https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 18 May 2026 02:50:25 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792927 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:10:49 +0000 Kemma 2792927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think this must be a really tough and unknown situation for both the school and the student to. be in and there’s really no right or wrong way to handle it providing it’s done in consultation with the student and family, and done with sensitivity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792882 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:03:36 +0000 DesertDreams88 2792882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: The school not being ready to answer questions is a red flag to me :( Our school told us which bathrooms and which procedures (since we have different bathrooms per grade level, and hallway passes, and students aren't supposed to be in other hallways / bathrooms etc). They also told us how they were able to accomodate the student in regards to their student ID and paperwork, etc. (the students name is changed socially but not legally yet). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792851 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 10:09:04 +0000 josina 2792851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mama Bird: It is a high school, I believe she is a junior/senior, but I feel like it still may not have been obvious that she is transgender (of course I have no idea what she looks like).<br /> @DesertDreams88: Thanks for that perspective! It sounds like the students did have questions, but the school wasn't ready to answer them unfortunately.<br /> @turquoisemama: I agree with your last statement about teaching acceptance regardless. Its such a small community that this is new for everyone I guess and I hope that students (and parents) can be welcoming. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792831 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:24:21 +0000 yoursilverlining 2792831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to imagine the parents asked for the assembly; or for something similar and the administration thought an assembly was the easiest way to go about this. I agree that it shouldn’t be necessary (at all), and especially not for a new student. Also, the administration should have had answers at the ready, because all of those “concerns” should have already been discussed and addressed between the school and the parents/student. </p> <p>Not the same, but my company recently had a current employee transition. This is a large company in a liberal area with a strong/supportive company culture and the employee asked that an email be sent out alerting everyone to her change. Some people thought it was insensitive of the company to “broadcast the news”, but it was at the request of the EE (also came with a reminder about company policies of inclusion, etc.). So, FWTW. Could have been at request of parents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792801 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 04:48:35 +0000 turquoisemama 2792801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I can understand if the parents asked for it. It seems like almost an overprotective action on the parents part. Maybe they were afraid Emily wouldn’t tell anyone and someone might find out in the wrong way and be violent toward her. Still seems pretty awkward. The school absolutely should have thought it through a little more and had answers to questions first. Kind of a face-in-palm moment. Hopefully someday there will be proper education and acceptance taught even without a special circumstance so no one has to have an assembly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792797 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:43:06 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2792797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My reaction depends on who wanted this.<br /> @DesertDreams88: thanks for sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792761 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:36:28 +0000 maddyz 2792761@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That seams super out of line especially because they were not prepared to answer kids follow up questions. Depending on how old the student is this most likely should have been addressed in as low key a way as possible and starting in their classroom. I hope that the parents have a strong positive community around them.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792760 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:35:27 +0000 DesertDreams88 2792760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>speaking as a teacher at a school who has a transgender student...</p> <p> The parents requested an all staff training, and for admin to meet with each classroom of that grade level. The student transitioned over the summer. in regards to people noticing, it was definitely noticeable, and at a middle school, students have lots of questions and comments... So I think schools need to be proactive and initiate the conversation, as long as the parents are okay with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792759 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:27:47 +0000 littleblessings 2792759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like the kids might not even notice. There are many transgender people that you can’t even tell. The school set this poor kid up for judgement before she even starts school there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792706 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:05:37 +0000 Mama Bird 2792706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think all students should have a right to some privacy. Putting Emily on the spot like that feels so wrong. Even had the parents requested it, the school should have gently declined. </p> <p>Besides, unless it's high school and there's facial stubble involved, how would most kids even know? Maybe it would make sense to talk to just the new student's class, since they would share a locker room, but a school-wide announcement seems over the top. If the new kid felt like sharing this information, she could do that on her own terms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792661 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 14:13:17 +0000 erinbaderin 2792661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to believe the parents were on board with this, otherwise it is....just wow. Appalling. So assuming the parents suggested it, I can see it as being a way to let everybody know all at once so it isn’t, like, some secret information that gets whispered around - this way it’s just out there. I really hate that they said they didn’t have answers to this questions, though - she’ll play girl sports and use the girls’ washroom, because she’s a girl. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792647 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:37:57 +0000 Littlebit7 2792647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't help but think this was requested by the parents (or heck, maybe even the student). If not, wow, I'd of course be pissed as the parent.<br /> But I agree with @anagram I'd reach out to the family if at all possible to welcome them with open arms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792638 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:57:44 +0000 Anagram 2792638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My guess is the family asked the school to do this assembly. Personally, I would also take this opportunity to reach out to the family and welcome them and ask if there was anything I could do to be an ally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792635 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:50:44 +0000 Mrs. Cereal 2792635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm kinda pissed reading this. Especially so if the parents had no idea. This is inappropriate and completely wrong for the school to do. Would they have an assembly to announce that a cis-gendered child was joining the school? Definitely not, so why was it necessary to have one because a transgendered student is joining. As a parent, and as an educator, I cannot fathom why this was done. Especially when there were no answers to the questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792631 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:33:25 +0000 shabang 2792631@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think they probably had good intentions. The transgender student should not have to exist in the shadows, and it's important to set an open and respectful tone, especially if there isn't a lot of diversity in the area. It doesn't sound like it was handled in the best way - having answers available to questions would have been ideal, but maybe the answer is just wherever she (if that is her preferred gender pronoun) feels the most comfortable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792630 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:28:11 +0000 petitenoisette 2792630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Agreed. As an educator who has had a transgender student /training on this topic this is very strange. If a student has transitioned prior to being in my class, it's possible I might not even be informed. When I did have a student transition midyear, administrators met with each of the student's classes to explain. I think a school wide assembly is totally inappropriate no matter what, even if the parents requested it. Especially with an administration that is unprepared to respond to basic questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792629 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:27:59 +0000 josina 2792629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Exactly. Thats what I actually thought at first, that it was a current student, who would be coming back after break as the opposite sex. But it's a new student, so I don't get it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792628 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:10:00 +0000 Adira 2792628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I could MAYBE understand if you had a current student who came out as transgendered and you were explaining how she used to go by male-name and would now go by female-name and for all intents and purposes should be treated as a girl (or vice-versa). But for a new student??? Why would you do that?? When Emily joins a class, just introduce her there as "This is Emily, a new student. She is joining our class." Period. End of story. And if Emily identifies as a girl, she would do girl sports and use the girls bathroom (assuming they don't have a private bathroom that any student is allowed to use) just like any other girl.</p> <p>I really hope the parents are the ones that requested this, and even then, I have to wonder why they would?? This is so bizarre. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792627 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:02:26 +0000 psw27 2792627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh. I think this was a terrible decision unless the child and her parents specifically asked for it. I think it just sets the child up for not only being the new kid, but also the "different" kid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792624 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:00:30 +0000 snowjewelz 2792624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The big thing I have an issue with is that they have no answers to questions! Like, get your stuff together before at least! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792621 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:53:41 +0000 bubblegum 2792621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: Agreed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792620 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:49:09 +0000 josina 2792620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: As a parent, if I was unaware of this assembly prior, I would be mortified for my child.<br /> @bubblegum: Very true, they couldn't answer questions on sports or bathrooms yet so I think it just raised MORE questions, and will ultimately make things worse. I feel like the school board and parents/Emily should've decided those things and no one would've been the wiser.<br /> @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I hope so too!</p> <p>My stepdaughter said that they do have a couple girls who identify as boys, although they still use the girl bathrooms. I just feel like, the school isn't going to call out those girls and say this is 'becca', she wants to be called 'cody', be nice to her. It would've been better to happen organically than make a HUGE deal out of it.<br /> And I know the bathroom thing will unfortunately become an issue with some parents, because it was brought up this way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792619 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:42:43 +0000 MaryM 2792619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If the parents of the student asked for it, that's the only way I think it would make sense. BUT...I don't think the school should have done anything until they had all the answers. </p> <p>And it might have made more sense for teachers to bring it up in their individual classrooms to gather questions vs. having the whole school get together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792616 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:28:11 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2792616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>By not having the answers to the students questions ie thinking how the school will truly welcome and work for this child they have already set up Emily for undue scrutiny. I really hope the school identifies friendly students to welcome her and help navigate her first week at the school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792612 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:15:27 +0000 lawbee11 2792612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally inappropriate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792610 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:13:20 +0000 Jennibenni 2792610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sounds super weird and humiliating for the new student. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792609 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:12:28 +0000 bubblegum 2792609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yikes! If the parents weren't aware then I can totally see that being a HUGE problem! I can understand them wanting to educate the students so that they do not berate the poor girl with questions BUT it sounds like they don't have the means to be educating since they do not have the answers to these questions. I truly hope its a smooth transition for Emily and her family and they are welcomed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792608 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:11:53 +0000 ValentineMommy 2792608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess I understand the point of the assembly, but I do not agree with it at all. I really hope the parents were aware of it and wanted it, like you said. I feel like it's probably just setting that child up for a lot of problems. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-announcing-transgender-student#post-2792605 Tue, 19 Dec 2017 10:59:01 +0000 josina 2792605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My stepdaughter's school had an assembly yesterday to announce that they are having a transgender student starting soon, Emily. I think the point was to make the students aware and ask them to be respectful and welcoming, but it rubs me wrong because I feel like it's no one's business but her own. I hope that her parent's were in on this 'announcement'.</p> <p>Students were questioning what sports she would play, and what bathrooms and locker rooms she would use, and the school didn't have an answer to that yet.</p> <p>Thoughts on how the school handled this? My heart goes out to this girl, I feel like they set her up for judgement/whispers/etc. We live in a small, very rural area where the kids are not exposed to much diversity. </p>