Dear McCallum Students, Families, and Staff,
Recent events in the Austin area have been deeply troubling to many of those in our community as well as to those of us serving our families in our public schools. This display of hate is not acceptable.
Please see this letter of support for our Jewish community from the McCallum Vertical Team principals (text of the letter below). We are united in our resolve to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students and families.
Sincerely,
Nicole Griffith
Principal
McCallum High School
Letter text:
November 2, 2021
Dear McCallum Vertical Team Community,
Recent events in the Austin area have been deeply troubling to many of those in our community as well as to those of us serving our families in our public schools. This display of hate is not acceptable.
We are a district that is designated as No Place For Hate, and the safety of our students and community is our top priority. Being a No Place For Hate community means we are respectful, inclusive, and safe. We create a welcoming environment by refraining from acts of bias in all forms. We are upstanders and allies if we witness anyone not being respectful, safe, or inclusive.
For those reasons, we denounce racism, anti-semitism, and all forms of hatred. We also want to bring awareness to the national No Hate in the Lone Star State social media campaign in alliance with the Jewish community of Texas. If you have any questions about the campaign, please contact Wendy Goodman, Shalom Austin Senior Marketing & Communications Director.
We are grateful for the continual support and dedication of the Anti-Defamation League, local law enforcement, our Jewish community partners and all of our community members that keep our students and families safe.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns or needs. We know that our families and schools will continue to rise above hate and ensure that we are the inclusive communities that our students and families deserve. We know that the strong foundations we lay now will directly impact the future of all our students, and we are proud to partner with our families in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
The McCallum Vertical Team Principals
Nicole Griffith, McCallum High School Principal
Jerald Wilson, Kealing Middle School Principal
Megan Tesano, Lamar Middle School Principal
Rick Garner, Blackshear Elementary School Principal
Kim Placker, Brentwood Elementary School Principal
Keith Moore, Campbell Elementary School Principal
Tammy Thompson, Gullett Elementary School Principal
Katie Pena, Highland Park Elementary School Principal
John Hewlett, Lee Elementary School Principal
Vicki Jacobson, Maplewood Elementary School Principal
Cynthia Jackson, Oak Springs Elementary School Principal
Corrine Saenz, Reilly Elementary School Principal
Kara Schultz, Ridgetop Elementary School Principal