Parents key to tackling hate in schools

One of the questions I hear most often as chair of the Acton School Committee is, “What can I do to help stop these acts of hate?”

The most important thing any parent or caregiver can do is talk with their children. Students spend only about 13-15% of their total time in school. The rest of their world, including sports, social media, group chats, online gaming, and neighborhood interactions, is where most of their exposure happens. Schools play a critical role in teaching expectations, building empathy, and responding when harm occurs. But we cannot do it alone.

Whenever we send schoolwide messages about a bullying incident or a hate or bias event, I encourage families to read these communications closely and take a moment to discuss them at home. These conversations matter. Just as a parent might review a disappointing test or talk through a tough sporting event, reviewing these bulletins with your children reinforces the values we all want them to uphold. It gives parents the chance to say clearly: This behavior is wrong, it hurts people, and it has no place in our community.

The district will continue investing in anti-bullying and anti-bias work through professional development for teachers, assemblies, curriculum, and anonymous reporting tools. We will keep striving to ensure that every student feels safe, welcomed, and valued in our schools.

But lasting change requires partnership. When families, educators, and community members reinforce the same expectations, our students grow up understanding both accountability and compassion. Together, we can build a culture where hate and bullying simply do not take root. I also encourage everyone to tune into our School Committee meetings to be part of the important work we are doing in partnership with the superintendent each week.

Andrew Herchek

Garland Road