Use of Hate Symbol

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am writing to inform you of a concerning incident involving a student who shared images of a swastika with other students while on a school bus at the Middle School. The use and sharing of hateful symbols is completely unacceptable and contrary to our District’s core values of respect, inclusivity, and acceptance. Hate speech and hate symbols are addressed under the District’s Code of Conduct, including applicable disciplinary consequences.
 
We recognize the harm and distress that symbols of hate can cause to students, families, and members of our broader community. If your child was impacted by this incident, please reach out to your child’s school administration and/or mental health team for support.
 
Our Profile of a Graduate calls on students to be responsible, empathetic, and civic-minded. We are committed to helping students understand the impact of prejudice and intolerance, embrace differences, and contribute to a school community where all are treated with dignity and respect. This work is an ongoing part of our educational program.
 
Throughout this school year, students will participate in several age-appropriate learning opportunities focused on these important topics. Our seventh- and eighth-grade students will hear from Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan, preceded by a “First Page Friday” reading from her co-authored memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles. Ninth-grade students will participate in a Symbols of Hate assembly, while tenth-grade students will continue our annual visit to the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Our eleventh- and twelfth-grade students will hear from Consolee Nishimwe, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
 
In addition, student leadership groups from both the Middle School and High School will participate in a workshop focused on building positive school environments and strengthening our school culture. We will also continue our annual interactive student workshops with Dr. Kaplan on maintaining a positive online presence and developing healthy digital footprints.
 
Together, these experiences, along with the lessons and conversations that take place in our classrooms and schools throughout the year, help students understand the consequences of hatred and prejudice while fostering empathy, respect, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.
 
Building and sustaining an inclusive community is a shared responsibility. I ask parents and guardians to have age-appropriate conversations with their children about hateful symbols, language, and behavior, including what they mean, the harm they can cause, and why they have no place in our schools or community. Earlier this year, we shared student-friendly versions of the District’s Code of Conduct, which may be a helpful resource as you have these conversations with your children. Please reinforce that using or displaying hateful symbols or language is not acceptable and that every member of our school community deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
 
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure that every student feels safe, respected, and valued.

Sincerely,
Gerard W. Poole
Superintendent of Schools