Franklin Public Schools: An Important Message from the Superintendent

January 10, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

The e-mail that follows this brief message was sent earlier today to high school families and we feel it is important to share it with all Franklin parents/guardians. The video to which we refer may also be circulating among students at other grade levels.

We wish to take the opportunity to emphasize the District's core value of inclusivity and our emphasis and commitment to making our schools safe and welcoming for all.

Counselors, administrators and trusted adults are available to support all students. Additionally, we ask for your help in discussing appropriate use of social media with your children.  Please read the message below.

Regards,
Sara Ahern
Superintendent

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January 10, 2020

Dear Franklin High School Families,

We are writing to make you aware of a concerning video that has been circulating among students on social media.  This video contains statements that are profoundly offensive based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  We condemn such statements; they violate our core value of inclusivity and threaten the safe and welcoming environment we have committed to provide for each student, family, and our faculty/staff.

The administration promptly initiated an investigation based on our protocol of responding to incidents of hate and bias. Please know that a big part of our response is ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff.  Counselors, administrators, and other trusted adults are available to anyone who feels they need support.

We ask families to talk with their children regarding the appropriate use of social media and if your child has received a copy of the video, to delete it, as continued sharing perpetuates deep hurt across the community.

If you would like a resource to assist you in talking with your child, these links may help:

Free Library of Philadelphia -- Resources for Responding to Hate
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/3031

American Psychological Association "Talking to Kids about Discrimination" https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/kids-discrimination

Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Paul Peri                Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Principal                Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Public Schools: An Important Message from the Superintendent