| The GLSEN National School Climate Survey finds consistently that students with inclusive curricula have a greater sense of belonging to their school community, hear fewer homophobic remarks, and are less likely to be victimized or feel unsafe at school than those without an inclusive curriculum. Pride month is a great time to create safe spaces all year. Here are some resources:
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has educator resources for increasing your own knowledge plus lesson plans, LGBTQ+ themed/inclusive books, and more. Live Out Loud inspires, nurtures, and empowers LGBTQ+ youth to build a successful future by connecting them to positive role models and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ+ community. They have multiple lesson plans and resources for Gay-Straight Alliances, Diversity Clubs, and more. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. Side by Side is one of Virginia's leading LGBTQ+ serving organizations whose services include youth programs and training for youth-serving organizations across Virginia.
| | | Juneteenth annually falls on June 19th and commemorates the day that enslaved Texans learned they would be free. This came 2.5 years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that legally ended slavery.
Juneteenth is both a learning opportunity and a cause for celebration for youth, families, and staff alike. There are numerous local events. Honor the day in your program with historical lessons of the fight for freedom and celebrate the enduring resiliency and empowerment of Black American culture and people. Here are some resources to get you started.
VPM: In this lesson, students will explore and discuss the history and context of the Juneteenth holiday in the United States. Topics include the history of racial injustice and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students will explore the modern significance of Juneteenth. Teaching Juneteenth from Teaching for Justice provides historical information and educators can sign up for a learning plan. Teach For America has a number of resources including clips/links to popular media.
| | | | Applications Now Open for the Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program operates at sites such as schools, public housing centers, community centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, and churches. Organizations that may qualify to participate in the program include public and private schools, local governments, public, and nonprofit private residential summer camps, and faith-based and community-based non-profit organizations.
The program — which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — allows organizations to combine a feeding program with another activity in communities where at least 50 percent of the children are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
Full details here
| | | National Summer Learning Week is a celebration dedicated to elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school ready to succeed in the year. This year the festivities will take place July 10-14, 2023. This year's themes include Love of Literacy & Learning, Amazing Arts, Wonders of Wellness, Health & Sports, STEM, and Community & Leadership. Celebrating is easy with this toolkit that has ready-to-go resources. | | | Mizzen by Mott is a no-cost app made by afterschool professionals for afterschool professionals. Check out their new lessons on entrepreneurship, created in partnership with Venture Labs! Explore the infinite potential of youth entrepreneurship one learning experience at a time. Curated with a focus on hands-on activities, real-world problem-solving, and experiential learning, VentureLab content will empower your youth with the skills and mindset needed for a future of innovation and success. Available in app stores and at https://www.mizzen.org/. |
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