Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School
105 Pleasant Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575
200 West Centennial Avenue, Roosevelt NY 11575
201 Debevoise Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575
Phone: (516) 867-6202 Fax: (516) 867-6206
www.rcacs.org

Dear Roosevelt Children’s Academy Families,

I write to you today from a place of shared grief and pain. Grief from the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd. Pain from what has occurred across many cities in our nation in the days since. The terrible situation that surrounded the unconstitutional and disturbing death of Mr. George Floyd is something that will continue to be a black hole on the soul of our country. I can empathize with the protests that have organized throughout many of the cities and hope that our leaders will really begin to listen to the voices of the people so hurt by the years of racial inequality and injustice.

In addition, I would like to acknowledge the range of emotions that our students, staff, and families may be experiencing because I have been experiencing them myself. Many of us, no matter our age, race, gender, or creed are grieving, and that grief may be manifesting itself in many ways, including physically, spiritually, and emotionally. This grief is also compounded by the overwhelming impacts of COVID-19 on our learning community.

However, more than ever, I believe in the power of education. We must continue educating ourselves, our children and each other about our shared history, no matter how uncomfortable and difficult it may be. In fact, I believe that some of the best lessons our children have learned during this COVID-19 pandemic, is that adults do not always have the right answer to an existing problem. As a result, we must continue listening to, learning from, and teaching our young people so they are fully informed of the cornerstones of racism upon which our country was founded.

Yes, we need to take the time to listen—to our children, each other and all those who are hurting and grieving right now from decades of social injustice. The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving. When we do this well, our children will grow to help us build bridges toward a better, more just and equitable society.

I truly believe that each RCA student has something to contribute to our community and the world as we collectively build that bridge. Their diverse voices, perspectives, experiences and talents fill me with hope in this challenging moment. A hope that each day forward, our students will be a part of rebuilding a community that stands for justice, peace and courage for a better tomorrow.

This certainly was not the end of the 2019-20 school year any of us could have predicted or would prefer. But, we can choose how our next chapter will be written. As a community we
can show love in the face of hatred, remain courageous in these times of fear and ignorance, and we can walk and work side by side, as we lead in this effort together.

President Obama recently stated, “If, going forward, we can channel our justifiable anger into peaceful, sustained, and effective action, then this moment can be a real turning point
in our nation’s long journey to live up to our highest ideals.” As always, we are here for all our families and will be forever working to provide the very
best for all of our children and we thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Sincerely,
Catherine Jackvony
Chief Academic Officer