Dear GUS Families,

Over the last few weeks, a number of horrific incidents have highlighted the ongoing racism and systematic oppression of communities of color in our country. We mourn the tragic killing of George Floyd and, in the Glen Urquhart School spirit of Mean Well, Speak Well, Do Well, we are reaching out to our community to see how we can provide resources and support for each other in this troubling time, and find ways to act together to be the change we want to see in the world.

Embedded in our mission and our diversity statement is a desire to shape young people who will make the world a better place. Our hope is that here in our GUS community, students learn to think critically and develop the skills to advocate for themselves and others. Our mission guides us to teach children how to “respect all people and value their differences,” and to “act responsibly in our community and the world.” This mission is particularly meaningful and important now, as we reflect on how best to move forward and use the privilege and power that we have, both individually and collectively, to take action in our communities to dismantle racism. While we are all impacted by this tragedy in different ways, we are linked by our commitment to these principles of the GUS mission, and by our love for our children and our desire to shape a more equitable, peaceful, and just world for them to live in.

These are uncomfortable and unsettling times, but one thing we know as educators is that challenge and discomfort can help us grow. We are asking you to accept this challenge now - to reflect, individually and together with your children, on what you can do to help eradicate racism in our community and in our country. We can all take steps, large and small, to fight this battle that is devastating communities near and far. We have assembled a collection of resources that can help you take first or continuing steps, and we will continue to work together with you to build our resources and find meaningful ways to take action. In this time, we find great comfort and strength in the GUS community and, though we are distanced, we will continue to provide support to each other in all possible ways. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with feedback, ideas, requests for help, and suggestions for how we can work together and live our motto to Mean Well, Speak Well, and Do Well.

On behalf of the Glen Urquhart School faculty and staff,