Newsletter - Canyon Creek Elementary

Coyote Crier - June 2022

Dear Canyon Creek Families,

It’s hard to believe that this school year is half complete! Watching our students grow academically, physically, and emotionally right before our eyes is one of the best parts about being at Canyon Creek, and I have enjoyed every minute of our first semester. The second semester received a grand kick off as February 1st was also the Lunar New Year. Gong hei fat choy! (Happy Lunar New Year!) Many students shared their family traditions with classmates while ringing in the new year, and all celebrations point to a fantastic 2022.

February is also Black History month! In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. He called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” In addition to February being Black History Month, Canyon Creek will also celebrate Black Lives Matter Week of Action at School. When you hear “Black Lives Matter” a number of things may come to mind. At Canyon Creek, when we say Black Lives Matter, we want our Black and biracial students to know that we see them, care about them, and want to support them. Of course, we care about and want to support all of our students. We also want to take the time to put a spotlight on the lives that are most consistently impacted by racism and bias.

We are very excited to continue racial and social justice education as teachers engage in age-appropriate read alouds and discussions that will help students understand race, prejudice and racism. Many will spend time looking at themselves, exploring race and self-identity and writing “I Am” or “I Am From” poems. Some classes will look at picture books and see what the books tell the reader about race, whether explicitly or in more subtle ways. If you have questions about what your child specifically will be doing this week, your child’s teacher is a good place to start.