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Saying Something – and Resources

Dear Pinecrest Community,


What happened to George Floyd last week and what is happening in our country now feels beyond words. I cannot imagine the heartbreak and terror, and it makes my own heart heavy. I am sure I am not alone in these feelings. 


One of our teachers texted me Friday morning and said how depressed she felt and that she wanted to cry. I told her, “I know what you mean. And as white women, what can do we do?” I think her response helped to center us both for that moment, as we were beginning our school day: “Teach the children well? That’s a line from a Crosby Stills Nash and Young song.” (She’s older than me but I do know that song!)


This is something for sure we can do because we do it every day, and we will absolutely continue to do it. 


But, still, this is a very hard and heavy time. The pandemic itself is a challenge for countless reasons and, I know for some families, bringing with it serious consequences. It is very sad watching the unfolding of what feeling marginalized, in danger, and less than for too long looks like. Seeing the loss of George Floyd’s life in such a cruel way is beyond words. 


I don’t know exactly what the right thing to say in this moment is, but, still, I want to say something because I believe in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”  And, I know what silence has felt like for me when I have had times that have felt hard or challenging so I cannot imagine it in this moment. 


“Empathy is not connecting to an experience; it’s connecting to the emotions that underpin an experience.” (Dr. Brené Brown) 

I recognize the list is long and thorough of what’s needed at this time, but I think it would serve us all well to have empathy at the top of that list – and it’s something we can all do right now, right where we are, with the people we love. It can start with us. 


I would also like to share these resources with you that I think are relevant in this moment: 

And here are some other resources shared by FCPS on June 3, 2020:

For those in our community who feel scared and shattered: I don’t know exactly the right thing to say, and it is always a vulnerable feeling to think I could get it wrong, but I want you to know I am thinking of you, I see you, and my heart aches for this. 

#BlackLivesMatter



Onward and stay safe,
Nicole


Nicole McDermott
Head of School
Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator