Dear SPSD Staff, Families, and Community Members,
Like many of you, we were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic killing of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Biddeford father who was shot and killed by an ICE officer last week. The loss of a father to a young child is particularly painful. As educators and parents, our hearts go out to his partner and his young daughter, and to the family and friends grieving him — including family members in our own South Portland community.
We also know that this is one of a number of incidents that have left many families in our region feeling unsafe and many others feeling the stressful effects of community violence. We would like to encourage any members of our community who may need support during this difficult time to access the following resources:
Immigrant Legal Advocacy ...: legal information for immigrant families navigating enforcement concerns in Greater Portland.
Resources for families in Greater Portland: a list of local organizations on our district website that provide support and resources related to food insecurity, housing insecurity, immigration, and general assistance.
National Association of S...: guidance for talking with children about violence and traumatic community events.
University of Minnesota -...: strategies for supporting children who are afraid of a parent being detained or deported.
Looking ahead, as our students prepare to return to school this fall, we want to reassure our community that the South Portland School Department will continue to strictly uphold the comprehensive safety guidance and protocols put in place as immigration enforcement actions increased.
South Portland schools will always be safe, compassionate, and welcoming places for every family. We remain fully dedicated to providing an environment where all students belong, and where we stand together as one united, supportive community.
Sincerely,
Angela Atkinson Duina, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Rosemarie DeAngelis
Chair, Board of Education