and educators may facilitate conversations about society’s gender expectations as they develop organically. Starting in fifth grade, health lessons cover biological aspects of human development, and middle school advisory lessons address different forms of bullying and discrimination. In eighth grade, health and advisory lessons include discussions around biological gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual/romantic orientation, and relevant vocabulary. This year, as part of our diversity, equity, and inclusion focus, the high school advisory program began with an in-depth lesson for all students centered on exclusion, inclusion, and the kind of community we want to build at SAS. Class options and assignments give interested students opportunities to learn more about related topics. In the eighth grade social studies’ Civil Rights unit, for example, students have chosen to research Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California; the landmark Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States; and current issues impacting the transgender community. A culminating "gallery walk" gives other eighth grade students the chance to learn about topics their classmates researched. In high school, classes such as English, social studies, the arts, and Catalyst offer opportunities for relevant research and self-expression. Age-appropriate resources are available in divisional libraries; they are not grouped together so students need not fear stigmatization if they search for an item. Librarians and teachers stand ready to help students, parents, and educators find the resources they need in a supportive and discreet manner. SAS students have been integral to our efforts to build a community ethos of acceptance and support. Peer-to-peer support groups in the middle school and high school give students safe spaces to express themselves, ask questions, and share experiences. High school students also created PRISM, a service club dedicated to education and raising awareness in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. SAS staff members who identify as LGBTQIA+ or have LGBTQIA+ family members have acted as guest speakers for these groups; besides giving students insights
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into their own lives, these adults act as role models and share their experiences around such questions as “how do I tell my parents?”; “how do I navigate social relationships?”; and “how do I support a loved one in this situation?” One of Superintendent Tom Boasberg’s first listening tour sessions last year was with students who identify as LGBTQIA+. High school students are currently working with teachers to look at LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the curriculum and are assisting with staff inservice work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our parent community started SAS Rainbow Parents and Allies several years ago. Rainbow Parents offers an inclusive and supportive environment for parents and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community across all grade levels to talk about gender and sexuality topics, including positive self-esteem, healthy identity development, and acceptance of differences. According to one of the parents involved, “Shortly after starting SAS Rainbow Parents and Allies, we as the founding group of several parents found inspiration in the open doors and hearts of the teachers and faculty in the school. We found eager partnership from all three principals, college counseling, personal academic counseling, admissions, athletics, libraries, parent engagement, and communications in finding ways to strongly and systemically signal SAS support for students open and hidden from view. Together they exemplified the Eagle Way by codifying a supportive environment for our LGBTQIA+ students at SAS.” Our support for our LGBTQIA+ community is a work in progress. Even as we seek to strengthen our support systems in this area, we know there are students who feel afraid of coming forward, disrespected by words and behavior around them, or unsure of where to turn for help. In this time of heightened discussion around issues of inclusion, equal treatment, and righting past injustice as we move forward together, we feel it is important to be clear that SAS strives to be a community that sees its diversity as a strength and a source of pride. We welcome all SAS families to join us in working toward providing for every child a culture of excellence, a culture of possibilities, and a culture of extraordinary care.
SAS Strives to be a community t h at s e e s its diversity as a strength and a source of pride
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