For a pdf version of the ARPS Update, please click here.

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Para uma versão do ARPS Update em português, clique aqui.

As a global community, we have all experienced something unprecedented in our lifetimes over the past two years, so it is understandable that we are seeing unexpected and unacceptable behavior from some individuals.  Since the pandemic began, there has been a disturbing rise in hateful, identity-based rhetoric and harassment nationwide.  However, the use of any identity-based slur is hate speech and not only violates our values and beliefs as a school community, but rises to the level of harassment of a protected class of individuals.  While it is evident to me that the vast majority of our community members find such behavior abhorrent, I want to be very clear that it will not be tolerated anywhere, by anyone at ARPS. 

When the pandemic began, “We are in this together” seemingly became our national motto, repeated so often that it became cliché.  In this instance; however, it is absolutely true.  The collective “we,”—staff, parents/guardians and the broader community—have the privilege of being together in this most important job of nurturing and educating our children.  ARPS has a longstanding reputation for being a community that celebrates diversity and values individuality, and, together, we must work to ensure that those core beliefs are protected and upheld. It is one of the most important things we can do for our children.