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LGBTQIA2S+ Information and Resources

 

The VASD grounds all work in the Equity Framework and Strategic Framework. In the Verona Area School District, our mission is that each student will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their personal goals, thrive in a diverse global society, and lead a healthy, self-fulfilling life. To meet this mission, the Verona Area School District will ensure that every individual has access to the educational, social, and emotional support they need to feel valued and affirmed in their unique identities and experiences. We acknowledge that inequities and power dynamics exist in our system such that some individuals, on the basis of their identities*, face barriers to accessing the opportunities they need to experience success. In acknowledgment of such, the Verona Area School District is committed to disrupting these systems of inequity.

equity framework      strategic framework

LGBTQIA2S+ is an inclusive term that includes people of all genders and sexualities, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and allies. While each letter or number in LGBTQIA2S+ stands for a specific group of people, the term encompasses the entire spectrum of gender fluidity and sexual identities.

5 Tips for Students, Caregivers, and Allies

    Listen actively and with compassion
  • Respect your identity. Celebrate, educate, affirm your identity.
  • Help create a safe and accepting environment
  • Support their access to mental health resources when needed: American Psychiatric Association
  • Learn about LGBTQIA2S+ issues and mental health warning signs: 

Gender Support Plan Request

Students may request a Gender Support Plan to address needs and supports, such as affirming and uplifting identity, identifying safe spaces, handling bullying, and/or determining where to change for PE classes.

To create a plan, students and/or caregivers can make an appointment with their school counselor or any trusted member of the Pupil Services Team, which includes counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. Staff contact information can be found by clicking the "Contact Inforrmation and Staff Directory" icon on the VASD website main page.

If you are a high school student: to make an appointment to see your school counselor, stop by a 2nd floor north satellite office, or use the counseling team QR codes posted around the high school.

Support Resources 

  • PFLAG Madison Parents for Lesbians and Gays is a national organization supporting adults with becoming allies for the LGBTQIA2S+ youth in their lives. The Madison chapter of PFLAG holds support groups for parents, fundraisers, and educational settings.
  • GSAFE Statewide - Professional development for educators, GSA support, youth leadership. GSAFE increases the capacity of LGBTQIA2S+ youth and students, educational staff, and families to create school environments. 
  • GLSEN National GSA organization centered around training school staff to be inclusive, intersectional accomplices in LGBTQIA2S+ equity work. Facets of programming include: connecting directly with educators, inclusive and affirming curriculum, policy work, supporting GSAs, and research institute.
  • OUTReach LGBTQIA2S+ Community Center
  • Trevor Project  24/7/365 Support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. If you are thinking about suicide and in need of immediate support, please call or TrevorChat to connect with a counselor

community RESOURCES

VASD will decisively respond to hate speech or actions that denigrate any member of our community. This value is reflected in our policies, with Operational Expectation 10: Learning Environment/Student Behavior clearly stating that we will not tolerate “any behaviors, actions, or attitudes by students or adults who have contact with students that hinder the academic performance or the well-being of students” and that we will not “permit behaviors on school property and at school-sponsored events by students or adults that cause physical or emotional harm, including any form of bullying.” 

Administrative Rule 507: Equal Educational Opportunities articulates our commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for all students enrolled in the VASD, with no person being discriminated against on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, national origin, ancestry, color, religion, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or homelessness status.