As we settle into the school year and enjoy the activities and traditions October brings, we want to revisit one of our most important priorities: every student feeling safe, welcome, and connected at school. Fall is a good time to reinforce the routines, relationships, and shared expectations that help make our schools places where everyone belongs.
Sebastopol Union School District is committed to a safe, inclusive, and equitable school community where everyone feels valued and respected. Through anti-racism and anti-bias lessons, daily conversations, and restorative circles, students build relationships, learn how their words and actions affect others, and practice being upstanders who support those being hurt or excluded and seek help from a trusted adult.
At Park Side, creating a school where everyone belongs begins with teaching our youngest students how to build friendships, include others, and care for one another. Mrs. Norton, our school counselor, has been visiting classrooms to practice these skills through stories, conversations, and activities. Counselors also introduced fourth graders to an age-appropriate version of the IQEE lesson, helping students recognize hurtful behavior, support others, and understand when to seek help from a trusted adult. Individual counseling and small groups provide additional opportunities to build confidence, empathy, and emotional regulation, which help students feel connected and contribute to a safe, welcoming school community.
Brook Haven teachers have been using Advisory time to teach anti-racism IQEE lessons- Interrupt, Question, Echo, and Educate- and revisit the meaning of RISE: Respect, Integrity, Self-Discipline, and Effort. Through discussions, shared experiences, and activities, students learn how to recognize bias, respond to hurtful comments, and support classmates who may feel excluded. These lessons give students practical ways to be upstanders. Students are also building executive functioning skills, such as organization, planning, and managing their time and responsibilities. Together, these skills and values help students navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, and take an active role in their learning and school community.
Families are essential partners. Conversations at home about kindness, fairness, and inclusion reinforce what students learn at school. We encourage parents and caregivers to model respect, reflect on their own assumptions and biases, and help children recognize how their words and actions affect others. Asking, “Did you notice anyone being left out?” or “How could you help?” can open meaningful conversations. You can find
additional resources on our website.
Thank you for helping us keep these lessons present throughout the school year. Together, we can help ensure every child comes to school knowing they are welcome, they are supported, and they belong.
In Partnership,
Sara Gramm, Superintendent
Molly Bulwa, PS Principal
Rachel Lasek, BH Principal
