Grand Rapids Reporter

Dear Families and Community,

Like so many of you, I am shocked. I am saddened. I am angry. These are feelings that surface once again as we hear about the latest incident where a black man has been the victim of violent and deadly excessive force at the hands of those entrusted to protect all of us.

When I look at the face of Tyre Nichols, I see the face of those I love including the children in our school district.

As a mother, this was difficult to watch. As an educator and leader, I am trying to find the right thing to say; as a human being, I do not understand why this keeps happening.

If I have these feelings as an adult and leader of our district, I can only imagine how seeing what occurred is impacting the developing minds of our children.

I want our families to know that we are here to support our scholars who may be struggling to understand these occurrences. We want our children to know that their feelings, fears, and frustrations are valid responses to this tragedy.

These incidents underscore the importance of our work in educating our children to have the tools they need to succeed and the courage to impact positive change in our community. It’s why the Grand Rapids Public Schools has a commitment to our scholars that extends beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic but caters to their wholistic needs and empowers their agency to stand up for themselves and one another.

This is the only way meaningful and lasting change occurs. When I interact with our scholars, I see the change agents of our future. This tragedy adds to our resolve to give them every tool they need to succeed.

I encourage our families to have open dialogue with your children about this news. We have compiled a list of resources that may help guide your conversations on this emotional and challenging topic.

On behalf of the Board of Education, please know that we are here for our scholars and families. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or principal if we can be of additional support.

Leadriane Roby, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools 

Original source can be found here.