Through the remainder of June, SERC has planned virtual sessions on timely and important topics for educators and families alike.

Screenside Chats for Parents and Families

Sessions in Spanish and English
First session in Spanish is today, June 9! Please share this info with anyone who might be interested!

Conversando Juntos: Cuidandonos a nosotros, entre nosotros, a los nuestros y a nuestra comunidad!
En estos momentos que estamos pasando por tiempos sin precedentes queremos invitarlos a que se una con nosotros a través del Zoom para un "Chat (conversación) para padres y familias" sobre nuestras experiencias con COVID-19. Comenzaremos chats semanales el 2 de Junio con un enfoque sobre cómo cuidarnos a nosotros mismos, a nuestras familias y a nuestra comunidad. Vengan y compartan lo que están pensando. Por favor comparta este anuncio con otros. Nos gustaría que también nos ofreciera sugerencias de otros temas que podemos usar en el futuro. Para ofrecer sugerencias, comuníquese con Bianca al This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• June 9, 7-8 p.m. - Register
• June 16, 7-8 p.m. - Register
• June 23, 7-8 p.m. - Register

SERC recognizes that families need support during this challenging time. Families with students of all ages and abilities are welcome to our weekly hour-long "Screenside Chat for Parents and Families" to talk about their experiences. The focus of this chat will be "Caring for Yourself, Your Family, Your Community." We will take questions and set aside time for families to share their ideas with one another.

• June 11, 10-11 a.m. - Register
• June 18, 10-11 a.m. - Register
• June 25, 10-11 a.m. - Register

Racial Equity and Education During COVID-19: Our Community’s Perspective

Pandemic or no pandemic, SERC will always find ways to maintain a focus on racial equity. Our series on Equity and Education during COVID-19 has been very well attended on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m., with participants in these facilitated online discussions sharing their perspectives around specific topics. Just 3 discussions left - All are welcome! Please register separately for each session. For questions about registration, please contact Emma Velasquez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For questions about content, please contact Janet N. Y. Zarchen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Anti-Asian Racism: Supporting Asian Students, Families, and Educators
  June 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Distance Learning and Family Engagement: The Perspective of Communities of Color
  June 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Mental Health and Racial Equity
  June 25, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

George Floyd: Structural Racism Claims Another Life

Dear colleagues and friends,

When a particular event reminds our nation of the reality of racial injustice and violence, leaders and organizations issue statements of condemnation and a reaffirmation of our values. I am heartened by reading fervent messages of support for social justice from schools, districts, and other partners across our state and nation. As you navigate this already complicated time in our history, thank you for your continued leadership on behalf of our children, families, and communities that we all serve.

This statement affirms SERC’s role in this community. Not only that: Racial justice is central to who we are, and addressing structural racism hits to the heart of what we do. We have intentionally addressed race in our work for more than 15 years, creating a blueprint and reports on race-conscious educational equity, holding annual conferences on “Dismantling Systemic Racism,” and building the capacity of our staff to support educators in their own work on race as well as navigate a personal and often agonizing journey of self-discovery. But even beyond SERC, the killing of George Floyd is deeply and profoundly personal. I fear this. I live this. George Floyd could have been my husband, my son, my grandson, my brother, my neighbor.

In our virtual meeting with all SERC staff, I shared the range of emotions and pain I am going through in the wake of this distressingly familiar incident of hate and blatant racist actions that have exploded in demonstrations. I was reminded about the importance of harnessing the power of WE. WE need one another now more than ever to combat racism, injustice, bigotry, and hate. WE can never, as an anti-racist community, stand by as men of color gasp for air and call for their mothers until they are forever silenced. WE cannot stand by and witness our communities of color still held down by the legacy of systemic oppression. WE know that our children deserve better; WE know that our families deserve better; WE know that our communities deserve better.

As an organization, SERC will continue developing a culture of learning and growth around structural racism and its implications for student learning and success. This work embodies our vision of Equity, Excellence, and Education. You are a partner in that vision and will always be a part of our WE. Please join us as WE navigate difficult conversations and undertake courageous actions in your own communities. Together, WE will commit ourselves to real, lasting change so that our children can look back on this season of pain and remember us as heroes who did something about it.

Respectfully,
Ingrid M. Canady, Executive Director
State Education Resource Center

Our first collaborative Zoom chat session was attended by 100 engaged participants - please join us and share your thoughts!

Pandemic or no pandemic, SERC will always find ways to maintain a focus on racial equity.

On the following Thursdays from 4:30–5:30 p.m., participants in these facilitated online discussions will have the opportunity to share their perspectives around a specific topic.

All are welcome! Please register separately for each session.