Dear RMA Community,
It has been hard to put into words my thoughts on yesterday. I will be writing more about the tragedy and the next steps as I see it in the future, but for now…
I want to reflect on the good work our RMA Community of families, children, teachers, staff, board, and neighborhood are doing. We make sure your children are safe in our care, you have been proactive in abiding by changes to the days during these situations, and the children have shown resilience, positive curiosity, and acceptance for the changes they have made. We have seen an increase in police presence around the neighborhood and appreciate all that our first responders do for us. I’ve had to make some tough decisions based on information given over the past year, and I thank you for your grace in understanding these decisions.
For many of us today is somber, not just because of the weather, though that is not helping. Many of us need time to heal, understand our confusion, and figure out what to do next. There is a sign in our school that reads “Peace in our Schools #MontessoriNow.” I believe this is who we are, a peaceful school. We have our moments of discord, but I believe we are doing the work to support a peaceful future.
Thank you for trusting us to care for, keep safe, educate, and trust your child. Thank you for partnering with us. Thank you for being such a supportive and understanding community.
I know we can always do better, and I will continue to find the ways to do better by you, your children, and this community.
Here are some resources for talking with your children: Talking to Children About the Shooting and Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
With Gratitude,
Jackie
Jacquelyn Greenbaum, M.Ed.
Executive Director
Renaissance Montessori Academy
