The devastating news of shootings across the country in the past week, and for many months and years, continues to shake many of us. What do you do with your fear and upset? Do you talk it out? Do you take quiet moments? Do you advocate for yourself and others?
Here are some resources for talking with kids about race and racism, violence and stressful events:
Resources
Talking with your child about stressful events
NASP: Talking with your children about violence
NCTSN: Talking with children about mass violence
Talking with your children about race and racism
Asian Americans in Newton: Reflection and Reimagination: Tuesday, May 24th at 7PM
Our neighbors from China, India and Korea represent three prominent Asian American groups in Newton. Join us for a panel discussion as we explore and honor these cultures in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Asian Americans in Newton: Reflection and Reimagination on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. Panelists will reflect on the impact of current events on the Asian American community, the successes, and challenges of adjusting to life in a new country, and how we can all come together in solidarity. Participants include: Rakashi Chand (Massachusetts Historical Society), Anping Shen (Newton School Committee), Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm (Professor, B.U. School of Social Work), Lisong Liu (Professor and Moderator), and Newton student Shiv Sawhney.
Walking Tour of METCO HQ and Nubian Square
Saturdays this summer at 10am and 1pm (started May 14!)
Join METCO high school students as they uncover the past and present of Boston’s historic Nubian Square in Roxbury. This unique 90-minute walking tour highlights their research into the artistry, activism, and achievement in the backyard of METCO’s new Headquarters. RSVP here
Ward FORJ, Bigelow FORJ, Underwood FORJ & Lincoln-Eliot FORJ Picnic in the Park RESCHEDULED
The FORJ Picnic in the Park at Franklin Park in Boston will take place on Sunday, June 5th from 12:30pm-3:30pm. All of our school families are invited to enjoy FREE food, beverages and fun. You can bring food to share, too, if you’d like. RSVP to Ward FORJ contact Jeanne Choe-Arrieta, jeannechoe73@gmail.com, by June 4th.
Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration – Thursday, June 16th
Join L-E FORJ, our L-E PTO and FORJ groups from Bigelow Middle, Ward Elementary and Underwood Elementary as we prepare for our second annual Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration! Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 16th from 4:30-7:30pm in the playground and our own backyard. We’ll have music and dancing, Double Dutch, craft activities, a big slide, Mr. Hani’s Ice Cream Treats, classroom guests and more. Contact Lanni to join the planning, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.
FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.