Counseling Update
June 1, 2020
Elementary Schools
Pamela Fernandez: pfernandez@htsd.us (Jennings, Stoy & Strawbridge)
Tricia McGinley: tmcginley@htsd.us (Edison & Van Sciver)
Middle School
Lauren Passkoff: lpasskoff@htsd.us
High School
Jill Boccia: jboccia@htsd.us
Cristin Campbell: ccampbell@htsd.us
Brielle Fredericks: bfredericks@htsd.us
Lauren Mulhern: lmulhern@htsd.us
Dana Wolfe: dwolfe@htsd.us
REMINDERS:
● PreK - Grade 8: We will be checking email throughout the day. We will be available for immediate responses from 9:00am-11:00am.
● Grades 9-12: We will be available through email throughout the traditional school day.
● If there is an issue that can not wait due to safety concerns, please call 911 or contact crisis at: 856-428-HELP
A Special Note...
Please know our hearts go out to everyone at this time, especially the people of color in Haddon Township. We see you, we love you, we stand by you, we are here for you, we will do our part.
Anti-Racism for Kids 101: Starting to Talk About Race
If you’re nervous about talking about race with your kids, these books about racial diversity will give you an easy place to start destigmatizing difference & celebrating racial diversity.
They're Not Too Young to Talk About Race!
http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.pdf
More Links to Discuss Racism with Your Family and Learn to Be An Ally
June is Pride Month!
Resources
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbtq-kids-books-pride-month_n_5b1023bce4b0fcd6a834bbdb
https://www.glaad.org/resources/ally/2
https://jfcssnj.org/lgbtq-support/
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2019/02/25/gender-sexual-diversity-terms-glossary_a_23677520/
10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend
- Be a listener.
- Be open-minded.
- Be willing to talk.
- Be inclusive and invite LGBT friends to hang out with your friends and family.
- Don't assume that all your friends and coworkers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need.
- Anti-LGBT comments and jokes are harmful. Let your family, friends and co-workers know that you find them offensive.
- Confront your own prejudices and bias, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
- Defend your LGBT friends against discrimination.
- Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect.
- If you see LGBT people being misrepresented in the media, contact us at glaad.org.
More Ways to Be an Ally
What Does “Ally” Mean?
- A person who has a genuine, strong concern for the well-being of LGBT people
- A person who supports and accepts LGBT people, and advocates for equal rights and fair treatment
- A person who confronts challenges that LGBT people experience, and believes that we face these problems in society:
- Heterosexism — The assumption that everyone is or should be straight
- Biprejudice — Harmful, preconceived ideas about bisexual people
- Transprejudice — Harmful, preconceived ideas about transgender people
- Heterosexual Privilege — The everyday privileges straight people have in society. For example, the ability to display attraction or affection (e.g., holding hands) to the opposite gender in public without fear of judgment or even violence
Ways to Be an Ally:
- Stay Informed: If you don’t know the difference between sex and gender or current LGBT-related news and issues, educate yourself. Ask questions, do research, and don’t be afraid to be honest about what you don’t know. You can start by reading our blog post on LGBT Key Terms & Concepts!
- Speak Up: There are many reasons why people don’t speak up when they hear something offensive, like “that’s so gay.” It can be awkward, people don’t know what to say, or don’t want to make the situation worse. But, words can hurt. When you speak up, it educates others, lets them know their words are not acceptable, and may give others the courage to speak up as well. You can also change how people act in the future. This is powerful.
- Be Honest: Speak openly about family members, friends, and colleagues who are LGBT, if they are out and are comfortable with you discussing it with others. People often assume they will offend others or make them uncomfortable if they mention LGBT topics. Also, remember that occasional disagreement is normal and healthy!
- Support Equality: Support policies at school, work, or other places that help protect LGBT people from discrimination. Even if the issues seem small, they can have a big impact on people’s lives. If you see or hear of an unfair rule or policy, talk to a peer or trusted adult about your concerns and what you can do to make a change.
- Come Out as an Ally: Anyone can be an ally, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Be proud to support the LGBT community. Remember, being an ally can be joining an LGBT group — for example, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), a student-run group — or as simple as showing your support online.
Allies are important and welcome supporters of the LGBT community. They can be effective and powerful voices for LGBT equality, and can not only help LGBT people feel comfortable coming out, but also help others understand the importance of equality and fairness for all people.