Ally Week at RDS

October 26, 2012

Last week the RDS community joined schools across the country and celebrated Ally Week. Ally Week started in 2005 to support and celebrate allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, name-calling, and harassment. Still true to its roots, the movement has since grown in many schools to increase awareness about what it means to be an ally, how students must respect and care for one another, and how the celebration of diversity ultimately leads to a stronger community.

RDS students in the Lower School created an Ally Tree (it is located in the lower school entranceway between KA and 1A, come check it out!) Kindergarteners and first-graders created the roots and the trunk of the tree with words, and a phrase of kind acts. Second-graders provided the branches with scenarios of how to be a good ally, and third-graders created leaves filled with stories of times they stood up for someone or someone stood up for them. Our fourth- and fifth- graders supplied the remaining leaves filled with findings from research and actions they can take to be good allies.

Students in the Middle School participated in a powerful discussion during Gathering where they watched videos and listened to stories from our faculty members about the incredible value of having "someone" to turn to for friends in their own communities. The tenor and tone of the assembly was an appropriate mixture of somberness, quiet reflection, sadness, compassion, celebration, and honoring. Our students rose to the occasion of being incredibly thoughtful, considerate, and supportive community members. We were truly moved and inspired by them. All of our students K-8 received a ribbon during Ally Week symbolizing a commitment by pledging to be a good Ally.