Home

An Invitation From Jim Skrumbis

Dear Sierra Canyon Families,
 
In the wake of this week's verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, we want to provide an opportunity to collectively do our best to understand the impact that this case, and far too many others like it, have had on our students, their families, and our society. The day after the verdict, our history teachers addressed the case and talked with students about the moment in time in which we are living, and the historical context of George Floyd’s murder. These were important conversations. As a school community, we regularly provide a space for our students and families to discuss critical issues. We are committed to supporting our students, and everyone else in our community, as we seek to understand the world around us and the complexities of confronting racism and injustice wherever it exists. 
 
As many of you know, the Parent Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has done exceptional work this year providing a forum for parents to come together to continue the difficult but necessary conversations about racial inequity, systemic racism, and racial profiling that continue to exist in our country.  While this verdict has brought a sense of relief to so many, it is still just one step toward addressing a history of injustices endured by communities of color. There is still so much more work to be done.
 
With this in mind, our Parent Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee will be hosting its second installment of Sierra Canyon Community Check-in. On Thursday, April 29, at 7:00 p.m., we will come together as a school community to discuss these recent events. This virtual check-in is intended to provide a critical safe space for conversation and reflection on how our Black students, parents, and families are navigating this very difficult time in history--which affects us all. We encourage both students and their families to join. This conversation is open to everyone in our school community as we continue to foster empathy and solidarity.
 
We hope you will join us.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Jim 
Lower School: 11052 Independence Avenue
Middle and Upper School: 20801 Rinaldi Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311  | 818.882.8121
Sierra Canyon School is a private, independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12 located in Chatsworth, California. The highly cosmopolitan campus community is reflective of the Greater Los Angeles area and the world at large. Students are empowered to realize their greatest creative, ethical, intellectual and physical promise through small class sizes, a diverse student-teacher culture and a family-like environment.