Becoming a Rainbow School

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY During an end-of-year professional day,

WFS faculty and staff met with Reverend Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv, who spoke about "creating a rainbow school" in support of LGBTQ+ students and the four pillars for systemic change. Fleshman is the founder of Transitions Delaware LLC, which offers counseling, consultation, and training services.

Fleshman shared several powerful messages about gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, as well as information from the Delaware Youth Risk Behavioral Survey, including the fact that two out of every five queer children will attempt suicide and that LGBTQ+ students report twice as much suffering as their peers.

She discussed what helps LGBTQ+ students cultivate resilience, including: affirming adult mentors, coaches, and teachers; teaching mindfulness practices; positive peer support; and athletics and/or arts to tap into these students’ creative energy.

Creating a school environment that is safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students requires a school to re-evaluate all of its practices, policies, and culture. Rainbow schools must have affirming school policies, inclusive curriculum, faculty and staff who are allies, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students to gather.

After Fleshman’s talk, faculty and staff gathered in small groups to reflect on the presentation and their takeaways, including what we can do as a community to help LGBTQ+ students feel seen and supported at WFS.

Sportsmanship Award Olivia Delgado '21 was honored by the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association with a Sportsmanship Award. Olivia's score was misreported during the Division 2 Girls' Long Jump event at the state championship, and she ensured that her actual score (which was lesser) was corrected and accurately reported. By coming forward to scratch her result at this event, Olivia removed herself from receiving a medal. "This is a true display of honesty and integrity," DIAA said.

Dr. Fleshman with WFS Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement Erica Childs.