Dear colleagues,
Every year brings renewed hope and optimism about what we can accomplish in our classrooms, at our school sites, within our district, and inside our Evergreen community.
But this year does feel different. There is a heaviness surrounding us. The uncertainty that we were facing in the early spring and beginning of summer has in some ways channeled into concern, worry, and even fear. Our students are facing unprecedented challenges. We know some are concerned about the safety and well being of their parents and family members as well as their own. Do they have a plan if they return home and no one is there? How is this even something a child needs to think about? For some of our families this is their reality.
Just turning on the tv and flipping to a national news channel we see a systematic chipping away of decades of progress we have made in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Where does that leave our students? How is everyone not in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion?? In some states even having a poster with the words Everyone is welcome here with hands of different shades of brown isn’t just controversial- it’s not even allowed! You can not display a poster like that and keep your job.
So again, the question is: Where does that leave our students? How are they supposed to grow into who they authentically and unapologetically are? How are they to reach their full potential, and know they belong, if in fact they are getting the message that everyone is not welcome here?
So it is incumbent upon us, especially in light of what is going on right now in our country- to continue to make sure every single student in our district knows they are welcome here.
Whether you are a citizen or undocumented, whether you are straight or LGBTQ+, no matter what color your skin is, what your religion is, what language you speak- not only are you welcome into our classrooms- you are accepted for who you are, you are celebrated for the unique gifts you add to our lives, you are loved.
We are going to continue to advocate for ALL of our students. We are going to stand up for them and we are going to fight for their rights. Their inalienable rights that all people deserve simply because we are human beings.
More than anything else this year, we need our students to know this: we are here for them through whatever storms come our way.
And luckily, we do not have to do this alone. This is my 29th year in Evergreen. If there is one thing I know for certain it’s this: the commitment and dedication of the teachers and staff here is unwavering. We have always come together to help our students and support each other. We will continue to lean on each other and when needed buoy each other up. When someone feels overwhelmed or defeated, we will rally around them so they know they are not doing this work alone.
You are not doing this work alone. Call on your colleagues when you need to. Call on me and your ETA Leadership team when needed. We will be here for you.
Because our students need us right now more than ever. And I am 100% certain that we will be there for them.
I am so honored to work with all of you. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for ALL of our students.
In unity,
Suzanne
Suzanne Lima (she, her)
President, Evergreen Teachers Association
Evergreen Teachers Association -- San Jose, California 