True Peace by Sandy Nickerson

In response to the murder of George Floyd and the nationwide protests, our Head of School sent this letter to our community. At our school, voices are shared and heard.

FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL: TRUE PEACE

JUNE 2, 2020

True peace... suggests the triumph of justice and love among men; it reveals the existence of a better world where harmony reigns. - Maria Montessori

Dear Bridgeview Montessori Community,

Because of Maria Montessori's deeply entrenched and entwined belief that education should be the foundation for creating a peaceful world, I feel I cannot go unheard at a time when many across our country have been moved to action as a result of the cruel killing of George Floyd. 

Freedom and Justice for All. We hear and learn those words and continue to say them. Yet, in spite of years of struggle and many, many lives lost, these words continue to be untrue. Some of us feel better for having said them, and we like to think that progress has been made.  However, we know racism and inequality continue to exist.

The truth of it sickens us. The struggle against it becomes almost unbearable. We wonder, how long and what will it take? The bravest of us fight for change. The best of us support the battle. We continue.  And finally, one day, there will be freedom and justice for all and true peace.

We at Bridgeview Montessori School promise to work every day to hear every voice, inspire peace and kindness, and teach conflict resolution.  We are inspired and united by Maria Montessori's words, "Education is the best weapon for peace".

Yours in moving forward,

Sandy

Head of School