A Letter from Superintendent Thomas Regarding Recent Anti-Asian and Antisemitic Acts Nationwide

Dear BPS Families,

As a district that is home to students from 47 different countries of origin representing many religious and ethnic backgrounds, we feel it is our responsibility to remain aware of and sensitive to any racist or prejudiced acts that are portrayed in the media and that could potentially be observed by our students. In recent weeks, anti-Asian and antisemitic acts have made local and national headlines and I felt it was important to address them with you.

Whenever incidents of this nature occur, I ask our staff to keep an eye on students who might be feeling scared or vulnerable. If you feel that your child would benefit from speaking to a school adjustment counselor, please call the main office of his or her school and their principal or building dean would be happy to help set that up.

Our fundamental goal as a school district is to help our students grow into thoughtful, kindhearted adults and that starts by teaching them to treat others with dignity and respect. We want our students to understand that hateful language is always injurious regardless of the context. Together, we will continue to reinforce that racism has no place in our system.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s principal.

Thank you,

Superintendent Thomas