KCS News Details

June 9, 2023

Dear KCS Caregivers, 

Earlier this week, I received a report of a student saying the N-word at school. Use of this offensive language is not acceptable! We have spent the last couple of days investigating this report, despite having limited information. At this time, we have yet to confirm whether the behavior happened or not. Rumors of the use of this language by our students in “high frequency” are not confirmed. Even though we do not have a confirmed incident, we wanted to bring it to your attention, in case you wanted to talk with your child about this language. We will continue to investigate, and will take appropriate action as relevant information is received. In addition, we will continue our work to educate children about diversity and inclusion. 

Over the last couple of days, I have spent time in each classroom talking with the children about Respecting Differences. The message we are giving to our students is that we want all children to be safe and feel safe at school. This can only happen when children are being kind and respectful  to each other. Students have been able to give specific examples of how people are different, and how we should act in a way that is respectful of those differences. While they know and can talk about these actions, sometimes behaviors don’t match what they know to be the right thing to do. I encourage you to have conversations with your child over the summer. Here is some of the language from the KCS STARS guide specific to Respecting Differences, in case that information is helpful as you process with your own child. 

• Looks like… Include others, Invite others, Respect all members of work or play group, Take on others’ perspectives, and Different but equal.

• Sounds like… Kind words, “Do you want to be my partner?”, and “Do you want to play with me?”

• Feels like… Kind, Inclusive, Caring, Peaceful, and Everyone Belongs.

Please, feel free to access these resources to prepare yourself for some difficult conversations.  

How to Talk with Kids About Difficult Subjects - Common Sense Media

Talking to your child about slurs: When words hurt - Boston Children’s Hospital

How to Have Difficult Conversations with Kids - Meg Foundation

Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism - PBS Kids for Parents

Please, encourage your child to report misbehaviors to an adult, so that they can be addressed in a timely manner. Like our students, we hope that you will communicate with us, so that we can continue to support all students in making the positive choices of which we know they are capable. We have wonderful children at KCS, but they are not perfect. They are going to make mistakes. We want to respond in inclusive and respectful ways to misbehavior, and utilize such instances as learning opportunities. When confirmed behaviors occur, we work with students, caregivers, and school staff to provide consequences and support in an effort to avoid future instances. In addition to responding to misbehaviors, we will continue our proactive lessons about kindness and respecting differences as well. 

Please feel free to reach out if you or your child needs support.  We are eager to partner with you in building respectful, resilient children and a caring, inclusive community. As we plan ahead for the fall, we will be thinking about further educational opportunities for our staff, students, and families regarding responsive and inclusive learning. 

Sincerely, 

Karen Bubar

Principal