Pride week in elementary school?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

+1

The kids will know that Bayard Rustin was gay and that he supported the LGBTQ+ community. This week seems very appropriate for elementary school and especially for one named after a gay activist.

Not appropriate for elementary school.

Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious why you think elementary school is too young to learn about LGBTQ+ community? I would think it would help them to understand it’s good to be accepting of all people.

The message of acceptance can be given without discussing sexuality, which is what Pride is about ultimately. It’s not appropriate for young kids. An elementary school can celebrate love and school pride in a spirit week without bringing gay and trans issues into it.

+100

There is no mention of sexuality or issues. In fact if a kid asked what Trans is it could answered simply and then everyone would move on. And why would a school, a place of learning and acceptance avoid Pride month.

I would think each class would have to start with a definition of what trans is. If you skip that part, it is like celebrating MLK day and failing to mention who he was. There is no meaning/learning at all. As a K parent I would be interested to know how a K teacher would cover this topic.

If I were a K teacher, I would probably say that most people feel like their insides and their outsides match. They look like a girl and they feel like a girl, or they look like a boy and they feel like a boy. For some people that's not true, and that's why it's important to listen to people when they tell us who they are.

Then I would probably read Born Ready with them and move on with my day.

Thank you. That is helpful.

And you as the teacher feel equipt to talk to my kindergartener about switching genders? I hope not! If you made that message, many kindergarteners would think that boys who like pink and princesses should become girls and girls who like rough and tumble and short hair should become boys. That is a no! Girls can like whatever they like and boys can like whatever they like, but I don't want my child's kindergarten teacher saying that it's okay to just switch genders. That's overstepping.

This 100%. And something to note is that many people who have tendencies to be more opposite of their gender turn out to be gay. I would prefer that over deciding they are trans. Let it play out organically as opposed to it beiing shoved down their throats.

No one is or would tell a kid that they need or should switch genders or that someone was born in the wrong body. They would merely say some feel different inside than what their born body appears and because of this they may want to dress or do activities more usually aligned with how they feel. And we should accept and respect that persons feelings without prejudice.

[Anonymous]

I think the actual details of the week are very positive, OP. There aren't going to be half-naked cross-dressers dancing in your school's hallways.

My kids spent their formative years in MCPS - one graduated last year. I promise you they're not brainwashed, and didn't suddenly decide to become LGBTQ+. But they are open-minded and tolerant.

Take it in the spirit it's meant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

Is the opposite of celebrating, vilifying? There are plenty of opportunities within the curriculum to learn about people with all types of backgrounds. And to make it an actual learning experience. This feels like the school/admin has an agenda.

+1

5 year olds do not need to celebrate the trans community. I think the other days are fine, but this one is bothering me.

What if they are trans or know someone who is trans?

Odds are they don’t. Odds are low for anyone but they’ve got to be almost nonexistent for 5 year olds

Not for my kids. They have a trans classmate and a family friend who is trans. You might know more people than you think who just aren't disclosing things to you.

Doesn’t mean we need to have a literal parade for it.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

+1

The kids will know that Bayard Rustin was gay and that he supported the LGBTQ+ community. This week seems very appropriate for elementary school and especially for one named after a gay activist.

Not appropriate for elementary school.

Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious why you think elementary school is too young to learn about LGBTQ+ community? I would think it would help them to understand it’s good to be accepting of all people.

The message of acceptance can be given without discussing sexuality, which is what Pride is about ultimately. It’s not appropriate for young kids. An elementary school can celebrate love and school pride in a spirit week without bringing gay and trans issues into it.

+100

There is no mention of sexuality or issues. In fact if a kid asked what Trans is it could answered simply and then everyone would move on. And why would a school, a place of learning and acceptance avoid Pride month.

I would think each class would have to start with a definition of what trans is. If you skip that part, it is like celebrating MLK day and failing to mention who he was. There is no meaning/learning at all. As a K parent I would be interested to know how a K teacher would cover this topic.

If I were a K teacher, I would probably say that most people feel like their insides and their outsides match. They look like a girl and they feel like a girl, or they look like a boy and they feel like a boy. For some people that's not true, and that's why it's important to listen to people when they tell us who they are.

Then I would probably read Born Ready with them and move on with my day.

Thank you. That is helpful.

And you as the teacher feel equipt to talk to my kindergartener about switching genders? I hope not! If you made that message, many kindergarteners would think that boys who like pink and princesses should become girls and girls who like rough and tumble and short hair should become boys. That is a no! Girls can like whatever they like and boys can like whatever they like, but I don't want my child's kindergarten teacher saying that it's okay to just switch genders. That's overstepping.

This 100%. And something to note is that many people who have tendencies to be more opposite of their gender turn out to be gay. I would prefer that over deciding they are trans. Let it play out organically as opposed to it beiing shoved down their throats.

First of all, simply noting that trans people exist is not exactly shoving it down anybody's throat.

Second of all, it's interesting that you think being gay is fine, but being trans is the problem. It's worth reminding folks that this whole trans panic only emerged after the right-wing lost the culture wars over the existence of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. It's just another front to keep the money coming.

The problem with trans vs. gay is what is happening medically. I don't want my kid to start asking for puberty blockers just because he feels feminine. I would want that to play out and see what happens in middle school/high school. Elementary school is too early to start having these discussions.

MCPS shouldn't acknowledge the existence of trans people because you wouldn't want to have a discussion with your child about transgender identity? Your parental responsibilities are yours, not MCPS's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

Is the opposite of celebrating, vilifying? There are plenty of opportunities within the curriculum to learn about people with all types of backgrounds. And to make it an actual learning experience. This feels like the school/admin has an agenda.

+1

5 year olds do not need to celebrate the trans community. I think the other days are fine, but this one is bothering me.

What if they are trans or know someone who is trans?

Odds are they don’t. Odds are low for anyone but they’ve got to be almost nonexistent for 5 year olds

You do realize ES is not just kindergarten? It goes all the way to 5th grade where folks are 10/11/12.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

+1

The kids will know that Bayard Rustin was gay and that he supported the LGBTQ+ community. This week seems very appropriate for elementary school and especially for one named after a gay activist.

Not appropriate for elementary school.

Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious why you think elementary school is too young to learn about LGBTQ+ community? I would think it would help them to understand it’s good to be accepting of all people.

The message of acceptance can be given without discussing sexuality, which is what Pride is about ultimately. It’s not appropriate for young kids. An elementary school can celebrate love and school pride in a spirit week without bringing gay and trans issues into it.

+100

There is no mention of sexuality or issues. In fact if a kid asked what Trans is it could answered simply and then everyone would move on. And why would a school, a place of learning and acceptance avoid Pride month.

I would think each class would have to start with a definition of what trans is. If you skip that part, it is like celebrating MLK day and failing to mention who he was. There is no meaning/learning at all. As a K parent I would be interested to know how a K teacher would cover this topic.

If I were a K teacher, I would probably say that most people feel like their insides and their outsides match. They look like a girl and they feel like a girl, or they look like a boy and they feel like a boy. For some people that's not true, and that's why it's important to listen to people when they tell us who they are.

Then I would probably read Born Ready with them and move on with my day.

Thank you. That is helpful.

And you as the teacher feel equipt to talk to my kindergartener about switching genders? I hope not! If you made that message, many kindergarteners would think that boys who like pink and princesses should become girls and girls who like rough and tumble and short hair should become boys. That is a no! Girls can like whatever they like and boys can like whatever they like, but I don't want my child's kindergarten teacher saying that it's okay to just switch genders. That's overstepping.

You have a really active imagination, pp. I mean, do you literally sit around all day dreaming up phantom menaces to clutch your pearls over? Good Lord, there are enough real problems in the world to focus on. Why go inventing more like this?

A pp on this thread literally said they would read the book “Born Ready” to their kindergarten class. That is a book about a girl who believes they are really a boy. Many parents would object to introducing the idea that girls or boys can somehow “really be” the opposite sex.

"Born Ready" is an approved book in the MCPS ELA curriculum.

Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/born-ready-the-true-story-of-a-boy-named-penelope

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

+1

The kids will know that Bayard Rustin was gay and that he supported the LGBTQ+ community. This week seems very appropriate for elementary school and especially for one named after a gay activist.

Not appropriate for elementary school.

Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious why you think elementary school is too young to learn about LGBTQ+ community? I would think it would help them to understand it’s good to be accepting of all people.

The message of acceptance can be given without discussing sexuality, which is what Pride is about ultimately. It’s not appropriate for young kids. An elementary school can celebrate love and school pride in a spirit week without bringing gay and trans issues into it.

+100

There is no mention of sexuality or issues. In fact if a kid asked what Trans is it could answered simply and then everyone would move on. And why would a school, a place of learning and acceptance avoid Pride month.

I would think each class would have to start with a definition of what trans is. If you skip that part, it is like celebrating MLK day and failing to mention who he was. There is no meaning/learning at all. As a K parent I would be interested to know how a K teacher would cover this topic.

If I were a K teacher, I would probably say that most people feel like their insides and their outsides match. They look like a girl and they feel like a girl, or they look like a boy and they feel like a boy. For some people that's not true, and that's why it's important to listen to people when they tell us who they are.

Then I would probably read Born Ready with them and move on with my day.

Thank you. That is helpful.

And you as the teacher feel equipt to talk to my kindergartener about switching genders? I hope not! If you made that message, many kindergarteners would think that boys who like pink and princesses should become girls and girls who like rough and tumble and short hair should become boys. That is a no! Girls can like whatever they like and boys can like whatever they like, but I don't want my child's kindergarten teacher saying that it's okay to just switch genders. That's overstepping.

This 100%. And something to note is that many people who have tendencies to be more opposite of their gender turn out to be gay. I would prefer that over deciding they are trans. Let it play out organically as opposed to it beiing shoved down their throats.

First of all, simply noting that trans people exist is not exactly shoving it down anybody's throat.

Second of all, it's interesting that you think being gay is fine, but being trans is the problem. It's worth reminding folks that this whole trans panic only emerged after the right-wing lost the culture wars over the existence of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. It's just another front to keep the money coming.

The problem with trans vs. gay is what is happening medically. I don't want my kid to start asking for puberty blockers just because he feels feminine. I would want that to play out and see what happens in middle school/high school. Elementary school is too early to start having these discussions.

MCPS shouldn't acknowledge the existence of trans people because you wouldn't want to have a discussion with your child about transgender identity? Your parental responsibilities are yours, not MCPS's.

Having an entire week of celebration and having kids dress in certain colors to celebrate the alphabet of LGBTQ is not simply acknowledging. It is indoctrination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Very interested to know if other schools have a Pride spirit week or it it’s just mine. Thanks.

Other schools do. My kids' schools (one ES and one MS) absolutely do, and the themes look a lot like these. However, since I actually would prefer for my kids' schools to NOT end up the subject of right wing protests from "concerned citizens," I'm going to decline to name the schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That seems like a lot for elementary. I like the themes but do we really need to discuss being trans with kindergartners?

I really really do not think so. It’s way to mature for most children who will naturally start asking questions about sex

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

+1

The kids will know that Bayard Rustin was gay and that he supported the LGBTQ+ community. This week seems very appropriate for elementary school and especially for one named after a gay activist.

Not appropriate for elementary school.

Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious why you think elementary school is too young to learn about LGBTQ+ community? I would think it would help them to understand it’s good to be accepting of all people.

The message of acceptance can be given without discussing sexuality, which is what Pride is about ultimately. It’s not appropriate for young kids. An elementary school can celebrate love and school pride in a spirit week without bringing gay and trans issues into it.

+100

There is no mention of sexuality or issues. In fact if a kid asked what Trans is it could answered simply and then everyone would move on. And why would a school, a place of learning and acceptance avoid Pride month.

I would think each class would have to start with a definition of what trans is. If you skip that part, it is like celebrating MLK day and failing to mention who he was. There is no meaning/learning at all. As a K parent I would be interested to know how a K teacher would cover this topic.

If I were a K teacher, I would probably say that most people feel like their insides and their outsides match. They look like a girl and they feel like a girl, or they look like a boy and they feel like a boy. For some people that's not true, and that's why it's important to listen to people when they tell us who they are.

Then I would probably read Born Ready with them and move on with my day.

Thank you. That is helpful.

And you as the teacher feel equipt to talk to my kindergartener about switching genders? I hope not! If you made that message, many kindergarteners would think that boys who like pink and princesses should become girls and girls who like rough and tumble and short hair should become boys. That is a no! Girls can like whatever they like and boys can like whatever they like, but I don't want my child's kindergarten teacher saying that it's okay to just switch genders. That's overstepping.

This 100%. And something to note is that many people who have tendencies to be more opposite of their gender turn out to be gay. I would prefer that over deciding they are trans. Let it play out organically as opposed to it beiing shoved down their throats.

First of all, simply noting that trans people exist is not exactly shoving it down anybody's throat.

Second of all, it's interesting that you think being gay is fine, but being trans is the problem. It's worth reminding folks that this whole trans panic only emerged after the right-wing lost the culture wars over the existence of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. It's just another front to keep the money coming.

The problem with trans vs. gay is what is happening medically. I don't want my kid to start asking for puberty blockers just because he feels feminine. I would want that to play out and see what happens in middle school/high school. Elementary school is too early to start having these discussions.

MCPS shouldn't acknowledge the existence of trans people because you wouldn't want to have a discussion with your child about transgender identity? Your parental responsibilities are yours, not MCPS's.

Having an entire week of celebration and having kids dress in certain colors to celebrate the alphabet of LGBTQ is not simply acknowledging. It is indoctrination.

Of what exactly? Kindness, Acceptance of others different than ourselves who haven’t done anything harmful or criminal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

+1

The kids will know that Bayard Rustin was gay and that he supported the LGBTQ+ community. This week seems very appropriate for elementary school and especially for one named after a gay activist.

Not appropriate for elementary school.

Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious why you think elementary school is too young to learn about LGBTQ+ community? I would think it would help them to understand it’s good to be accepting of all people.

The message of acceptance can be given without discussing sexuality, which is what Pride is about ultimately. It’s not appropriate for young kids. An elementary school can celebrate love and school pride in a spirit week without bringing gay and trans issues into it.

+100

There is no mention of sexuality or issues. In fact if a kid asked what Trans is it could answered simply and then everyone would move on. And why would a school, a place of learning and acceptance avoid Pride month.

I would think each class would have to start with a definition of what trans is. If you skip that part, it is like celebrating MLK day and failing to mention who he was. There is no meaning/learning at all. As a K parent I would be interested to know how a K teacher would cover this topic.

If I were a K teacher, I would probably say that most people feel like their insides and their outsides match. They look like a girl and they feel like a girl, or they look like a boy and they feel like a boy. For some people that's not true, and that's why it's important to listen to people when they tell us who they are.

Then I would probably read Born Ready with them and move on with my day.

Thank you. That is helpful.

And you as the teacher feel equipt to talk to my kindergartener about switching genders? I hope not! If you made that message, many kindergarteners would think that boys who like pink and princesses should become girls and girls who like rough and tumble and short hair should become boys. That is a no! Girls can like whatever they like and boys can like whatever they like, but I don't want my child's kindergarten teacher saying that it's okay to just switch genders. That's overstepping.

This 100%. And something to note is that many people who have tendencies to be more opposite of their gender turn out to be gay. I would prefer that over deciding they are trans. Let it play out organically as opposed to it beiing shoved down their throats.

First of all, simply noting that trans people exist is not exactly shoving it down anybody's throat.

Second of all, it's interesting that you think being gay is fine, but being trans is the problem. It's worth reminding folks that this whole trans panic only emerged after the right-wing lost the culture wars over the existence of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. It's just another front to keep the money coming.

The problem with trans vs. gay is what is happening medically. I don't want my kid to start asking for puberty blockers just because he feels feminine. I would want that to play out and see what happens in middle school/high school. Elementary school is too early to start having these discussions.

MCPS shouldn't acknowledge the existence of trans people because you wouldn't want to have a discussion with your child about transgender identity? Your parental responsibilities are yours, not MCPS's.

Having an entire week of celebration and having kids dress in certain colors to celebrate the alphabet of LGBTQ is not simply acknowledging. It is indoctrination.

I think you think that acknowledgement is indoctrination. We can't tell kids about being gay because that might turn them gay. Kids won't become gay if they don't know that there is such a thing as being gay! Or something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But there are trans kids in elementary school. Think what it could mean to them to be celebrated instead of vilified.

+1

The kids will know that Bayard Rustin was gay and that he supported the LGBTQ+ community. This week seems very appropriate for elementary school and especially for one named after a gay activist.

Not appropriate for elementary school.

Not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious why you think elementary school is too young to learn about LGBTQ+ community? I would think it would help them to understand it’s good to be accepting of all people.

The message of acceptance can be given without discussing sexuality, which is what Pride is about ultimately. It’s not appropriate for young kids. An elementary school can celebrate love and school pride in a spirit week without bringing gay and trans issues into it.

+100

There is no mention of sexuality or issues. In fact if a kid asked what Trans is it could answered simply and then everyone would move on. And why would a school, a place of learning and acceptance avoid Pride month.

I would think each class would have to start with a definition of what trans is. If you skip that part, it is like celebrating MLK day and failing to mention who he was. There is no meaning/learning at all. As a K parent I would be interested to know how a K teacher would cover this topic.

If I were a K teacher, I would probably say that most people feel like their insides and their outsides match. They look like a girl and they feel like a girl, or they look like a boy and they feel like a boy. For some people that's not true, and that's why it's important to listen to people when they tell us who they are.

Then I would probably read Born Ready with them and move on with my day.

Thank you. That is helpful.

And you as the teacher feel equipt to talk to my kindergartener about switching genders? I hope not! If you made that message, many kindergarteners would think that boys who like pink and princesses should become girls and girls who like rough and tumble and short hair should become boys. That is a no! Girls can like whatever they like and boys can like whatever they like, but I don't want my child's kindergarten teacher saying that it's okay to just switch genders. That's overstepping.

This 100%. And something to note is that many people who have tendencies to be more opposite of their gender turn out to be gay. I would prefer that over deciding they are trans. Let it play out organically as opposed to it beiing shoved down their throats.

First of all, simply noting that trans people exist is not exactly shoving it down anybody's throat.

Second of all, it's interesting that you think being gay is fine, but being trans is the problem. It's worth reminding folks that this whole trans panic only emerged after the right-wing lost the culture wars over the existence of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. It's just another front to keep the money coming.

The problem with trans vs. gay is what is happening medically. I don't want my kid to start asking for puberty blockers just because he feels feminine. I would want that to play out and see what happens in middle school/high school. Elementary school is too early to start having these discussions.

MCPS shouldn't acknowledge the existence of trans people because you wouldn't want to have a discussion with your child about transgender identity? Your parental responsibilities are yours, not MCPS's.

No I don't want ideas planted in my child's head in those formative years. It is too young. And parents should have the right to decide when they are exposed to these concepts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Very interested to know if other schools have a Pride spirit week or it it’s just mine. Thanks.

Other schools do. My kids' schools (one ES and one MS) absolutely do, and the themes look a lot like these. However, since I actually would prefer for my kids' schools to NOT end up the subject of right wing protests from "concerned citizens," I'm going to decline to name the schools.

Which schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That seems like a lot for elementary. I like the themes but do we really need to discuss being trans with kindergartners?

I really really do not think so. It’s way to mature for most children who will naturally start asking questions about sex

Only if sex is brought up. And why are parents so weirded out to talk about sex with their ES kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lgbtqb folks get the carpet rolled out for them. This is insane.

How about a week celebrating folks with disabilities? We do nothing to celebrate them.

I work at Bayard rustin and we did have a week celebrating neurodivergence. So glad you brought it up!! Our school is the best

Curious how a school celebrates Hispanic Heritage month, Black History month, AAPI month, etc with a spirit week? Do you have the students dress up as famous people from those aforementioned groups?

*whispering* that’s not what neurodivergence means