This summer, a group of JCPS staff came together and worked hard for seven weeks to do the good we are given to do. By the end of the summer, we had supported 225 families and impacted so many lives. This was not due to any individual effort, but was accomplished through a shared vision and a shared understanding of the need that was present. Shared compassion brought us together and ultimately created a source of hope for so many families.

This project’s main goal remains to help where we can. We know we can’t help everyone, but we know that if we stand together, we can help someone. This summer, we demonstrated that this is not just an empty dream but a reality. Currently, 17 JCPS schools are involved in some way with the project. Our focus for this school year is to serve as an additional resource to support the ongoing immigration and homelessness challenges we are facing as a city.

There’s a story I was reminded of recently, where a storm hits the ocean and thousands of starfish are washed ashore. In the morning, a child is seen picking up as many as they can and throwing them back in the water. A stranger walks up and says, “Why are you doing that? You can’t save them all.” The child then picked up a starfish and threw it back in the water, and replied, “Well, it mattered to that one.”

That’s the message.

The Solidarity Project is a concerted effort of starfish throwers from around the city. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you are the sort to pick up a starfish, too.

We are attempting to make a tangible difference and to help as many as we can. Though we cannot help everyone, we remember the work we were able to accomplish this summer as an example of what is possible. We helped over 2,000 people and worked alongside eight nonprofit organizations, establishing contacts that will enable even more support during the upcoming school year.

Schools can and will stand side by side and be a source of support for families and communities during this school year, which carries specific challenges for our newcomer families and families experiencing homelessness.

Many of our students’ parents have lost their visa status this year. I’ve spoken to people who are struggling to make ends meet and pay rent. Homelessness and food insecurity are real threats to our students and their families, especially our immigrant and low-income families. We know this harm is being exacerbated, and that, with the federal cuts that have occurred, especially with SNAP, government-assisted housing, Medicaid, and cuts to non-profits and assistance programs, we are going to be experiencing a level of need that our community has never experienced before.

This is a reality that we are already facing and will continue to face as a district. Reducing and responding to this harm is why our project exists. We stand as a network of teachers, students, staff members, community partners, non-profit organizations, news media, individuals, and donors, in support of our families and our students. The only way we can continue to support our communities is by standing together and working continuously to “summon the village,” gathering people to provide tangible support for students and families in this time of great need.

The Solidarity Network has already gained many school partners who are seeing the negative impacts within their schools. I receive weekly emails from teachers in schools who want to participate, citing the needs they have observed within their buildings. We hope to be a project of compassion, of genuine solidarity, where we can stand with one another as a district and support each other as the school year progresses. Think back to the story of the starfish and the ocean. This project is not about operating under the notion that we can save all the starfish, but we can save some. The work matters even if we can stand with just a few families. If this project resonates with you and you’re interested in joining, or if you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We will help where we can. We stand united.

In Solidarity,

Dr. Mário Gouvêa Ransan