I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a response to the events happening throughout our city, state, and country as a result of the tragic death of George Floyd. The events unfolding in front of our eyes are devastating and elicit a number of emotions.  As a school and as a Catholic community, we have been purposefully and actively listening.  In fact, we are reaching out to members of our school community who are most affected by these events.  

Our plan for addressing this as a school and with students upon return are forthcoming.   For us, real change takes time and is an ongoing commitment.  As the educators of your children, please know that we take this responsibility to the highest regard.  Empowerment and inclusion are part of our core.

Here is what we are doing at St. Matthew:

• We're educating... ourselves and learning about the brutal history people of color have had to endure in our country.
• We're listening... to people's stories. Friends of color who we've known for a very long time, as well as people that we're just getting to know for the first time. We are just listening.
• We're creating... resources to help our staff talk about this with your students. We are looking at a variety of tools, language, and practices that address the systemic racism in our communities.

We ask you to join us in these conversations.  Included below is a document from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops that help us start the conversation.

We are here to listen and are working on plans and educational materials, for when we return to together, to help teach students about the importance of respect and treating one another with dignity.  We are grateful for this opportunity to make St. Matthew and our world better.