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PTO News
Mon, Jan 18 4:00pm
Hello Aiken Families,
 
 
" We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
 
Let us not just read the words, let us live by them.
 
Please take some time to watch the 25th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
 
-A Statement from the founder of Concerned Parents of Color of West Hartford
 
"He was put on this earth to disrupt the norms of racism and oppression, he was put on this earth to show that faith and activism can be spoken in the same breath. He lived a short life, he was not a martyr, but a man who knew that no matter how long he lived on this earth that he would live everyday fighting against injustice, fighting for the most vulnerable, speaking up for the black community. Dr. King has left such an impression on this world that he will forever be revered and respected. So today as we celebrate him and his life recognize that the work is not finished. There is so much to be done! So we cannot celebrate him or his words just on this day—we must work everyday toward his mission. And most of all we must learn to Love—not in a generic way, but in an active way, through standing up and speaking out against racism, injustice and most of all hate. Actively loving your neighbor, community and country is the only way."
 
 
 
2021 Winter Online Aiken Chess Club
Like athletics are exercise for the body, chess is exercise for the mind. Engaging in chess activity provides school students a substantial advantage in education; essentially development of the mind and patterns of thinking not otherwise offered or encountered. Luckily, it is also a fun and engaging game for kids!

 

Club meetings will be online via Zoom on:
Tuesdays 5-6 PM (January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2 and 9) or
Wednesdays 6-7 PM (January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3 and 10) or
Thursdays 5-6 PM (January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4 and 11).
The program is for students grades K through 5, no prior experience necessary. Please see the flyer for more information. 
 

AIKEN EDI M2 CLUB (Mixed Media Club)

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committees of Aiken, Charter Oak, and Norfeldt invite you to a book discussion of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi on Tuesday, February 23rd from 6:30-7:30pm by Zoom. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (A Remix Of Stamped from the Beginning) is a book about the history of race and racist ideas in America. Best-selling young adult author Jason Reynolds took Ibram X Kendi's Stamped and made it accessible for younger people (and adults) while maintaining its focus on the complexities of racist ideas and their pervasiveness in our culture. This book is not written like a typical history book; instead it provides an overview of how racial constructs and attitudes were developed for the purposes of power. During our meeting, we will discuss ways parents can stamp out racism in our own lives and communities.

 

For an overview of the book and its intended audience, check out this 6 minute interview of the authors on The Daily Show.  

 

A few limited number of book copies will be available upon request. A free audiobook version is available through the West Hartford Public Library. 

 

Please register by February 12th here.

 

EDI MIXED MEDIA DISCUSSION CLUB

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committees of Aiken Charter Oak and Norfeldt are excited to announce their Mixed Media Discussion Club (M2 Club). The M2 Club provides an opportunity for parents to discuss topics about race, racism, diversity & inclusion. We will use books, short articles, podcasts, short films, and art to start courageous, open, and genuine conversations. This is a moment for our community to connect, share, and learn.

 

We will meet via Zoom on January 21st at 7:00PM to discuss our first piece (linked below). Our first piece is an article from Teaching Tolerance Magazine, "What is White Privilege, Really?" by Cory Collins (2018). We are looking forward to an open dialogue around any issues, feelings, questions or comments this article brings up. We hope you will consider the M2 Club a safe space, and understand there is no right or wrong way to respond.

 

 

https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-really

 

 

If you’d like to join the discussion please fill out the form below.

https://forms.gle/rxnSDRbKDCNMa3m89

 

PET DRIVE TO SUPPORT THE HUMANE SOCIETY,

Thank you to everyone that has already contributed to the Pet Drive to support the Humane Society. The event is being organized by third grade students Ariella, Emma and Abi. There is a box outside the office to collect supplies. The fundraiser will run through Friday, January 22nd. Items to donate include; collars and leashes, dog and cat food and toys.

 

Have a great week,

Amy and Sabrina