“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Over the past week, on our televisions, tablets, and telephones, much of the news coverage that we have seen may have seemed devastating and overwhelming. Videos of police brutality. Political leaders saying the same things that we have all heard time and time again. Images of peaceful protests that have turned violent.
In the midst of what may seem like chaos one thing we have seen, however, are glimmers of good, actions rooted in love, and flickers of hope. The journey to bring about change is long, but we see so many committed to walking the path to get there. We have seen the millions of people around the world stepping up for racial equality and justice. We have seen influential people using their platforms for good. We have seen social media channels go dark to amplify the voices, words, and messages of those whose stories often go unheard. We have seen individuals come together to rebuild their communities. These are small steps in the march toward progress. The time to begin action is now. It is time to commit to listening and learning. It is time to commit to growth. A new chapter in history is unfolding before us and we all have the opportunity to collectively contribute to a new narrative. We must all be willing to do the work needed to bring about meaningful change.
We are optimistic about what the future holds and know that there is so much good that is to come. We may not be at the finish line yet, but we are headed in the right direction.
Be well,
Sandra Bosnar-Dale & Isabelle Kunicki
Co-Founders & Directors of The Clover School
READ
If you are unsure of how to speak with your child about race, equality and injustice, you are not alone. Many parents are struggling to find the right words to use to have an open discussion as a family about the events that are currently unfolding around the world. A great way to approach this is by using age appropriate books about these topics and issues to start the conversation. The link below is a list of books curated by Indigo about diversity and activism for children of all ages. Reading any of these with your child will allow you to explore these topics together as well as provide them with the opportunity to ask you any questions they may have.
BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT DIVERSITY AND ACTIVISM
LISTEN
National Public Radio‘s first show for kids is exactly the sort of engaging, well-produced content you would expect from the leaders in radio and audio series. Hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas exude joy and curiosity while discussing the latest news in science and technology in a way that’s enjoyable for kids and informative for grown-ups. It’s great for children of all ages!
WOW IN THE WORLD | PODCAST
PLAY
During this time of social distancing, J with a K Music is offering free online group classes for children and adults. There is an offering that works for every age and every ability level. There are a variety of classes being offered that are 30 minutes in length. From Zumbini, Glee Club, to Musical Production and more – there is something for everyone!
J WITH A K MUSIC: FREE ONLINE MUSIC CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
GIVE
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Those famous words by Mahatma Gandhi ring so very true, possibly now more than ever before. There is a call to action that is ringing around the world. There is a call to stand up for racial equality and justice. We can, and must, all be a part of this movement. There is so much that we can do to support the cause and become an ally.
We must educate ourselves. Ask questions. Do our research and take action. If we say or do the wrong thing, we must not get defensive but rather we must take responsibility and do better moving forward.
We must stand for justice. Sign petitions. Donate our time and money to organizations that are making an impact on the community. Reach out to government officials and voice our concerns. Vote for political leaders with platforms that align with our goals and values.
We must lead with heart. Listen to the stories of marginalized groups. Amplify their voices. Share their message. Recognize the systems, structures, and cultures that we have built into our society that carry biases. It is up to us to acknowledge those biases and privileges and do the work needed to dismantle them. It is not enough to be not racist, we must work to be antiracist. It is our responsibility to build a better and more united world for the generations to come.
As Margaret Mead once said, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
DONATE TO BLACK LIVES MATTER
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Join us this morning at 9:30 am – and find out how you can implement Montessori principles in your own home.
Our Balsam Class teacher, Ms Karen Brown, who has over 20 years Montessori and early childhood education experience, will lead this talk and share some great tips and ideas on making your home environment one that encourages and facilitates independence and self-expression. Children — even the littlest ones — are capable of more than you realize! Let us show you how you can set up your home to foster this wonderful sense of independence.
Send us a quick email for the link. You won’t want to miss it!
MONTESSORI AT HOME: AGES 6 & UNDER WITH CLOVER SCHOOL TEACHER MS. KAREN BROWN
Smiling Mind is a free app that offers free mindfulness and meditation programs for both children and adults. The recommended daily usage is just ten minutes a day. Their mission is to provide accessible, life-long tools to support healthy minds.
These are unprecedented times that we are in and Smiling Mind is committed to helping the community through the challenges and hardships they may be facing. They have created a program called Thrive Inside with Smiling Mind. It is a special initiative to help you stay calm and healthy in the physical constraints of your home, while remaining calm and healthy inside your mind. Smiling Mind’s goal is to help users remain inspired, stay connected and foster good mental habits during this global health crisis. Thrive Inside’s program to help you stay psychologically healthy while you’re spending extended periods of time at home.
DOWNLOAD SMILING MIND APP
