Dear Central
Middle School Community,
I am extremely disappointed to share that this
afternoon a swastika was drawn in the 3rd floor boy’s restroom. This is totally unacceptable and will not be
tolerated by our school community as this image was disturbing and extremely
hurtful. Please be assured that this
incident is being taken very seriously and a full investigation is
underway. If identified, the person or
persons responsible will face appropriate consequences and serious discipline. We will also be looking at ways to more
effectively monitor the student restrooms.
Additionally, we will be immediately providing opportunities
for social and emotional learning that specifically address bias and hate. This Thursday, we have planned across all
grade levels activities in social studies classes in honor of International
Holocaust Remembrance Day. The
activities are designed to educate students on the Holocaust and how anti-Semitic
symbols such as swastikas represent hatred and the atrocities that have been
committed against humanity.
We conducted community circles with students that
specifically addressed anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic graffiti prior to winter
break. We will continue this work with
our students and I would encourage students and parents to participate in the
February 8, 2022 virtual Parent Academy hosted by QPS and Dr. Elizabeth Englander
from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State
University focusing on the influences of social media and bias.
Our goal is clear: we will establish a safe,
welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. This goal can only be reached through
collaboration with the entire school community.
Therefore, I ask that you please remind your students that this type of
hateful act is not appropriate, is totally unacceptable, and has no place at
Central Middle School or any community.
If you or your student have concerns about this
incident, please feel free to reach out to me at 617-984-8725 or via email at richarddecristofarojr@quincypublicschools.com. Acting Assistant Principal Kathy Mahoney (kathleenmahoney@quincypublicschools.com) and
Guidance Counselors Taylor Ward (taylorward@quincypublicschools.com) Matt Ramponi (matthewramponi@quincypublicschools.com), and Lili Moy (lilimoy@quincypublicschools.com) are available to speak with you or your
student as well.
Sincerely,
Rick DeCristofaro, Jr.
Principal, Central Middle School