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From the Superintendent: Creating a Safe and Welcome Place for All

Exterior Sign says Welcome to Clarkston Community Schools

Dear Clarkston Community Schools Families, 

I’m writing to you today because I was recently made aware of separate incidents in which Clarkston Community Schools students targeted Black classmates with derogatory, racially motivated speech. These incidents are deeply upsetting and are currently being addressed by our administration, but I also feel a sense of urgency to address them with you because we are seeing racist behaviors and slurs happening on our school campuses with troubling frequency. These behaviors are unacceptable to me as your superintendent.

Clarkston Community Schools does not tolerate racism or acts of aggression toward any member of our school community. We take these and all matters of intimidation and harassment very seriously.

Our district’s mission states that we will “create a learning environment where students, staff, and families are challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, and supported.” In order to provide a safe and inclusive space where all people are valued and respected, we must stand against bias, hate, and prejudice. 

We must also stand beside and support any person who is being marginalized or made to feel unsafe in our school community. Threatening or discriminatory conduct involving our students or staff should be reported, even if it occurs outside of school or in an online setting. If you or your child experiences or witnesses such behavior, I encourage you to contact your building principal or call our district’s 24-hour tip line at (248) 494-7121. This tip line also allows callers to remain anonymous if they prefer.

In the long-term, I am committed to building our inclusive school culture with continued work in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion and I look forward to sharing more with you about our efforts in the weeks and months ahead. 

Sincerely, 
Shawn Ryan
Superintendent of Schools
 

About Clarkston Community Schools: Clarkston is a highly regarded school district with an enrollment of nearly 7,100 students. We have seven elementary schools (K-5), one middle school serving grades 6-7, one junior high for grades 8-9, and Clarkston High School, which serves students in grades 10-12. We also have a virtual academy, an Early Childhood Center serving children ages 3-5, and an alternative high school/community education facility. Clarkston Community Schools students are well-prepared for a future that excites them, and believe that they can achieve their dreams. The mission of Clarkston Community Schools is to create a learning environment where students, staff, and families are challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, and supported.


Read more Clarkston Community Schools News at www.clarkston.k12.mi.us/news.

 

Questions or Feedback? Email feedback@clarkston.k12.mi.us

Media Contact: Mary Ellen Rowe, Director of Marketing and Community Relations (248) 623-5460.

 

 

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