02/15/2021
Dear Korematsu Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share sad news about our beloved Vice Principal, Ms. Nancy Ivey. On Friday, February 12th, Ms. Ivey passed away. We are saddened and shocked by her sudden passing, and our thoughts are with her family during this time.
Ms. Ivey was a leader and champion for students during her nearly 9 years as our Vice Principal. Her deep care and support for all the students at Korematsu cannot be replaced. Nancy always centered her work around equity, ensuring support for students who needed her the most. Most recently, she made passionate additions to our Black Lives Matter Week at school, and to ideas for a summer program to help struggling students get back in the love of learning. She led and participated in changes on campus with wit, perspective, and a tireless energy for our students.
I have learned so much from Ms Ivey over the years and I will always remember the way she started difficult conversations. “How are you doing?” she would say. And that simple phrase reminded everyone she cared. In one-on-one conversations, meetings for students in Special Education, discussions around restorative justice solutions, Nancy found ways to humanize and respond empathetically to those around her, young and old. Staff members felt heard, students felt seen, and the campus felt livelier. Her deep care and compassion was ever present in her work.
Ms. Ivey was a profound advocate for students and her tireless work will be greatly missed at all levels. As we continue to process our grief, we will provide time and space to celebrate, share, and reflect on our experiences and learnings with Ms. Ivey. Words cannot express the profound loss for her family, friends, and our community.
Sincerely,
Matt Burnham