Talking about Racism with your Students

Dear Cooper Community,

Martin Luther King Jr stated, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” At Cooper Elementary, we believe that our responsibility is to demonstrate the antiracist behaviors that support our values we teach to our learners every day: be responsible, be respectful, be kind and caring, and be ready. We do not condone any form of racism or hate. We value kindness, respect, safety, compassion, and love.

As a community, we must continue to educate ourselves and our children. The staff at Cooper is dedicated to continually learning how to better serve your child. Below this message are some websites and resources that may be helpful when talking with your child about racism and appreciating diversity. We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and not shy away from these important conversations. Children know; they hear, and they see. 

We value every student at Cooper Elementary. Nelson Mandela wrote, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” We want you to know that at Cooper Elementary we take this responsibility very seriously. We will move forward, in love and kindness, together.

If you or your child needs support with this, or anything else, please reach out to your teacher, our school counselor, or Mr. Holcomb and me.

We are better together.

Katie Stone
Principal, Cooper Elementary

Beyond the Golden Rule: A PARENTS GUIDE to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice” a Teaching Tolerance Publication https://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/beyond_golden_rule.pdf

Your Age-by-Age Guide to Talking About Race found in Parents Magazine https://www.parents.com/parenting/better- parenting/teaching-tolerance/talking-about-race-with-kids/

Teaching Tolerance: Race & Ethnicity https://www.tolerance.org/topics/race-ethnicity

Teaching Kids Ages 5-8 to Respect Diversity https://www.parenttoolkit.com/social-and-emotional-development/advice/social-awareness/teaching-kids-ages-5-8-to-respect-diversity

How to Talk to Kids About Race and Cultural Diversity https://www.verywellfamily.com/teaching-kids-about-race-and-cultural-diversity-621099

Raising a Child Who Respects Difference found in Parents Magazine https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teaching-tolerance/raising-a-child-who-respects-difference/

Teaching Diversity: A Place to Begin https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/teaching-diversity-place-begin-0/

Children’s Books About Race and Diversity https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/childrens-books-about-race-and-diversity