Page 82 - FY21 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report

STUDENTS
Physical Education
& Physical Activity Environment &
Nutrition
Health Education EMPLOYEES Engagement Family Physical COORDINATING POLICY, PROCESS, AND PRACTICE Counseling, Social & FAMILIES
Community
Involvement
Services
Psychological
Services
HEALTHY SAFE
CHALLENGED SUPPORTED ENGAGED
Social &
Emotional
Environment
Employee IMPROVING LEARNING AND HEALTH Health Climate
Wellness Education
Health
Services
COMMUNITY
Safe & Supportive School Climates
Welcoming and inclusive schools are
extremely important to ensure that all
students have a safe and supportive
place to learn and grow. As per the
School Board Equity Policy (1.041), we
were able to present training specific to
LGBTQ+ students and staff in 150 of our
schools. In partnership with Equality
Florida, the District put on the ‘All
Together Now Conference’ on LGBTQ+
issues for Florida School Districts. Both
Mrs. Marcia Andrews, District 6, and
Ms. Alexandria Ayala, District 2, School
Board members were able to present
at this virtual conference. Speaking of
virtual, many of the District’s ‘Genders and Sexuality Alliance’ (GSA) Clubs were able to meet virtually, as well
as in person, to serve the needs of their student members in FY21.

We also partnered with Compass Community Center to had two drop in versions of our ‘Youth Empowerment
Summit’ (YES), in which Compass’ youth group and our GSA Club members met with Mrs. Erica Whitfield,
District 4, School Board member, and Dr. Donald E. Fennoy II and discussed issues that affected them,
particularly during distance learning.

Research suggests that just one supportive adult in a school can reduce the risk of self-harm, suicide, and
other negative outcomes. Research also indicates that having inclusive policies and instructional materials,
supportive adults, and affirming clubs, like GSA Clubs, can reduce absenteeism, increase school connectedness,
and improve academic outcomes by 0.5 GPA...for ALL students.

This is all part of our “We’re ALL In!” campaign to support our LGBTQ+ students and staff. Through this
campaign, we supported inclusive policies on discrimination (Protecting Students from Harassment and
Discrimination Policy (5.001), and Bullying and Harassment Policy (5.002), as well as the Diversity and Equity
Committee Policy (1.097) and the Equity Policy (1.041)). The District also supported inclusive curriculum such
as the Human Growth & Development curriculum and instructional materials, such the diversity libraries in
Elementary, Middle and High School’s Media Centers. Finally, supportive staff can be identified in various
ways. We offered posters and stickers for a school to display. We also designed a badge, which staff can wear
with their name badge that identifies them as a supportive, caring adult for LGBTQ+ students.

82 FY21 Wellness Promotion Policy (WPP) Annual Report BACK to Menu