Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I know that holidays can be tough because our griefs bubble up to the surface. It might be a great day to show compassion for yourself and others. Add a lemon to your water! Take a walk in the woods. Cuddle with a pet. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Read a few pages of a book. Listen to your favorite music. Light a candle and remember someone or something you’re thankful for. Be kind to yourself!

Speaking of compassion, I want to be clear that this petition is not a lever in the collective outrage machine. A few fear this scandal will be co-opted by anti-FCPS movements aligned with far-right political causes that will ultimately work against the progress we hope for. If that happens, we will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable in our community. Meanwhile, one way to counter hate is not to be motivated by hate. This petition is an act of compassion as we advocate for those who have not been able to advocate for themselves. We are advocating for “our people” and others, like the students who transferred from other schools and the communities they left behind. Everyone suffers without accountability.

The next school board meeting is on December 5th. Signing up for two-minute lottery slots to speak at the meeting will open this Monday. Our speakers should represent different races, ages, genders, schools, etc. Students who are willing to testify get priority. If you’re unable to attend, you can submit a video submission. Would you let me know if you would consider signing up to speak at the December 5th school board meeting? I want to be sure we are represented. https://www.fcps.edu/school-board/community-participation 

Also, we are in the news! wusa9 article

Please share this petition with as many people as possible so our school board knows that their constituents expect more from them. 

Hope you all have a great day!

Peace,
Lauren Geraghty