A Heartfelt Welcome to 2020-2021 Academic Year

We are truly excited to welcome our Suzuki students to the 2020-2021 school year. All of your Teachers and the Board of Directors are remarkably devoted to impacting children’s lives through the Suzuki method.

Whether in person or online, we are still planning 'normal' lesson details, sending the plan for 'normal' group classes and how we will implement pandemic safety protocols, but there are many other priorities occupying our attention and reflections. Very little about the start of this school year seems 'normal'.

How do we raise our children during a pandemic? How do I help my sons understand deeply about racism in America? How do I help them be the change we want to see in the world?

What can I be personally responsible for - to eliminate systemic racism and inequalities in our country, in our city, on our block at 40th and Central?  I don’t have all the answers. I actually have more questions than answers. But I have a desire to be part of the solution. To be an ally. To be a good community member. To build a better future.

So right now I’m listening. I’m educating myself. And I vow to be sensitive, to recognize my privilege, and to keep putting one foot in front of the other — together with our diverse community. To create a place and space that respects all, uplifts all, and welcomes all.

So if any of you want to talk about these things, to discuss, to contemplate, please let me know. To discuss how our Suzuki community can be a microcosm of an arts organization that provides equitable opportunities for all children, I welcome your voice. I’m listening. And we are in this together.