Care and Concern for Our Community (Oct. 11-12)
OCTOBER 11, 2023
Dear District 39 Families,
I am writing to you today out of care and concern for our community, and those among us impacted by the conflict taking place in Israel and Gaza. Our thoughts are with the many individuals who are impacted, both near and far.
We recognize that many students, staff members, and families are deeply affected by the ongoing conflict and recent events. The stories and images coming out of the region are heartbreaking and horrific. We are aware that we have students and colleagues who might be coming to school with a lot on their hearts and minds. It is our collective responsibility to care for one another with kindness and compassion, and to step up to support those who may need it. This is a time for us to show our collective care as a learning community and to sustain a sense of belonging for all.
We understand the stress and anxiety that families might be feeling at this time and want to reiterate the importance of coming together to support each other during these difficult times. Below are some resources that we hope you find helpful, as your child(ren) may have questions about these events. We have also shared resources with our faculty and staff to assist them.
In addition, we ask that you please continue to be mindful of content that your child(ren) might be accessing on electronic devices and social media during this time. There are reports of extremely graphic content being circulated and potentially accessible to children via social media.
The student support teams in each of our schools, including school social workers and psychologists, are available to students who may need additional support. If your child may benefit from additional support, please let us know. We are here to help.
On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire District 39 family, we want to reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, supportive places of belonging for all members of our community. Our District 39 Mission, Statement of Inclusion and Resolution Condemning Hate reiterate these commitments as well as our collective responsibility to care for one another with kindness and compassion, to step up to support those who may need it, and to ensure a school environment free of prejudice, hate and discrimination.
Thank you for your partnership, for your support of these commitments and for caring for those around you.
Your partner in education,
Kari Cremascoli, Ph.D.
Superintendent
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OCTOBER 12, 2023 – An Update for our Community
Dear District 39 Families and Wilmette Community,
As the devastating events unfolding in the Middle East continue to reverberate around the world and throughout our community, we recognize the heartbreaking impact on so many within our Wilmette and D39 community. There are many members of our community who are hurting and experiencing loss from the unspeakable acts occurring. As a community, District 39 stands in close collaboration and partnership with the Village of Wilmette in condemning acts of terrorism, violence and hatred in all forms. Together, we are committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive and supportive community where all feel safe and welcomed (District 39 Mission, Statement of Inclusion and Resolution Condemning Hate). We encourage our entire community to continue to support one another and to come together to care for each other with kindness and compassion during this difficult time.
Safety Update from the Wilmette Police Department
The events unfolding in Israel and Gaza have resulted in residents expressing concerns regarding safety within our community. The Wilmette Police Department continues to collaborate with federal, state, and regional law enforcement partners in monitoring intelligence and implementing additional safety measures to reassure members of our community. At this time, there have been no alerts of local security concerns. The Wilmette Police have increased patrols in the vicinity of synagogues, schools, and other critical infrastructure as a precautionary measure, and will continue to remain actively engaged in these efforts. District 39 will continue to follow safety and security protocols in and around schools. We are very grateful for our close partnership with the Wilmette Police Department and appreciate their ongoing efforts to keep our community safe.
Check Your Child’s Social Media Information
We share in the concerns of our families regarding the mental health and wellbeing of our child(ren), particularly during a time of crisis. As images of extreme violence spread across social media and mainstream news outlets, we ask parents to be mindful and closely monitor young child(ren)’s media access. With widespread reports of graphic content being circulated on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, we strongly recommend that parents and caregivers continue to monitor and/or restrict your child(ren)’s social media usage.
Resources for Families
We understand the stress and anxiety that families might be feeling at this time and want to reiterate the importance of coming together to support each other during these difficult times. Below are some resources that we hope you find helpful as you navigate conversations as a family and with your children. We have also shared resources with our faculty and staff to assist them. Our student support teams in each school, including school social workers and psychologists, are available to students who may need additional support. If your child may benefit from additional support, please let us know. We are here to help.
• Resilience in a Time of War: Tips for Parents and Teachers of Elementary School Children
• How to Talk to Kids About What Is Happening in Israel Right Now
• Ten Ways to Have Conscientious Conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• Supporting Young People During Crises
• Explaining the News to Our Kids
• How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War
On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire District 39 family, we reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, supportive places of belonging for all members of our community. Our District 39 Mission, Statement of Inclusion and Resolution Condemning Hate reiterate these commitments as well as our collective responsibility to care for one another with kindness and compassion, to step up to support those who may need it, and to ensure a school environment free of prejudice, hate and discrimination.
We remain in communication with our Township partners and local authorities, and will continue to ensure communication in accordance with our protocol.
Your partner in education,
Dr. Kari Cremascoli, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Wilmette Public Schools District 39
Kyle Murphy
Chief of Police, Wilmette Police Department