Many of our O’Dowd students came to school this morning feeling frustrated, confused and powerless. Administrators discussed prior to school starting this morning our responsibility to provide safe spaces in classrooms for students to process their thoughts and emotions, adhering to principles of civility and mutual respect. We advised teachers to allow students, regardless of viewpoint, to name their feelings, claim those feelings, and for teachers to validate our students’ perspectives and feelings.
Our students expressed appreciation that we provided a space for their expression. They remained on the Quad from about 9:30 a.m. to about 10:20 a.m. Students voluntarily dispersed when we made an announcement that we’d be resuming our class schedule at that time.
Our students are to be commended for their hopeful messaging, prayer, and calls to work together on issues of inclusion, love and respect.