Dear Williamsburg Northside Families,

I hope this letter finds you well. Many in our community are experiencing strong post-election emotions, regardless of how they feel about the outcome of the election. The administrative team met today to discuss student reactions and how best to support our families. Our first goal, as it always is, is to be supportive of your children. Of course their experience is going to be different based on their age, values, and temperament. As with any highly charged event, we recommend observing and listening to your children. Find out what they know, what they are anxious about, and what their feelings are. Establishing an openness to hearing about their experience is important, as is letting their developmental level temper what we expose them to. Some of our children have expressed anxiety that they, their parents, or their friends will need to move suddenly. Others have felt nervous to have different opinions about the elections than the majority of their peers. Our teachers are wonderful at validating children’s feelings and guiding them to express them with respect and compassion, whatever they are. They will let you know if they hear anxieties from your children during the coming days. In addition, we would like to extend the support of Vanessa Brodie, our School Psychologist. She has offered to be available on November 10^th, during parent teacher conference day, if there are parents who would like to talk. She can be reached at vbrodie@willnorth.org and her office is on the 3^rd floor of the Lower School building. All of the administrative team is your resource, as well. Please reach out to any of us.

Today, particularly, highlights the importance of our Core Values. In articulating these core values a number of years ago, the school set forth ideals that are not political in nature and embrace a thoughtfulness and a positive view of our children’s potential to impact their world. We are finding inspiration in them and hope you will too.

Core Values at Williamsburg Northside Schools

Compassion

We value differences in people, care about the feelings of others, and consider diverse perspectives.

Individuality

We recognize, understand, and take pride in our own identity.

Resiliency

We are able to take risks, cope with disappointment, and persevere through challenges.

Collaboration

We exchange ideas and work together to achieve common goals.

Responsibility

We recognize and understand our impact on others, demonstrate accountability for our actions, and work to create positive change.

We wish all good things for your/our children.

Warmly,

The Administrative Team at Williamsburg Northside Schools

Gina, Tara, Bridget, Yolanda, Jennifer, Leigh, Teresa, Kendra, Ben