Dear RISE Students & Families,

We are devastated by the tragic events involving the murders of unarmed Black people, like Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, and we know that you are feeling heartbroken and exhausted as well. While we know that the protests have served to further amplify the voices that are hungry for change, we recognize they have also required additional expenditures of emotional and mental energy, and that the ongoing unrest happening in our community can cause fear and anxiety.

 

After watching the response from other schools around the country (such as the Democracy Prep network who shared the following plan with their community), and in an effort to provide space for mental wellness and reflection  we will be calling a day off from business as usual at RISE.

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020, is devoted to “Remembering Their Names.”

 

In the words of Democracy Prep’s’ CEO Natasha Trivers, “We will not pretend the events around the country and the world are not unfolding. We will not grow numb…We will use “Remembering Their Names” as a moment of reflection and rejuvenation but also as a space to organize for change.”

 

 We have asked our staff to take a day to prioritize their own self-care and mental health, and we understand that many students may want and need to do the same. We encourage you to do so if you feel you need a moment to breathe.

 

We also understand that the end of the year is particularly stressful and that Seniors are working to meet deadlines for graduation. To this end, Kari & Rebecca will be online during Office Hours & Exhibition Workshop tomorrow (June 2)  to provide assistance and support for students who would like to work on their projects. You can see below for the full schedule, and the zoom links will be messaged in the morning via DreamSeeDo.

 

 

Finally, we have made a video message in an attempt to share what we are feeling as an admin team; you can watch it HERE.

The events of the past several weeks have been very heavy. Let’s rest, reflect, and rejuvenate. And then, let’s be ready to take action in the ways that feel right to each of us.

We love you and are grateful for you.

In solidarity,

Your RISE Leadership Team