To the Editor:

Schools are mirrors of society. Society is a mirror of schools. This has now become a vicious circle that must be interrupted and repurposed [“‘A Space For You’ is fighting school district’s ‘longstanding challenge’ — racism,” The Altamont Enterprise, Dec. 10, 2021].

Just look at what we’ve seen not only in this paper about racism in Guilderland schools and in other media about exclusion and violence in schools and clashes at school board meetings elsewhere, but also in both places about political polarization in our towns and villages here and across the country.

And then there’s all the division in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and families that goes unreported.

This holiday season may be a good time for each of us to begin to see how we can help the school district and other local governments break the cycles of separation and build cycles of openness, fairness, and collaboration.

What can we do as parents and citizens?

Maybe each of us can begin by pausing, breathing in, breathing out, and reflecting on and answering this question:

How will I work together with others who have different identities or perspectives from me to build success for us all?

And then simply do it.

Parents can help their children do the same. Citizens can help their representatives. We can all help each other, but beginning with ourselves.

Andrew R. Genovese

Guilderland