May 2022: Shout Outs!
A monthly update on GSAs and the PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance
Dear School Leaders and GSA Advisers,
Let's stay connected! All across our district there are school leaders, staff members, students, and community members doing great work to make PSUSD a welcoming and safe place for all.
We are stronger when we work together! This newsletter is a place to share our successes, promote upcoming events, and celebrate our LGBTQ students, staff, and families.
Thanks for all that you do,
🌈PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance
Out and About Across the District!
If you would like your school featured in next month's newsletter,
send updates and pictures toAnnie Axsom at aaxsom@psusd.us!
Bill Amplo, Club START Co-Advisor at James Workman Middle School, writes:
"On Saturday evening, April 9, JWMS - Club START president, Lucah C. took the stage at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs to accept a grant from the Palm Spring Gay Men's Chorus - George Zander Anti-Bullying Fund. Her short expression of gratitude was well received by the chorus and sold-out audience. The event was attended by 4 student-members and a parent."
Way to go, Lucah!!
Teresa Haga, principal at Rancho Mirage High School shared that the RMHS Performing Arts Department performed Head over Heels, a production with LGBTQ themes.
Bravo to the full cast and crew!!
What's the PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance Up To?
Our Vision Statement
Our purpose is to empower and affirm the LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families of PSUSD by combating systemic inequities in our policies and curricula.
We will develop policy, implement professional development and training, and increase student, parent, and community engagement.
Recent Successes!
2021-2022 Successes!
The PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance has advocated for and secured:
- Mandatory trainings for all district staff: all district staff are now required to complete an annual training on Keenan Safe Schools entitled Making Schools Safe and Inclusive for LGBTQ Students.
- Gender Support Plans for gender-fluid, transgender, and non-binary youth: school sites now have staff members trained in the use of these forms.
- More inclusive coding on Synergy: Synergy now includes a column to account for non-binary youth on rosters.
- Inclusive literature: thanks to a generous donation by GenderNation, all elementary school libraries in PSUSD now have a variety books featuring LGBTQ characters on their shelves.
- Visibility: The LGBTQ Alliance has produced and distributed posters and t-shirts advocating welcoming and inclusive schools. Members of the LGBTQ Alliance also marched with GSAs, students, and families in the 2020 Palm Springs Pride Parade.
More to come!
- GSA Clubs at every school site
- Further staff training on creating safe spaces and understanding legal obligations as they pertain to LGBTQ students
- Increased community engagement and collaboration
- An LGBTQ+ affirming school board resolution