Unity During Unrest

Whenever I have occasion to speak about what makes BHS stand out, one of the four things I address is our unusually diverse community and how much this diversity positively contributes to our school environment. As one of the most diverse independent schools in Los Angeles, we strive to embrace all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, orientations, beliefs, and learning styles. This is why now, more than ever, we look to the strength of our community to stand in the face of our nation’s (and the world’s) current displays of racism and violence. 
 
It is our firm belief that as we actively practice respect for diversity in all its forms, express compassion for those whose opinions and experiences might differ from our own, and develop a growth-mindset that recognizes the unlimited God-given potential of every individual, we help ourselves and our children create an increasingly kind and inclusive world for all to peacefully and equitably share.
 
Childhood is precious and all too brief. As the adults in our children’s lives, we are aware of the fact that they are listening to us and looking to us to address their feelings of anxiety and concern, and we must do this as we simultaneously handle our own emotions of dismay, fear, and anger. We are encouraged that our community of like-minded, character-based individuals have the deep care to be mindful of what our children are taking in. As these events bring up issues within each of us, we are grateful for the foundation of our core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and compassion. Our students possess and practice these values, as do we.
 
Below are some resources which may help support you in having conversations with your children about the current violence and unrest in our city.
Please feel free to reach out to me or to any of our teachers or administrators. We are here for you in any way that would be helpful. Our hearts and our prayers are with all those who are so deeply affected by the issues at the forefront of our nation and we, as a community, can feel very proud that we stand together as a diverse community with a unified mission.
 
With sincere appreciation for our families,
 
Lisle Staley, PhD
Head of School 
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Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens - gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.