Dear BVT Family,
It is with great sadness that we observe the recent acts of hate and violence across the country and its impact on our community. The Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District has always stood for equality, kindness, respect, and tolerance.
As an inclusive community of respect for all, we end every morning and afternoon announcements with "remember to be respectful." We use those words intentionally as it is the foundation of everything we stand for. We do not tolerate or accept hateful acts or speech that would alienate anyone, and we remain committed to honoring and protecting the rights and dignity of all members of our community. Together we have created this culture, and through our constant effort, we have maintained it.
Teaching our students safety and inclusivity is part of our mission to ensure that every student feels welcomed and valued within our BVT family, and in part that they learn how to treat others in this way. Students will likely be inquisitive in class, and teachers need to anticipate how they will address questions as they arise. As a public school, I remind everyone that it is not our place to take political positions; however, it has always been in our nature to maintain and grow our culture of respect, dignity, and pride.
Included are a couple of resources meant to facilitate conversations:
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Talking to Children After Racial Incidents •
Helping Students Make Sense of News Stories About Bias and Injustice •
The Triumph of Diversity by Dr. Arthur P. Ciaramicoli Deeply rooted prejudices are an impediment to a productive workforce and a healthy society. Our long-term goal is to provide our graduates with the skills to navigate any bias they encounter with empathy and compassion. We produce young citizens who will discover what initially appears impossible can be achieved when their effort is sustained with determination.
Dr. Michael F. FitzpatrickSuperintendent-Director