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Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity Group
What is the AAPI Affinity Group?
The Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity Group is a safe and welcoming space for students in grades 6-8 who identify themselves as being from an Asian heritage. We offer an opportunity to come and be together as a group while we enjoy foods and small activities that represent students’ cultures.
Group activities have included mandala decorating, learning to make fresh spring rolls, origami, Chinese Chess, and our ever popular Bubble Tea Field Trip. Students take turns to bring in a homemade snack to share which will be compiled into the AAPI family recipe book we are making this year.
The group officially started to meet in the Fall of 2022, in order to support our AAPI students and provide them with a space to come together to learn and to feel more connected to one another.
The AAPI Affinity Group meets during middle school lunch and recess from 10:50 -11:17 am on Thursdays, meeting approximately every other week in the library. The group is led by Grace Hung - Upper Learning Center Paraprofessional and Carolyn Magnanti - School Adjustment Counselor.
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Rainbow Club
What is the Rainbow Club?
The Rainbow Club is a safe and welcoming space for all students in grades 3-5. We use art, movement, stories and games to connect around, and explore identity, family and respect. We support LGBTQ+ families, students and allies.
Why did you start the Rainbow Club?
The Roland Hayes School has had a GSA since 2016. Middle School students approached their GSA leaders and the school administration to explain the positive impact the GSA was having on their lives and the school community. These students shared that they wished they’d had something similar when they were younger. School Administration shared this information with the school and 5 staff volunteered to facilitate the club. The club officially started in the winter of 2021.
When does the Rainbow Club Meet?
The Rainbow Club meets during lunch, 11:20-11:50 a.m., on Mondays.
How often does the Rainbow Club meet?
Each grade is invited to attend the Rainbow Club approximately once a month. Grades 3-5 meet on a rotating basis; when students attend the Rainbow Club they are with their same-grade peers. This is an opt-in club that does not require prior registration; when the club meets students are welcome to stay in the cafeteria or attend the club.
Where does the Rainbow Club meet?
The Rainbow Club meets in the Multi Purpose Room (MPR); based on the club’s agenda, students occasionally go outside. Staff members meet interested students in the cafeteria and walk them to the MPR.
What happens during the Rainbow Club?
The activities at Rainbow Club are geared to meet students where they are. Staff engage students in read-alouds, small scale and larger scale art projects, movement, and much more. Staff invite students to consider how to be an ally and use skits to act out real-life situations that students may encounter.
Who facilitates the Rainbow Club?
Jennifer Baum, K-8 Occupational Therapist
Ellen Mills, K-8 English Language Learner Teacher
Alissa Ovadia, K-2 School Counselor
Lauren Stewart, K-8 Physical Education Teacher
School Counseling Interns, K-8
**A huge thank you to Christin Wheeler, founding member of the club, who no longer works at Hayes**
Below are a number of resources that guide our work. Please note that we are continuously updating this list.
Please reach out to Rainbow Club leaders if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about the club.
We are looking forward to partnering with our school community.
PFLAG: https://pflag.org/sites/default/files/BeYourself_2019_FINAL.pdf
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Welcoming Schools: https://welcomingschools.org/
HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is a comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program. The organization provides LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. The program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. They uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.
FAQs:
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What books can I read with my child to support them as they explore their sexual identity, gender identity, and their peers? The below book lists were created by experts in children's literature and LGBTQ+ rights
Brightly; raise kids who love to read
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What books can I read so I am better able to support my child as they explore their sexual identity, gender identity, their peers and my peers? The below book lists were created by experts in literature and LGBTQ+ rights
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