It Gets BETTER!!

Hey Everyone!

I wanted you to check out the video below. Pass it along to your friends, re-post it on facebook, or send it to someone who you think can benefit from it. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE BLA GSA VIDEO!!! Be sure to look for your classmates; they did such an incredible job and have such inspiring words! 

Please leave your comments and encouragements in the comments section!

Remember, it gets better and room 310 is a family who sticks together! For more information about what you can do to combat bullying visit the GSA website or The Trevor Project. 

~Ms. G and Mr. V

 

EXTRA CREDIT!

Next week  is ALLY WEEK! Check out the glsen website, CLICK HERE!!

What is an Ally? Well…an ally is a friend, a supporter, a companion. We should all be allies to other, regardless of creed, color, gender, etc. Show your support for all of BLA’s diversity! Participate in the SCHOOL WIDE ALLY WALL

It is that time of year again (or if you missed it last year, here is your chance) to submit your support for LGBTQ students and their supporters. Take the time to write a letter (100 words) and  tell the GSA why you support the LGBTQ community and diversity within BLA, why equality is important, and/or share your own stories! Write as little or as much as you want.

These letters will be displayed around school in efforts to combat bullying and hate speech and ultimately to build strong school community.

This is an extra credit assignment! Earn extra quiz points OR a homework pass!!

DUE: TUESDAY 10/11. NO EXCEPTION AND NO EMAILS!!!

 

JOIN THE PURPLE PARTY!!!

Hey Everyone…

Check out the NEW AND IMPROVED BLA GSA WEBSITE.

I wanted to post this for you. On October 21st, students, parents, allies, friends, brothers, sisters, wives, children, will be wearing purple in honor of the teen suicides that have occurred. Everyone needs to feel safe at school, work, and home. Acts like this can be prevented, lives can be saved, friends can continue to share memories together, parents can take prom pictures, and you can help to contribute to that.

Why Purple? I know, it’s BLS, but for this day, it stands for something more important than rivalries. Purple represents life, the heart, the spirit on the LGBT pride flag.

Be part of the change!

JOIN THE PURPLE PARTY: FRIDAY OCTOBER 21st.

Anyone out there who feels different and alone, know that there is help. You can find support in your community, with your teachers, your guidance counselors, with me.

The Trevor Project
A 24-hour, national help-line for gay and questioning teens
CALL: 866 4U TREVOR
GO: www.thetrevorproject.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicide hotline for anyone in need, 24/7, free and confidential, nationwide network of crisis centers
CALL: -800-273-TALK (8255)
GO: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Angels and Doves
A nationwide anti-bullying non profit organization
GO: www.AngelsandDoves.com

The National Center for Bullying Prevention
Helping to promote awareness + teach effective ways to respond to bullying
GO: www.Pacer.org/bullying

The Matthew Shepard Foundation
An online community and resource center for LGBTQ youth
GO: www.matthewsplace.com

GLSEN
A great organization that is working to eradicate bullying and bias in schools
GO: www.glsen.org

STOMP Out Bullying
Focused on reducing bullying and cyberbullying
GO: www.stompoutbullying.org

Be Part of the change.

If you need someone to talk to or if you want to get involved, contact these organizations below:

CHECK WITH YOUR PARENTS

I know many of you are planning to attend the protest at BLS. We have discussed the Westborough Baptist Church and Fred Phelps in class and there is also a Facebook group about the protest. I just want to make a few disclaimers.

VERY IMPORTANT:

1. DO NOT SKIP SCHOOL
2. If you come in late it WILL NOT be an excused tardy/absence.
3. Make sure you parents know what you are doing.
4. Ms. Gentile does not advocate for you to skip school, go against your parents, get in trouble or get arrested.
5. Ms. Gentile did not TELL you to go. This is NOT a school sponsored trip nor is it requred that you attend.  Just because I am going, does NOT mean that I expect you to be there. I am an adult and make my own decisions. Your parents OWN you.
6. If you are attending, bring your friends, parents, siblings. I think it is great that all of you are so tolerant of one anotehr, cultures, religions, etc. So, if your parents support this, bring them!
7. YOU CAN”T FIGHT HATE WITH HATE.
8. The protestors WANT to fight with you. They WANT to get you arrested and send you to JAIL. Then, they can sue you and get money to support their cause.
9. BE SMART.
10. BE CAREFUL.

I think this is a great discussion to have with your family and friends. Also, if you want to donoate to an LGBTQ cause that makes money from people like Fred Phelps, CLICK HERE and donate.

Have a safe weekend and make good choices!

~Ms. G

All Classes: Fun Events/Law and Order

Hey folks…

I just wanted to remind you that my friend is going to be playing a pivotal role on Law and Order THIS MONDAY! Be sure to tune in during the first 5 – 10 minutes of the show. I am so proud of her and I told her that all of you would be watching!

Also: The next few weeks marks the  the Boston LBGT film festival, from May 6th to May 12th. If you would like more information, google it, read the Improper Bostonian or see me!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Grades 9 and 11: Day of Silence Pre-activity Questions

Directions: Answer each question thoughtfully and honestly. We will be using these as a discussion piece for the class, so put time and effort into each one. So, these are NOT one word answers!

DUE: Friday at the beginning of class!!

1. What is your reaction for the panel you attended on Wednesday? What did you learn? Explain in detail and give honest feedback.
2. How can silence be more powerful than words? Use examples (other than Gandhi and Rosa Parks!! Think about something in your own life)
3. Think of a time when you called someone or something ”gay.” Why did you? What was your intention? What did you mean by the word gay?
4. Think about a time when you have felt outcasted.What happened? How did you feel? What did you do to make the situation tolerable, or as tolerable as possible?
5. Think about and describe a time when you have not been able to speak your mind, be yourself and/or be honest because you were afraid of the consequences?
6. How well do you think BLA support students who are different? Who are gay? Explain and support using an example.
7. What do you think could be done in school so that all students feel supported?
8. How well does society tolerate those who are different (race, religion, weight, gender, etc)? Is it different for homosexuality? Explain.
9. Do you think that all people in society should be treated equally? Can everyone ever be equal? What steps need to be taken? Explain.

Don’t forget to buy your stickers (silent protester or vocal supporter) during all three lunches!!

 

 

GSA Related News: Cancelled Prom

Hello everyone,

In preparation for the upcoming GSA events in April (stay tuned for more info), I thought this article would be interesting to post.

Overview: A Mississippi high school cancels the prom due to controversy over a gay teen. School authorities canceled the Itawamba Agricultural High School prom in Fulton, Miss., after Constance McMillen petitioned to bring a same-sex date. CLICK HERE for the full article.

Also, this was an article posted last year about a student who was denied a spot in the yearbook. CLICK HERE for the article.

I would love to start some discussion, so feel free to leave your comments below. Please post your name and the same rules apply for on-line assignments

~Ms. G and Ms. Somerset