APH Response to Recent Events: A Message from President Martins

June 1, 2020

Dear APH Community,

The end of the school year is upon us, and what is meant to be a joyous and celebratory time is undoubtedly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the tragedy of George Floyd’s death and the nation’s ensuing response. Both have shone a bright spotlight on the continued systemic injustices that shake our communities and country daily. We mourn what has been lost and what can never be replaced, both by the pandemic and continued oppression of communities of color.

I want to take this time to assure our community that APH is committed to anti-racism beliefs, practices, and policies—within our school and within our local communities. We are living through a landmark time with many possible outcomes. Each one of us has the power to effect change through our ongoing actions. I encourage us to examine our own potential biases and to invite open and respectful discussion with others about their biases, to truly treat each person we meet with kindness, and to extend a helping hand whenever and wherever we can. It is our everyday words and actions, even when no one is looking, that ripple out and have a lasting impact on the greater community. 

I can only imagine that this time is particularly painful for our students, families, and faculty and staff of color. I hope we can use this time to listen to one another, to build confidence and trust in our precious relationships, and to further our understanding of the shared work that we will continue to do, in and out of school, to build a more inclusive community with equitable opportunities for all. 

Please reach out at any time if you would like to share how these current events may be affecting you and your family. We welcome any ideas you may have on how we can continue to make APH a safe and empowering place for all young women to learn and thrive.

Warmly,

Molly Martins
President of The Academy at Penguin Hall