We hope you all are well and getting ready to enjoy the well-deserved time off this week. We extend our gratitude to you for the work you do every day. We have always known that our educators in Boston are truly special, and these last two years have amplified that fact. Your commitment to your students and our community is nothing short of incredible. Know that we see your hard work and appreciate your contributions, both big and small, to making our schools a safe, inclusive learning environment for our students. We wish you and your families a safe and restful Thanksgiving holiday.
We also want to take a moment to honor those who gather each year at Plymouth Rock for the annual Day of Mourning. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving, and it is important that we reflect on the true history of this day and the Wampanoag people’s relation to it. As we reconnect with family during the holiday, we hope that all are able to take some time and learn more about the historical and present perspectives of BTU members and others in our community with Wampanoag or other indigenous ancestry.
As winter approaches and Covid cases are on the rise in our schools and our city, we want to once again encourage BTU members to get vaccinated, including the booster shot for which all are now eligible 6 months after their first shot. To facilitate this, we are pleased to announce that the BTU will once again be hosting a vaccine clinic on December 4. The Pfizer vaccine will be available to anyone who is eligible to get either their first, second, or booster shot. All are welcome!
In addition, we want to take this opportunity to remind people to be sure to keep as many layers of protection as possible in your classrooms and work spaces. That means keep your air purifier on at all times when people are present, keep a window open, and wear your mask properly, covering your nose and mouth. Getting vaccinated and taking these important steps are the most effective ways we have to keep our schools safe for us all.