an economic pandemic, and a racial pandemic - our country continues to experience civil unrest. 

Yesterday, the case of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin went to the jury regarding the tragic death of George Floyd. We do not know what the outcome will be, but we do know that our community continues to grieve the loss of individuals who have lost their lives as a result of senseless violence. 

I want to remind you that our scholars are watching and absorbing these events and our reactions to them. We must remain committed to teaching and emphasizing civility, valuing facts, honoring truth, and respecting differences. It is healthy to express emotions that may feel uncomfortable. Times of high emotion are a regularity of life. It is important for our children to learn to express their emotions in a healthy and productive manner, at an age and developmental appropriate level. 

The school district has identified various supports for adults and children who are struggling to process their thoughts and emotions:

• How to Talk with Kids About Racism and Racial Violence
• Helping Your Child Cope with Media Coverage of Community Racial Trauma: Tips for Parents - Short video with excellent recommendations for parents and teachers alike. It can be subtitled in multiple languages. (Estos videos pueden subtitularse en varios idiomas.)
• Something Happened in Our Town - Follow two children – one black, one white – as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community, and help identify and counter racial injustice. It can be subtitled in various languages. (Estos videos pueden subtitularse en varios idiomas.)
• How to Talk to Your Kids about the Derek Chauvin Trail The Derek Chauvin trial is at the forefront of topics of conversation throughout our nations. How do you speak to kids about this sensitive matter?
• How to talk to your children about the Derek Chauvin trial in George Floyd's death
• Talking Race With Young Children - 20-minute NPR episode on breaking down, not shutting down, conversations about race, racism, diversity, and inclusion, even with very young children. 
• Talking to White Kids About Race & Racism - Silence perpetuates racism—but it can be hard to know how to start. This hour-long program is about talking to white kids of all ages about race and racism.
• Talking with Kids About the Media  Helping Kids to Respond to New Media: Media  
• Talking Tips For Black Parents Discussing The Riots
• Nickelodeon Declaration of Kid’s Rights

I am consistently proud that we are a community that always pulls together to love and support each other in difficult times. It is truly through the work of all that we ShoulderUp as a community of resilience and resolve. Each of us plays an important role in nurturing and caring for our scholars. Thank you again for your support and commitment to our school district. 

Through the work of all,

Roberto Padilla, Ed.D., Superintendent

Newburgh Enlarged City School District

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!