-
PPS offers resources and support for LGBTQ students and families
10/8/2018Portland Public Schools is committed to creating safe and welcoming schools for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students. Recently, schools across the country participated in Ally Week, in which LGBTQ students led conversations about what they need from their allies in school.
The week provided powerful reminders that everyone in PPS has a responsibility to play a role. The district offers a multitude of resources and policies to support our LGBTQ students.
“The work of creating schools where all students are affirmed, respected and valued begins in early elementary school and continues throughout their school careers,” Brenda Martinek, Chief of Student Support Services, said in a message to district staff.
The PPS Board of Education reiterated the district’s commitment to LGBTQ students in the revised Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy it approved in April. This followed the approval in January of an Administrative Directive to create a safe and welcoming environment for transgender and gender non-conforming students.
The district also has other resources available to help educators support LGBTQ students and their families:
- A FAQ for employees on LGBTQ matters
- A guide of best practices for serving LGBTQ students, written by the South Poverty Law Center
- Full webpage of resources for students, parents and families, and teachers, coaches and others.
Also, PPS has school-based Gay Straight Alliance/Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs throughout the district that can provide a welcoming, supportive group for students to build community and create positive change in their schools.
Each year, the district hosts a GSA summit for students in grades 6-12 who participate in their schools’ GSA clubs. This event helps students strengthens their sense of safety and acceptance, empowers student leaders, and connects students with various resources available in the community and at the college level. The school year’s GSA Summit is scheduled for Feb. 26-27.
For more information on GSA clubs, or if you have questions about LGBTQ issues and other resources, please contact Nicole Kappes-Levine, Program Administrator in Student Success and Health, at nlevine1@pps.net.
By Month
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- June 2015