June 3, 2020
Dear Millwood Families:
The Millwood Public Schools Board, Staff and Administration are deeply saddened by the continued events surrounding the use of police force and brutality against Black Americans. As a district that serves 97% Black families, we are well aware of the concerns and trepidation that our students, families and most staff have in regards to dealing with the law enforcement, thankfully it now seems that finally, the world is beginning to understand our fears.
Our position at MPS is that we are ALWAYS concerned about racial injustice. The difference in our concern from others is that unlike a rally, a protest or a social media post, our concern never passes. The feeling of fear, empathy and compassion for those families that experience racial injustice never passes, because we are those families. WE experience it with your children as we load up teams on buses and travel to the most rural areas in the state and bring 150 people of color to mostly white towns, WE feel it when we participate in State athletic and non-athletic competitions and our children are the only teams of color, WE feel it when our students participate in internships, concurrent enrollment or trips to the zoo when our students are often the only Blacks in a group. The feeling never passes.
We pride ourself in preparing our students to be Champions in the classroom, in the community and in life. Racial injustice is nothing new to us and educating students on this is a part of that preparation. Advocating for our population is what we do. We will continue to fight for justice for our families and the Black community as a whole. It is time for a change, and we will be on the frontlines pushing to make sure that our children get the chance to be the Champion that we all know they can be. Stay strong!
Sincerely,
Superintendent Cecilia Robinson-Woods
May 20, 2020
Dear Millwood Families:
As the school year comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the road we have traveled together these past months. It has been a very successful, albeit an unexpecting year for Millwood Public Schools and the nation as a whole.
From preschool to high school, our student body remained diligent in finishing the school year with enthusiasm and determination. Our students are among the brightest and most innovative, which has been shown by their considerable ability to adapt in this time of change and uncertainty. I am also proud of the efforts and dedication shown by the Senior Class of 2020. Congratulations on your achievements and the attainment of a new milestone in your lives. It has been an honor to see you grow during your time at Millwood. I am thrilled to see how your impact will change the world upon your graduation and am honored to call you all “Forever Falcons”.
Resilience echoes in the halls of each of our campuses, and I anticipate the new adventures the next school year will accompany. Upon reopening, it will be the time for exciting experiences and memories to be made within our classrooms, and for new relationships to be fostered, even if it is virtually. Regardless of what the coming months bring, I have no doubt that the Millwood family will rise to the occasion as we have time and time again.
On behalf of our staff, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your continuing support and participation as we strive to prepare all students academically and socially for lifelong learning and achievement. Further information will be communicated at a later date regarding our 2020-21 School year, please know that we are working hard to ensure that we can deliver educational opportunities in the safest way possible. I wish you all a safe and relaxing summer break and I look forward to seeing you in the fall.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Cecilia Robinson-Woods
