To the Editor:

Dr Correia, Dr Rodrigue, Mr Johnson, Newtown BOE — I recently saw the e-mail that Dr Correia sent to Reed Families around increased usage of the “N Word” by 6th grade students and the zero tolerance for this.

I want to thank Dr Correia, Mr Johnson and SRO Chapman for working collaboratively to address this at Reed. This behavior is disgusting and our BIPOC students and families deserve better.

Additionally, I strongly believe that this should be addressed in ALL of our Newtown Public Schools. It is imperative that extensive lessons throughout the school year focus on empathy, respect and kindness towards all and also impress upon our students the district’s policy of zero tolerance for the “N Word,” zero tolerance for racism and zero tolerance for bullying and what that means.

Reed is not the only school where students need to be reminded of the importance of respect and kindness toward our BIPOC families and all children. Reed is not the only school where children need to feel safe.

Sincerely,

Karyn Holden

Editor’s Note: Newtown Board of Education Chair Deborra Zukowski responded to this letter saying: Thank you for expressing your concerns about our students and support of the district’s DEI efforts to the Board of Education. We take every concern expressed by members of our community very seriously. The board will continue to assist the administration as it furthers its plans, learnings, and adaptation of DEI programs and practices to better serve our students.