school

Like all parents, GLBT parents like myself want our kids to do well in school. As a literacy specialist I offer free advice to Proud Parents who have questions about reading, writing and school issues in general. Anyone have a question? Ask away!!

Receiving a one-on-one invitation from a set of straight parents is an indication you have really worked hard to gain acceptance in your school community. You are going on a double date. Congratulations! Now comes the real test of your assimilation. Can you successfully observe straight couples’ socializing conventions?

In April 2005, David Parker, then a father of a kindergarten student, angrily met with school officials at a Massachusetts elementary school. His child had described to him a classroom lesson in which the teacher read from a book about different types of families - including those with homosexual parents.

The Associated Press is reporting that a federal appeals court today upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Parker against school officials.

The word gay is used by both genders to mean "stupid". Anything can be gay. A video game can be gay. A car can be gay. But only a boy can be a fag.

Does that get your attention?

This is what C.J. Pascoe - author of Dude You're a Fag: Masculinity and Sexuality in High School - found during her 18-month observation in a California high school.

The educational video is titled That’s a Family! and it was produced specifically for elementary school students by Women’s Education Media as part of The Respect For All Project.

It's a documentary that helps kids understand the many different types of families - including foster parents, adopted families, gay and lesbian parents, divorced parents, single parents, grandparent-headed families, guardians, and multi-racial families. Religous beliefs are also highlighted in the film.

We all want supportive and safe schools for our kids. But there are educators and administrators who may be uncomfortable around lesbian and gay parents. Although she/he may not be homophobic, the person at school could have some initial difficulty treating you like anyone else. Because we're pioneers, we should expect some confusion - and make certain the school is safe for our kids.

The start of preschool is exciting - but sometimes scary - for you and your child. Whether she attends school for a few hours a week or several hours a day, there's a lot to do and consider.

Scholastic offers a list of considerations to help you and the little student prepare for life-long learning. What kind of program is best? How can you tell when your child is ready? What will she learn? What's the best way to prepare? Learn how you can make this transition as easy as A, B, C!