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Dr. Darnise Williams

Superintendent's Message

*Para leer este mensaje en Español, haga clic aqui.
 
May 25, 2022
 
Dear Sequoia Union High School District Community:
 
There is deep sadness felt across the country after the terrible mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Our thoughts are with the Uvalde community during this horrific time. 
 
Our district works every day to create a safe environment on our campuses. It is crucial that we work together to stay safe, including attending to the mental health of our school community members. Taking care of the community includes respecting one another and speaking up if you see something potentially harmful. We have to work together as one to ensure the safety and well-being of one another.
 
We condemn violence and racial discrimination, and we continue to share resources to help our community understand the importance of respect and unity in every situation.
 
Our Sequoia school community is a united one, and we offer support to our students and staff in these difficult times. Please feel free to connect with your school staff for support. We also encourage Sequoia community members to visit our mental wellness site at https://www.seq.org/Departments/Student-Services/Wellness/Student-Health--Wellness-Resources/index.html for additional local resources.
 
This horrific tragedy also requires additional conversation with students of all ages about extremely heavy topics. For additional resources regarding gun violence and traumatic events, we encourage you to consult these resources:
 
 
We send healing thoughts and hope to the community of Uvalde.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Darnise R. Williams
Superintendent
 
Excellence is our baseline.
Leadership, Service, Equity
 
 
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*Para leer este mensaje en Español, haga clic aqui.
 
May 18, 2022
 
 
Dear Sequoia Union High School District Community,
 
Our hearts are with Buffalo and Orange County as they cope with the devastating loss of lives. We condemn the recent racially motivated violence in Laguna Woods, California, and Buffalo, New York. As a district, we have zero tolerance for racism and violence.
 
We understand these tragic events are difficult to process, time after time. As educators, local leaders, parents, and guardians, we support our students and children in understanding the importance of rejecting and ending racism and hatred in our communities.
 
It is also critical that we recognize our students, staff, and community members may need guidance and resources as we cope with this tragedy.
 
Young people often struggle to understand why these incidents take place and what motivates people who perpetrate these crimes. The Anti-Defamation League suggests that before talking with children or teens, make sure you, as a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, feel prepared to discuss the incident and/or topic and treat all young people’s questions with respect and seriousness. It is important that we are alert for signs of distress in children. The following resources contain helpful starting points when navigating conversations within your families and community about these unthinkable events.
 
 
It is equally important to ask young people what they are hearing from friends, classmates, and through social media. Being connected, especially at this time, will help us support and prepare our youth to be the leaders of tomorrow.
 
Our district offers free counseling for students, families, and staff members. Please visit our website to connect with local resources.
 
Please continue to practice kindness towards others. We must uplift each other and recognize that together, we are all one district and one family.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Darnise R. Williams
Superintendent
 
                                                                                                    Excellence is our baseline.
                                                                                                   Leadership, Service, Equity
 
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