Northfield Nighthawk Community,

These last two weeks have been a very painful time in our community and our nation.  It has caused us to pause and reflect on our own actions and privilege and also how we, as educators, need to do more to support all our students and make sure they thrive in our academic environment and also in the world. We must confront our own biases, reflect on our practices and recommit to dismantling institutional racism in our communities and the world around us.

As educators, it is our responsibility to realize racial justice in our classrooms and our educational systems. It is our responsibility to create inclusive communities and start by examining our own biases and how they show up in the school and classroom.  It is our responsibility to empower students and create equitable learning experiences in our schools.

Northfield High School is a diverse, inclusive school community.  However there is work to be done in order to ensure we continue to create equitable learning experiences for all students.  Here are the steps we are taking in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year:

• Race Panels in Schools –hosted by Sara Blanchard

• Panel conversation with Northfield staff about race, identity to break down barriers, foster understanding, and increase empathy among teachers within the school

• Year-long staff professional development in trauma-informed practices, confronting racism, and building relationships with all students

• Book Study: We Got This: Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be (by Cornelius Minor)
• Book Study: White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism (by Robin DiAngelo)

• Strategic analysis of current discipline practices and policies
• Create Principal Advisory Group focused on school culture with an emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment
• Continue listening and learning from our Black Student Cogen and Latinx Student Cogen

For families, I encourage you to read and take time to discuss race using the following resources:

• American Psychological Association: Resources for Parents-Uplifting Youth Through Healthy Communication About Race
• PBS for Parents: Talking to Children About Race and Racism
• Raising Race Conscious Children
• How to talk to white students about race

• Safe Space: Tips and Strategies
• Center for Racial Justice Education

The Leadership Team at Northfield High School is committed to dismantling racist barriers that destroy the potential and impede the dreams of our students. We are united with our students and with Black Lives Matter.

Thank you,

Northfield Leadership Team

Amy Bringedahl, Principal

Adam Creapo, Assistant Principal

Jesscia Rodriguez-Bracey, Assistant Principal

Adrian Green, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Calarri Cox, Assistant Principal