Giving teachers, parents, and community leaders the tools to build a positive learning environment for students: that’s the goal of Huntsville City Schools’ Safe and Inclusive Forum.
The community came out to support Huntsville City Schools, and help educators learn how to support students. Local organizations came out to share information and resources with parents and teachers. They’re working to make sure that all students have a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
Michelle Linville, was in attendance representing Big Brothers Big Sisters. Linville says, “Every child is an individual. We cant cookie cutter and put them in anything, and for us, that’s an important thing, because we want all kids to succeed. Every child deserves the chance to… fulfill their potential.”
Organizations like “HEALS” were there to get the word out to parents whose children may need additional resources, like assistance with health care.
Heather Mason is the Executive Director of HEALS. She says it’s important for parents and students to know that they have options available to them if they ever need assistance. She adds, “If they’re not able to be healthy and come to school everyday, they’re not able to learn. So, that’s our mission to keep kids healthy and keep them in school so that they can learn and grow.”
Bullying is a major problem in schools… GLSEN was there to help administrators and parents with tips on how to be allies to students in the LGBT community.
Laura Calvert is a Board Member of GLSEN Huntsville. She says that during today’s forum, a lot of helpful information was given to school faculty. But, it’s also important for students to receive support from home. She adds, “Teachers are that front line, but our kids go home every night. So they need to know while they’re in schools its a safe space, but their homes are safe spaces too. So, by giving that knowledge to their parents and the adults in their lives, it’s just across the board a welcoming and safe space.”
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