Worthington LGBTQ Event Reflection by Jacqueline Merkle https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc We will use this padlet to collect our thoughts about the event tonight and generate ideas for moving forward in our own community. en-us 2019-04-16 15:34:31 UTC 2025-12-29 01:29:25 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352147340 Training would include support for admin, staff, and community.]]> 2019-04-16 22:19:59 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352147340 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352147460 I worry about staff that may SAY they support this community but don’t want to be explicit or intentional about supporting them.]]> 2019-04-16 22:21:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352147460 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352147890 Startling statistics give hard, emotional data to support the WHY.]]> 2019-04-16 22:25:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352147890 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352157379 How can I integrate this into our Diversity Week?]]> 2019-04-16 23:50:30 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352157379 How we can better educate our staff to be supportive of all students? https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352170493 2019-04-17 01:33:04 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352170493 I think the more information presented for our community, the better https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352170699 2019-04-17 01:34:24 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352170699 What do other schools already have in place that OLSD does not regarding this topic? https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352170887 2019-04-17 01:35:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352170887 I worry that the people that need to hear this information the most won’t be the ones that attend. alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352176702 2019-04-17 02:11:31 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352176702 alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352177220 Include the voices of our own students, parents, and teachers. ]]> 2019-04-17 02:14:51 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352177220 alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352178270 Elementary schools are often viewed as off-limits for LGBTQ+ topics, due to the young age of the students. Instead we should focus equal efforts in providing PD and discussion of these topics with our elementary staff and students. By middle school too many biases have already been formed. The seeds of respect and acceptance need to be planted as early as possible.]]> 2019-04-17 02:22:29 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352178270 Where can we work in professional development for LGBTQ+ and other diversity topics into the contractual work day for all staff members? alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352178827 2019-04-17 02:25:58 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352178827 Do some additional research on schools that have hosted similar events. What hurdles did they face? What did they consider successful and what would they do differently? alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352179968 2019-04-17 02:32:02 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352179968 An event in OLSD would bring our community one step closer to creating a more welcoming and accepting learning environment for our children. alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352180911 2019-04-17 02:37:08 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352180911 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352247235 How can we get the staff that should be attending such PD to attend (typically those that do attend are the ones that technically don't NEED to). I've presented a session 5ish times during various district events, and the few that do attend are already in the loop.

How can we offer these learning/growth opportunities in a district that tends to be conservative and less open to inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in the schools?

Could this be offered through OPDA for teachers to earn credit? This may encourage more participation.]]> 2019-04-17 10:55:19 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352247235 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352249393 Olentangy is a pretty substantial district, and there are educators in most buildings that are interested in how to help our LGBTQ+ students, so a "train the trainer" model could help to spread the PD across the district.

OLSD has quite a bit of parent involvement, so if we have the capability to offer an event like this to the community at large, we can begin to educate them on the issues- compassion and open-mindedness are primarily learned at home, so bringing these conversations to the family unit can have a great impact on our students.]]> 2019-04-17 11:11:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352249393 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352249964 I worry that the conservative nature of the community will cause a great deal of push-back (also speaking from prior experiences).]]> 2019-04-17 11:16:58 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352249964 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352250014 How to approve participation (district-wide) in GLSEN's school climate survey (at the administrative level), and encourage participation throughout the district once approved. Our GSA wanted to take part a few years ago, but we ran into obstacles with our principal.

Fun fact- in addition to providing national and state-specific results from the survey, participating schools also receive a snapshot of their results- this would be a good measure of the progress (or lack thereof) over the years.]]> 2019-04-17 11:17:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352250014 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352259756 I liked the idea of having breakout sessions to address different aspects of the issues, in addition to the large group presentation at the beginning and end.  Though events like these are typically limited in time (most people don't want to stick around for hours), it may be a good idea to host a similar event in the afternoon so that participants may be willing to stay a bit longer.  

For the breakout sessions, maybe we can offer more variety and allow participants to choose the sessions that best fit their needs (some are already well-versed in the topic, so they may be less inclined to participate if they already know a ton).  There are also specific issues that people may want to learn about (parent support, counseling & mental health, curriculum, etc.)

Another option could be to make a series of event dates with different topics, or different levels of understanding (basics, intermediate, experts...).]]> 2019-04-17 12:15:10 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352259756 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352260899 I definitely agree with the post above... The comment in our first breakout session about an elementary student that wasn't permitted to bring an LGBTQ+ book to school was disheartening.

One of the key issues that needs to be addressed is the sexualization of the LGBTQ+ community- the assumption that learning about such topics equates to learning about sex- yet it's perfectly OK to ask boys if they have a girlfriend or crush (and vice-versa) at the same age... This causes a great deal of internalized homophobia, which is detrimental to the mental health of these kiddos.

We also need to steer away from using the term "lifestyle," replacing it with "identity." "Lifestyle" implies that it's a choice.]]> 2019-04-17 12:20:48 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352260899 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352264130 Because there is a lot of material to cover, such programming can take a long time (either multiple events or longer ones)... from the community's perspective, would offering these opportunities send the message that this is the only group we're focusing on (and leaving out other marginalized groups)? It's great that sessions covering this content are offered at the One Community Conference, but because there is SO much to cover from a diversity perspective, many communities of diversity are left out.]]> 2019-04-17 12:35:33 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352264130 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352271091 I also worry that (like the first response), the "support" is superficial, and only shown when it is "an obligation." Sometimes it seems situational and inconsistent.]]> 2019-04-17 12:56:56 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352271091 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352271899 To respond to the comments above, I presented two sessions for Teays Valley schools during their summer PD time (similar to ThinkTank), and it seemed to be more well-received by the staff (perhaps because they're more rural and have less knowledge on the issues compared to our staff- not sure, though).]]> 2019-04-17 12:59:24 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352271899 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352273009 For teacher PD purposes, sessions during collaboration (for those that have it) could be useful- similar to the Curriculum Office's building visits... Presenters could be in the building all day, and teachers come down during their collaboration period.]]> 2019-04-17 13:02:52 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352273009 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352275763 I think it's great that TWHS has a dedicated mental health specialist in each building.  While we're making progress, it's difficult for students struggling with non-academic barriers to get the support they need when they cannot always know who to turn to from day to day since many of our specialists work in multiple buildings, or may not be available every day.

On a side note (based on my understanding), many of the ones that we have are either contracted through Syntero, or employees of the ESCC (our school psychs are, too, I believe), so they are still seen as "outsiders" by many (even among themselves).  Making such positions "Olentangy employees," included under an appropriate contract (certified, perhaps?...), may help to move us in the right direction, too.]]> 2019-04-17 13:11:15 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352275763 Research local districts to see what they have done and what advice they have for overcoming challenges from community. What topics could we offer in a rotation, similar to last evening's event? https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352308340 2019-04-17 14:42:00 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352308340 I try not to worry about hosting something like this because this falls within our diversity initiative within our district. When we gain feedback from our equity surveys, we have to formulate a plan to improve that, whatever the area of growth may be. As a district, we must forge ahead and do what's right, even if it means our community may not like it. https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352308868 With that said, we need to have a planned response for those who disagree.]]> 2019-04-17 14:43:34 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352308868 How can we reach staff and community? This was clearly an evening event aimed at educators, parents and the community. How can we create something similar for teachers during district professional development time? https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352311018 2019-04-17 14:49:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352311018 I am very excited about implementing this in OLSD. We need to be more progressive in this area. I think if we can get a team of educators (admin, teachers, liaisons, etc) on board and start spreading an awareness, we can certainly have an event like this in the event. Perhaps PD earlier in the year for staff (what if Amanda from Kaleidoscope) could somehow manage to present to schools (breaking them into groups-Sept PD, Nov PD, Feb PD) to share the perspective from her role? https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352311534 2019-04-17 14:50:47 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352311534 Grandview Heights - GSA jacqueline_merkle https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352421225 2019-04-17 19:58:54 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352421225 OLSD Policies jacqueline_merkle https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352422377 5517 - Anti-Harassment
The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against discriminatory harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity)...

5517.02 Sexual Violence
Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite gender.

3122 - Non-Discrimination Employment
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity)...in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

3310 - Staff Ethics
staff shall not on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, religious beliefs, family, social or cultural background, or sexual orientation, unfairly:
 
  1. exclude any student from participation in any program;
  2.  deny benefits to any student;
  3.  grant any advantage to any student.

5136 - Personal Communication Devices
Students may not use a PCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated. See Policy 5517.01 – Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior. In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation/transgender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs

2260 - single gender classes
Transgender students shall be permitted to participate in single-gender classes in a manner consistent with their gender identity.
]]> 2019-04-17 20:05:45 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352422377 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352455913 Maybe we should show these policies to the staff so we all know what we are responsible for upholding and expecting...

]]> 2019-04-18 00:47:34 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352455913 alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352464591 Some possible responses to pushback:]]> 2019-04-18 01:51:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352464591 alikats https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352466513 Teaching Tolerance has resources that may be helpful for reference in creating a more inclusive environment.]]> 2019-04-18 02:08:41 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352466513 drew_rock https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352529924 Do we have a policy for Transgender students and bathroom use? Many (at least at the HS level) have expressed concern about staff bathrooms or dedicated gender-neutral ones because they make them feel singled-out (why use a "special bathroom")- They've said that such bathroom policies further perpetuate their role as the "Other."]]> 2019-04-18 11:55:20 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/352529924 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353091601 ...how do we coordinate efforts, district wide, to see the importance of events like?]]> 2019-04-22 15:48:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353091601 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353091985 I believe this information is valuable as there are many teachers who view themselves as allies, but aren't sure how to go about truly supporting their students.]]> 2019-04-22 15:49:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353091985 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353092732 The proverbial Powell Bubble and how an event such as this may be perceived by those who do not attend. ]]> 2019-04-22 15:51:39 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353092732 https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353093217 I'm wondering if we can/should reach out to building level GSA students and advisors for support as well as their families. Perhaps we can involve them in the planning and implementation so as to have a group of people already engaging in this work to promote and execute a successful event.]]> 2019-04-22 15:53:09 UTC https://padlet.com/jacqueline_merkle/9h4wf6ynflyc/wish/353093217