From GLSEN: Ally Week (October 21-25, 2013) brings us closer to making bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America's schools. We want to ensure that allies understand the important role they play in making schools safer, particularly for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) students and families, and take some time to thank them for their support! The unfortunate truth is that anti-LGBT bullying, violence and harassment are commonplace in America's schools. Actual and perceived sexual orientation and gender expression are two of the top three reasons teens report that students are harassed at their schools, according to From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, a GLSEN-commissioned report by Harris Interactive. In other words, all students - LGBT and straight alike - perceive anti-LGBT bullying and harassment as a serious problem in their schools. The vast majority of these same students said their schools would be better off if this issue was better addressed. GLSEN's 2009 National School Climate Survey found that nearly nine out of ten LGBT students report experiencing verbal harassment at school and over 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety.
Ally Week is a week for students to identify, support and celebrate Allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, bullying and harassment in America's schools.
Sudents will encourage their peers and school staff to sign an Ally Pledge which states:
I believe schools should be safe, supportive places for ALL students, regardless of their differences. I pledge to:
· Not use hurtful language or slurs.
· Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where students are being harassed.
· Support efforts to make this, and every, school safe for all students.
- Adapted from GLSEN’s Ally Week website
TO SUPPORT ALLY WEEK, please talk with your kids about what the word “ally” means to you. How has your family acted as allies to others? Who have your families allies been? Buttons will be on sale from Mr. Hildner, in the office, and at the student store starting October 4 for $.50. Proceeds benefit Ainsworth PTA, but more important than the proceeds is the message about helping others and encouraging those that help.
My curriculum during these weeks (September and October) will be adapted from “Ready, Set, Respect!”, talking about name-calling, bullying, bias, in/ex-clusion, gender roles, family diversity, and “when you see or hear bullying…” I will also be showing this video about standing up to bullying to students in 3rd, 4th & 5th grades. In K, 1st & 2nd I will be working on recognizing individual differences, talking about “put-ups” and “put-downs”, and what makes a family. After Ally Week K, 1st and 2nd graders will watch this video about a “tomboy” named Alex who is teased because some of her classmates think she acts “like a boy”.
Please feel free to contact me with questions, feedback or offers for support! I’d love to see everyone wearing buttons! I am still seeking presenters for our first Career Fair, April 30!
Ally Week is a week for students to identify, support and celebrate Allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, bullying and harassment in America's schools.
Sudents will encourage their peers and school staff to sign an Ally Pledge which states:
I believe schools should be safe, supportive places for ALL students, regardless of their differences. I pledge to:
· Not use hurtful language or slurs.
· Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where students are being harassed.
· Support efforts to make this, and every, school safe for all students.
- Adapted from GLSEN’s Ally Week website
TO SUPPORT ALLY WEEK, please talk with your kids about what the word “ally” means to you. How has your family acted as allies to others? Who have your families allies been? Buttons will be on sale from Mr. Hildner, in the office, and at the student store starting October 4 for $.50. Proceeds benefit Ainsworth PTA, but more important than the proceeds is the message about helping others and encouraging those that help.
My curriculum during these weeks (September and October) will be adapted from “Ready, Set, Respect!”, talking about name-calling, bullying, bias, in/ex-clusion, gender roles, family diversity, and “when you see or hear bullying…” I will also be showing this video about standing up to bullying to students in 3rd, 4th & 5th grades. In K, 1st & 2nd I will be working on recognizing individual differences, talking about “put-ups” and “put-downs”, and what makes a family. After Ally Week K, 1st and 2nd graders will watch this video about a “tomboy” named Alex who is teased because some of her classmates think she acts “like a boy”.
Please feel free to contact me with questions, feedback or offers for support! I’d love to see everyone wearing buttons! I am still seeking presenters for our first Career Fair, April 30!