As more information continues to arise on the news and on social media, and I have had time to reflect, I do wish to add something to my previous communication. 

We must condemn the acts of terrorism committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians. The violence of these actions should not detract from the value of the human lives that have been taken. There can be no place for hate or where acts such as this should be acceptable. It is a time to mourn for the senseless loss of lives.

Like other senseless acts that continue to occur, we must continue to use this as an opportunity to educate ourselves and all of our students as we promote a world of tolerance and peace in our schools and in the Holliston Community. If ever there is a time to promote acts of kindness and love through education, here again is that opportunity. We will continue to support our educators as they navigate this current example of hate and terrorism that is happening in the global community, and as they continue to support all students in Holliston Public Schools.

October 10, 2023

Dear Holliston Public Schools Community,

Last week I shared a community press release and my communication with the HPS Community regarding paper swastikas that were found on Damigella Field, which is adjacent to the Woodland Campus Schools and used by the recreation department for community sports’ events and, particularly during the spring, by some HPS teams as well. (see below). The swastika has come to be known as “a symbol of hate, anti-Semitism and infamy,” as noted on the Anti-Defamation League’s website.

Close on the heels of last week’s event in the Holliston Community, it is certainly troubling to hear about the violent events and loss of lives taking place in Israel and Palestine beginning this weekend. This violence being shared on social media and news outlets can be difficult to discuss with students of all ages and can be triggering and traumatic to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by these events.

While I do not have the answers or solutions to these examples of violence that are taking place in Israel and Palestine and other areas of the world, I do think it is important that we continue our efforts to build safe and supportive communities within Holliston Public Schools and to listen to the concerns of our children and ease their fears. I encourage you to reach out to our counseling staff in each school should your child(ren) need additional support during these troubling times. 

I am sharing some additional resources that have been shared with me that you may find helpful when talking with your children at home as well.

Resources that may help you support your child(ren):

• Guide to Multilingual Trauma Resources
• NCTSN Talking to Children About War
• PJ Library: How To Talk to Children about Anti-Semitism Video at the top of the page: “We Are Not Helpless”
• Fighting Anti Semitism Using Children’s Literature
• Children’s Books that Tackle Antisemitism and Differences
• Books About Jewish Culture & Anti Semitism (ADL)
• PJ Library YouTube Channel 

At troubling times it is important to remember that, “It takes a village to raise our children.” We need to continue to be that village together collectively for all children who attend Holliston Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Susan E. Kustka, Ed.D.

Superintendent