From the Director (2/19/14 5pm)
Here is a link on gender non-conforming children: Advice from a parent. It's worth a look. And worth sharing with staff and parents.
http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/gender-nonconformity-my-advice-to-parents-of-girly-boys/
To the Students: It's ok to be who you are. Your real friends and those you can lean on for support or those who accept you the way you are.
Find a teacher or counselor in the school you trust. Let them be an advocate or helper.
There are many websites that are filled with helpful information.
Parents have certain expectations of their children. When things don't go according to their plan, they can get upset.
Given time even parents can have a change of heart.
And be patient. It takes time. Things do get better.
To the Parents: It's hard when you find out that your child didn't turn out the way you had hoped. IT'S NOT ANYONE'S FAULT.
We are the way we were born. Who we are is something to be celebrated.
All of our children need love, understanding, acceptance, and support.
Be an advocate for your child. Help them awaken their full potential and be all that they can be.
To the Counselors: You are not expected to have all of the answers. Instead, know your resources. Become familiar with the issues.
Instead of waiting for issues to rear themselves, a proactive approach is best.
Find allies. You don't have to be alone in this.
Contact other school districts that have had success as well as organizations who might help.
Start small. Take one step at a time.
Addressing the issue of bullying is often a good way to get started. It doesn't have to relate specifically to LGBT+ issues
Anti-bullying groups, diversity groups, or support groups can be started. In many districts, having a GSA may be
too controversial.
Keep up with current legislation and court cases as then may filter down into the schools and policy making.
As issues arise, remember they should be dealt with individually. What works in once instance, may not work in another.
Here is a link on gender non-conforming children: Advice from a parent. It's worth a look. And worth sharing with staff and parents.
http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/gender-nonconformity-my-advice-to-parents-of-girly-boys/
To the Students: It's ok to be who you are. Your real friends and those you can lean on for support or those who accept you the way you are.
Find a teacher or counselor in the school you trust. Let them be an advocate or helper.
There are many websites that are filled with helpful information.
Parents have certain expectations of their children. When things don't go according to their plan, they can get upset.
Given time even parents can have a change of heart.
And be patient. It takes time. Things do get better.
To the Parents: It's hard when you find out that your child didn't turn out the way you had hoped. IT'S NOT ANYONE'S FAULT.
We are the way we were born. Who we are is something to be celebrated.
All of our children need love, understanding, acceptance, and support.
Be an advocate for your child. Help them awaken their full potential and be all that they can be.
To the Counselors: You are not expected to have all of the answers. Instead, know your resources. Become familiar with the issues.
Instead of waiting for issues to rear themselves, a proactive approach is best.
Find allies. You don't have to be alone in this.
Contact other school districts that have had success as well as organizations who might help.
Start small. Take one step at a time.
Addressing the issue of bullying is often a good way to get started. It doesn't have to relate specifically to LGBT+ issues
Anti-bullying groups, diversity groups, or support groups can be started. In many districts, having a GSA may be
too controversial.
Keep up with current legislation and court cases as then may filter down into the schools and policy making.
As issues arise, remember they should be dealt with individually. What works in once instance, may not work in another.