Important Message from Mr. Gengler Students,
Over the past week, our school community has experienced two public and deplorable incidents of racism. Although we do not yet know if the perpetrator(s) of these incidents are students at Wayzata High School, racism affects us all. This type of behavior, whether written on the side of a building or fabricated through social media, is despicable and deeply disturbing. Furthermore, even one remark or act of racism toward any ethnicity in our school community is offensive and a negative mark on us all. We may have close to 3,700 students at WHS, but we strive to be a school community of one.
Learning about race and racism is a process. The challenges we face today are not the result of one incident or moment in time. Based on student feedback, we are extending our first block today to validate your voice and honor the impact these and other experiences of racism have had on you. We also want to learn from your perspective what suggestions you feel would be helpful in bringing our school community closer together. The information we gather today, will help guide our work moving forward.
You may use the Student Voice Google Form to articulate your thoughts and ideas.
Question 1: What would you like others to know about how you are feeling as it relates to these or other acts of racism?
Question 2: What ideas do you have about ways to help make WHS a school where all students feel like they belong?
As I have indicated before, it is my highest priority to provide a supportive environment so all students feel safe and welcome at our school. The information we gather today, will help guide our work moving forward. Thank you for your support as we continue to navigate these challenging circumstances that are of great concern to all of us.
Sincerely,
Scott Gengler Principal |