Standing Together: A Message to Our Chameleon Community
Dear Chameleon Community,
We are so excited and pleased with how the school year has begun. Our classrooms are alive with learning, and we so appreciate seeing your smiling faces every day. At the same time, we are aware that the start of the school year has been a tense and anxious time in our city, marked by the heightened presence of law enforcement. We want to acknowledge these concerns and affirm our commitment to ensuring every student and family feels safe, supported, and connected this year.
As a part of this commitment, the school is taking the following steps to support safety within our community:
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Know Your Rights Card: We are distributing blue cards (for students) and red cards (for guardians) with information on interacting with law enforcement. The cards can be picked up from Jorge and Lysette at the front desk reception.
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Mental Health Support: Our school counselors and social workers are prepared to support students, staff, and families. You can request assistance directly from them or from a school administrator.
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Brittney Whitaker, School Counselor, brittney.whitaker@creativemindspcs.org
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Sheena Reid, Upper School Social Worker, sheena.reid@creativemindspcs.org
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Natalia McGee, Lower School Social Worker, natalia.mcgee@creativemindspcs.org
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Guidance: We have developed a clear guidance outline that provides essential information and resources to support our families’ safety, well-being, and access to public education.
How You Can Help
Our parent community can organize to provide safe passage to/from CMI by identifying safe passage zones and staffing them with parent volunteers to support a safe commute for students. We are also seeking parents who are willing to provide carpool transportation for families who do not feel safe bringing their children to school or picking them up in the afternoon. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this form or contact Caroline Mejia (enrollment) at caroline.mejia@creativemindspcs.org, Claudia Herrera (attendance), or Hannah Bowles (Inclusion/EL) at hannah.bowles@creativemindspcs.org.
Creative Minds remains a place of community and belonging. Not only should our classrooms and schools reflect this mindset, but it is also a critical approach to broader challenges. We will continue to share updates and resources as we learn more about the situation. We must take care of one another during this challenging time and always. Our community is stronger when we show up for each other in moments like this.
With Love and Gratitude,
Candice Bobo
Head of School
