Melissa Sabatino From: Samantha Alexander Sent: Friday, May 26, 2017 3:28 PM Bonnie Pritchett; Tiffany Young ‘Anastasia Drabicky Re: Reporter query Bonnie, Below you will find the answers to your questions. Thank you and have a safe weekend, “Sam why dic e ee years ago because we had students whose families were concerned about how their children were being treated at school, specifically in regards to some issues addressed by this curriculum. Can | please get a copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? We do not have these training materials readily available to distribute outside of the istrict due to the take staff time to compile If this something you would like to wait for, please follow up with me via email and | would respectfully ask that you file an open records request so that we are certain we capture everything you'd like. If those modules differ between campuses I would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary School. They don't differ between campuses. Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? District support staff. Is it a district employee? Yes. Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? Yes. How many hours of in-service training are grade ‘school teachers required to take each year? There are no requirements for any teachers. How many of those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each elementary school campus? We offer a six-hour workshop on request, Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? AISD supports Pride Week and inclusiveness of all students, Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? No.‘Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? It's up to the campus. Government sources cite “looks” and “body shape” as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students — those with an association with the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighty grade classrooms use Second Step to address bullying of all kinds. Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD schoo! board before being piloted? No, the school board does not typically review workshops and training, H not, has it since been vetted by the board? No. Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus? Yes, it's part of the protocol when the workshop is requested. ‘The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifically proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gender non- conforming? AISD is committed to including all students in making them feel safe and valued at school ‘Samantha Alexander, MPA Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Operations Department of Communications and Community Engagement Austin Independent School District Office: (512) 414-0022 ‘Mobile: (636) 221-2195 tha at Lor austinisd.org/com www austinisd.org/communicati From: Bonnie Pritchett ‘Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 2:04:01 PM To: Tiffany Young, Ce: Samantha Alexander; Anastasia Drabicky Subject: Re: Reporter query Thanks. | appreciate the assistance and look forward to hearing from y'all. Regards, Bonnie ‘On Wed, May 24, 2017 at 1:57 PM, Tiffany Young wrote: Hi Bonnie,Thanks for the reminder. | have sent out an email letting staff know the deadline is approaching. | will be out the remainder of the week, so | have cc’ed Anne and Samantha in case you need to reach out after today. Take care, Tiffany Young Senior Communication Specialist ‘Austin Independent School District Office: 512-414-0024 tiffany. youna@austiis From: Bonnie Pritchett Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 1:52:08 PM To: Tiffany Young Subject: Re: Reporter query Hi Tiffany, " ‘Thanks again, Bonnie On Wed, May 10, 2017 at 4:07 PM, Bonnie Pritchett wrote: Thank you, Tiffany. I received an auto reply from Jacob so | know y'all are short-staffed. | appreciate your help with this. Bonnie On Wed, May 10, 2017 at 3:55 PM Tiffany Young wrote: Hi Bonnie, i'm working on getting these answers and will get back to you as soon as | can. Take care, Tiffany Young Senior Communication Specialist Austin Independent Schoo! District Office: 512-414-0024 tiffany voung@austnisd.org voww.austinisd org From; Bonnie Pritchett i Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 12:47:37 PM To: Tiffany Young Ce: Jacob Barrett Subject: Reporter query Ms. Young,Lam a reporter for WORLD Magazine writing a feature story about the Welcoming Schools curriculum. (I covered this topic in January for another publication but this article takes a different angle.) The article will ook at the national scope of the curriculum while focusing on its impact on one AISD campus. would appreciate the district's response to the following questions, My deadline is May 26. Responses via email or a phone interview are acceptable - whichever is more convenient for you. I can be reached at ‘Thank you for your assistance. It is much appreciated. Regards, Bonnie Pritchett When and why did AISD agree to pilot the Welcoming Schools curriculum? Did the curriculum’s authorship = the Human Rights Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration process? Can I please get a copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? If those modules differ between campuses I would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary School. Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? Is it a district employee? Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? ——Se ene Government sources cite “looks” and “body shape” as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students ~ those with an association with the LGBT community? Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD school board before being piloted? If not, bas it since been vetted by the board? 4‘Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus? “The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifically proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically ‘unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming? ‘Thank you again for your assistance. Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov't Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b)(c)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments. Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov't Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b}(c)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments. Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov't Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b)(c)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments.Melissa Sabatino From: Samantha Alexander Sent: Wednesday, May 32, 2017 9.00 AM To: Peter Price ce: Tiffany Young: Matt Mitchell Subject: Media Inquiry: Reporter query Pete (cc’ing Tiffany and Matt as one of them will be covering media today), ‘The reporter did follow up with some additional questions about the Welcoming Schools curriculum. While we will not be able to answer some of her questions due to the manner with which she framed them, I do believe we could answer a few of the others. She suggests doing a phone interview since the emails can be more time consuming. Take a look at her follow up questions and then please respond if you'd prefer in writing or over the phone. Sam Samantha Alexander, MPA ‘Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Operations Department of Communications and Community Engagement Austin Independent School District (512) 414-0022 Samantha Alexander @austinisd.org www austinisd.org/community www. austinisd.org/communications From: Bonnie Pritchet Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 5:25 PM To: Samantha Alexander Ce: Tiffany Young; Anastasia Drabicky Subject: Re: Reporter query Hi Sam. t've embedded my followup questions in your responses. ! hope that's not confusing. | thought it might make more sense to see my followup questions in context. | can reformat them if that's easier for you. ‘As | mentioned in our phone conversation, ! am particularly interested in AISD's response to the questions ‘about gender fluidity and would like to interview the appropriate AISD representative instead of using the time-consuming back-and-forth email,My article s about the Welcoming Schools curriculum and its framed in the context of the division it has aged in areas where its introduced including one AISD school. That is why | would appreciate speaking with § representative whois familiar with the curriculum and how parents are made aware ofits content. ‘Thanks again for your help. | hope graduation goes well this week. Regards, Bonnie When and why did AISD agree to pilot the Welcoming Schools curriculum? Three years ago because we had students whose families were concerned about how their children were being treated at school, specifically in regards to some issues addressed by this curriculum. ? Does AISD keep *ecurds 97h @ AISD impien ¢ Weizoming 3 were reported Did the curriculums authorship - the Human Rights Why Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration process? Not that we are aware. Who chose the problematic. at be: joentity politics? Can | please get a copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? We do nat have these training materials readily available to distribute outside of the district due to the take staff time to compile. If this comething you would like to wait for, please follow up with me via email and | would respectfully ask that you file an open records request so that we are certain we capture everything you'd like If those modules differ between campuses | would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary School. They don't differ between campuses. Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? District support staff. Is it a district employee? Yes. Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? Yes.ing eating on te How many hours of in-service training are grade schoo! teachers required to take each year? There are no requirements for any teachers. ly: Do AISE teach ving e3¢ Maybe | phrased this incorr development” hours they must obtain cur requirement for those who took the tra How many of those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each elementary school campus? We offer a six-hour workshop on request. Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? AISD supports Pride Week and inclusiveness of all students. ‘Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? No. Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? It's up to the campus. Government sources cite “looks” and “body shape” as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students ~ those with an association with the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighty grade classrooms use Second Step to address bullying of all kinds. Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD school board before being piloted? No, the school board does not typically review workshops and training. {f not, has it since been vetted by the board? No.‘Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus? Yes, its part of the protocol when the workshop is requested. nls actified? Were 125 + fluicity J context of their By what means were “The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientiically proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gander non- conforming? AISD is committed to including all students in making them feel safe and valued at school. question. TI jentifically us use curricully C advocates fe natural process of puberty ~ a grectioe a ERC aiso promotes the use of hormer from one gen cereaived gence! 1 little #9 ne knowledge of the ong-term physice treatments can sity end Noor b- Dogs ASD encoss Does AISD endor rangition «2 the of use of puber’ ote the two gene: among ite youngest stunents «we Welcominy ‘On Fri, May 26, 2017 at 3:55 PM, Bonnie Pritchett rote: ‘Samantha, ‘Thank you for the responses. | appreciate your efforts. The answers prompt further questions that | will send this afternoon or first thing Monday (I assume you will be out of the office that day.) I will file an open records request. To whom should | address it? | would like to speak with someone about the final question regarding gender fluidity. This issue requires more inquiry and, candidly, the answer does not address the question. Teaching, promoting and affirming gender fluidity is of the greatest concern among parents | have interviewed. Who can | speak with to address this issue? ‘Thank you again for your assistance. And have a good Memorial Day weekend. Regards, Bonnie‘On Fri, May 26, 2017 at 3:28 PM, Samantha Alexander wrote: Bonnie, Below you will find the answers to your questions. ‘Thank you and have a safe weekend, Sam When and why did AISD agree to pilot the Welcoming Schools curriculum? Three years ago because we had students whose families were concerned about how their children were being treated at school, specifically in regards to some issues addressed by this curriculum. Did the curticulum's authorship - the Human Rights Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration process? Not that we are aware. Can | please get a copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? We do not have these training materials readily ‘available to distribute outside of the district due to the take staff time to compile. If this something you would like to wait for, please follow up with me via email and | would respectfully ask that you file an open records request so that we are certain we capture everything you'd lke. if those modules differ between campuses | would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary ‘School. They don't differ between campuses. ‘Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? District support staff. Is ita district employee? Yes. Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? Yes. How many hours of in-service training are grade school teachers required to take each year? There are no requirements for any teachers. How many of those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each elementary school campus? We offer a six-hour workshop on request. Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? AISD supports Pride Week and inclusiveness of all students. Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? No. Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? It's up to the campus. Government sources cite “looks” and "body shape” as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smalier subset of students - those with an association with the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighty grade classrooms use ‘Second Step to address bullying of all kinds.Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD school board before being piloted? No, the school board does not typically review workshops and training. If not, has it since been vetted by the board? No. Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus? Yes, it's part of the protocol when the workshop is requested. ‘The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifically proven notion of gender fiuidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identity as transgender or gender non- ‘conforming? AISD is committed to including all students in making them feel safe and valued at school Samantha Alexander, MPA ‘Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Operations Department of Communications and Community Engagement Austin Independent Schoo! Distriet Office: (512) 414-0022 mantha,Alexander ory ustinisd.or muni ,austinisd.org/communications From: Bonnie Pritchett Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 2:04:01 PM To: Tiffany Young Ce: Semantha Alexander; Anastasia Drabicky Subject: Re: Reporter query ‘Thanks. | appreciate the assistance and look forward to hearing from y'all. Regards, Bonnie ‘(On Wed, May 24, 2017 at 1:57 PM, Tiffany Young wrote: Hi Bonnie, ‘Thanks for the reminder. 1 have sent out an email letting staff know the deadline is approaching. | will be out the remainder of the week, so | have cc’ed Anne and Samantha in case you need to reach out after today. Take care, Tiffany Young Senior Communication Speciatst Austin independent Schoo! District. Office: 512-814-0024 {ifanv.youna@austinisd.orawow austin 019 From: Bonnie Pritchett ‘Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 1:52:08 PM 3: Tiffany Young Subject: Re: Reporter query HiTiffany, {lam approaching my deadline for the Welcoming Schools article and hope to have input from AISD. Will you be sending answers soon or, ifit would expedite the process, | can call administrators who work directly with the curriculum? ‘Thanks again, Bonnie ‘On Wed, May 10, 2017 at 4:07 PM, Bonnie Pritchett wrote: Thank you, Tifany. { received an auto reply from Jacob so | know y'all are short-staffed. | appreciate your help with this. Bonnie On Wed, May 10, 2017 at 3:55 PM Tiffany Young wrote: Hi Bonnie, fm working on getting these answers and will get back to you as soon as I can. Take care, Tiffany Young Senior Communication Specialist ‘Austin Independent Schoo! District ice: 512-414-0024 titany young@austnise ora yn austinisd om From: Bonnie Pritchett Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 12: To: Tiffany Young Cc: Jacob Barrett Subject: Reporter query Ms, Young, am a reporter for WORLD Magazine writing a feature story about the Welcoming Schools curriculum. (I covered this topic in January for another publication but ‘this article takes a different angle.) The article will Jook at the national scope of the curriculum while focusing on its impact on one AISD campus. { would appreciate the district's response to the following questions, My deadline is May 26. Responses via email or a phone interview are acceptable - whichever is more convenient for you. I can be reached at ___ “Thank you for your assistance. It is much appreciated.Regards, Bonnie Pritchett When and why did AISD agree to pilot the Welcoming Schools curriculum? Did the curriculum's authorship - the Human Rights Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration process? Can I please get a copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? If those modules differ between campuses I would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary School. Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? Is ita district employee? Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? How many hours of in-service training are grade schoo! teachers required to take each year? How many of ‘those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each elementary school ‘campus? ‘Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? Government sources cite “looks” and “body shape” as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students — those with an association with the LGBT community? Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD school board before being piloted? If not, has it since been vetted by the board? Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus?‘The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifically proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming? ‘Thank you again for your assistance. Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov't Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b}{q)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy of disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments. Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov't Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b)(c)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments. Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential student and/or employee information. Unauthorized use of disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act {20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99, 19 TAC 247.2, Gov't Code 552.023, Educ. Code 21.355, 29 CFR 1630.14(b)(c)). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy of disseminate this information. Please call the sender immediately or reply by email and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments.Melissa Sabatino From: Tiffany Young «tiffany young@austinisd.org> Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 4:37 PM To: Beverly Reeves; Angela Ward; Kimiko Krekel Vise Janssen Ce: Samantha Alexander; Andri Lyons; Anastasia Drabicky; Peter Price Subject: Fw: Media Inquiry: Reporter query Hi All, We're working on a request about the Welcoming Schools Curriculum that has some crossover into other areas. Thanks for your additional info and knowledge! Angela/Bev/Ylise: As far as bullying goes, don't we track "stay-away" forms that were signed per year? sep records of tuly'nc” The district n= repo Reporter's questions/SEL's Answers types of discipline records. | don't know about bullying specifically “<> hu re sers before AISD implementad Weicorning I don't know Kimiko: How many hours of professional development must a teacher earn per year? Reporter's que: s-swwovs: How many hours of in-service traning are grade school teachers required to take each year? There are no requirements for any teachers. x ‘AISD teacher required number each schoo! year? | think there are, but you would h:ve to check wi eet that requirement for those whe took the weaning? | would ascun Pete/Angela Reporter's quesilons!SEL's Answ crs: Government sources cite “looks” and “body shape" as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students — those with an association with the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighth grade classrooms use Second Step to address bullying of all kinds. I would like to add this to the response: According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics: in 2015, a higher percentage of seff- identified gay, lesbian, or bisexual students than of self-identified heterosexual students reported that they had been bullied on school property during the previous 12 months. overall (34 vs. 19 percent} as well as, among male (26 vs. 15 percent) and female students (37 vs. 23 percent). Similarly. with respect to electronic bullying, a higher percentage of gay, lesbian, or bisexual students reported being electron bullied during the previous 12 months in 2015 than did heterosexual students, overall (28 vs. 14 percent) as well as among male (22 vs. 9 percent) and female students (30 vs. 21 percent: Spotlight 3). Additionally, we are the largest No Place for Hate district in the nation, which builds inclusivity and setety for all students. The full Q&A is below if you would like to see it/have additions/suggestions. The info in red was already sent to the reporter already and all else has been added for her follow up questions. Thanks!‘When and why did AISD agree to pilot the Welcoming Schools curriculum? Three years ago because we had students whose families were concerned about how their children were being treated at school, ‘specifically in regards to some issues addressed by this curriculum What were the stated concems? The parents saic their students were boing bullied. c= records of bullying? The district keeps many types of discipline records. | don't know about b~ specifically. if so. how many reports of buliving #=re wepaites sD implementedWelcoming Schosis? I don't know. mow mary c gone through the training § 27 elem Did the curriculum’s authorship - the Human Rights Why Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration process? Not that we are aware. Who chose the curiculum? The SEL Dept. Dis « net oceur tc using WelcomingSchoois mi i that advances the causes of sexual identi needs of our students and campuses. * We utilize any materisis/programs thei stzoor ore Can | please get a copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? We do not have these training materials readily available to distribute outside of the district due to the take staff time to compile. If this something you would like to wait for, please follow up with me via email and | would respectfully ask that you file an open records request so that we are certain we capture everything you'd like. forthooming If those modules differ between campuses | would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary ‘School, They don't differ between campuses. ‘Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? District support staff. Is it a district employee? Yes. Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? Yes. 2 Ly ‘Only by reque 27 schools have gone throwh the training How many hours of in-service training are grade school teachers required to take each year? There are jirements for any teachers. developmer chack with HR, ‘would assume so. How many of those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each elementary school campus? We offer a six-hour workshop on request. Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? AISD supports Pride Week and inclusiveness of all students. Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? No. Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? It's up to the campus. 2Government sources cite “looks” and "body shape" as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students — those with an association with the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighty grade classrooms use Second Step to address bullying of all kinds. Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD schoo! board before being piloted? No, the school board does not typically review workshops and training. If not, has it since been vetted by the board? No. Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus? Yes, it's part of the protocol when the workshop is requested. By wh © were parents rotifics? Usualiy email or handout, r sex mar and gender fluicigy ~ issues of f Nd be adcressed within the on communication is welcoming all students, to ensure ail students feel ~ ate and ve The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifically proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gender non- conforming? AISD is committed to including all students in making them feel safe and valued at school. This does not answer the question. The quesiion s wines safe Whenever students do not feel valued or safe, \ve want to suaport them. Welcoming Schoolstraining offers teachers tools for g students who other students’ differences. it 2b 0 young children understanging the That said. why dos ai exoeris, c& fluidity? AISD d Hite t0 r ireatment Does AISD en children? AISD doe: Does AiSD encore F g AISD does not have & policy thet rete. to this tome ss AISD does ret 2 pc! cy that re 2 opie othave apo me ee to this topic.. wy dor Tiffany Young Senior Communication Specialist Austin Independent School District Office: 512-414-0024 nay oustiisd.of9From: Peter Price Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 10:39 AM To: Samantha Alexander Ce: Tiffany Young; Matt Mitchell; Caroline Chase Subject: Re: Media Inquiry: Reporter query Here's our best efforts answering the questions. When and why did AISD agree to pilot the Welcoming Schools curriculum? Three years ago because we had students whose families were concemed about haw their children were being treated at school, specifically in regards to some issues addressed by this curriculum. What ware the steied concerns? The parents seid thuir students were bei recerds of bullying? The district keeps many types of discip! specifically. if so, haw many reports of bul Welcoming Schools? # don't know. How men: 27 ele ore tag the training Did the curriculum's authorship - the Human Rights Why Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration process? Not that we are aware. se the curriculutn” The SEL Dept. > ws ‘sexual identity poltics? We utilize any materials/programs that supper the neads of our st campuses. Can | please get a copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? We do not have these training materials readily available to distribute outside of the cistrict due to the take staff time to compile. If this something you would like to wait for, please follow up with me via email ang | would respectfully ask that you file an open records request so that we are certain we capture everything you'd like. If those modules differ between campuses | would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary ‘School. They don't differ between campuses. Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? District support staff. Is ita district employee? Yes Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? Yes. 27 sct.ools have gone throu How many hours of in-service training are grade school teachers required to take each year? There are no requirements for any teachers.raining saset that requeemen check with HR. If would assume So. How many of those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each elementary school campus? We offer a six-hour workshop on request. Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? AISD supports Pride Week and inclusiveness of ail students. ‘Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? No, Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? It's up to the campus. Government sources cite “looks” and "body shape” as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students — those with an association with the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighty grade classrooms use Second Step to address bullying of all kinds. Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD school board before being piloted? No, the ‘school board does not typically review workshops and training, If not, has it since been vetted by the board? No. Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus? Yes, it's part of the protocol when the workshop is requested. By what mex is notified? Usuely emai! or handout 10-SeX cit believe should be ac 7 communication is. welcoming all studeris, ‘The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifically proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gender non- conforming? AISD is committed to including all students in making them feel safe and valued at school This does not answer the question The quesion se ne hued oF si fe. we vent te st isting stuc's ¥" who neve qu training offers teachers tools fo differences. itis abort adits children medical experts. oF ayidty? AISD does ates forAISD endorse the use of hormone Wierapy seating for o transition her genda:? AISD does not hav a poligy that rele if AISD endorses shese treatments end tne AISD does 9! have Weicommny Schoos has the cis lo this topic, why does AISD promos Schoois Pete Price Director, AISD Social and Emotional Learning & Multi-Tiered Systems of Support D-230 1111 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78703 512.414.8728(w); *Learner* Achiever*Context*Relator*Strategic (a Website . Twitter Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients) and contains confidential student information. Unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please contact the sender by reply email or by contacting the sender immediately and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments, From: Samantha Alexander Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 8:59 AM To: Peter Price Ce: Tiffany Young; Matt Mitchell ‘Subject: Media Inquiry: Reporter query Pete (cc/ing Tiffany and Matt as one of them will be covering media today), The reporter did follow up with some additional questions about the Welcoming Schools curriculum. While we will not be able to answer some of her questions due to the manner with which she framed them, | do believe we could answer a few of the others. She suggests doing a phone interview since the emails can be more time consuming. Take a look at her follow up questions and then please respond if you'd prefer in writing or over the phone. sam Samantha Alexander, MPA Assistant Director of Public Affairs and OperationsDepartment of Communications and Community Engagement Austin independent Schoo! District .austinisd.org/communit www. austinisd.org/communication: From: Bonnie Pritchett < , ‘Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2017 5:25 PM To: Samantha Alexander Ce: Tiffany Young; Anastasia Drabicky Subject: Re: Reporter query Hi Sam, 1've embedded my followup questions in your responses. | hope that's not confusing. | thought it might make more sense to see my followup questions in context. | can reformat them if that's easier for you. {As | mentioned in our phone conversation, | am particularly interested in AISD's response to the questions ‘about gender fluidity and would like to interview the appropriate AISD representative instead of using the time-consuming back-and-forth em: My article is about the Welcoming Schools curriculum and it is framed in the context of the division it has caused in areas where it is introduced including one AISD school. That is why | would appreciate speaking with a representative who is familiar with the curriculum and how parents are made aware of its content, ‘Thanks again for your help. | hope graduation goes well this week. Regards, Bonnie ‘When and why did AISD agree to pilot the Welcoming Schools curriculum? Three years ago because we had students whose families wore concerned about how their children were being treated at school, specifically in regards to some issues addressed by this curriculum. Did the curriculum’s authorship - the Human Rights Why Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration. process? Not that we are aware. ‘Miho chs: problem: entityCan | please get @ copy of the Welcoming Schools teacher training modules? We do not have these training materials readily available to distribute outside of the district due to the take staff time to compile. if this something you would like to wait for, please follow up with me via email and | would respectfully ask that you file an open records request so that we are certain we capture everything you'd like. gig Pont If those modules differ between campuses | would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary School. They don't differ between campuses. Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? District support staff. rict employee? Yes. Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? Yes. How many hours of in-service training are grade school teachers required to take each year? There are no requirements for any teachers. How many of those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each ‘elementary school campus? We offer a six-hour workshop on request. ‘Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? AISD supports Pride Week and inclusiveness of all students.Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? No. ‘Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? It's up to the campus. Government sources cite “looks” and “body shape’ as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students ~ those with an association With the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighty grade classrooms use Second Step to address bullying of all kinds. Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD school board before being piloted? No, the school board does not typically review workshops and training. If not, has it since been vetted by the board? No. Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's elementary school campus? Yes, it’s part of the protocol when the workshop is requested. ‘The Welcoming School's curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifically proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gender non- conforming? AISD is committed to including all students in making them feel safe and valued at schoolransiticn fo the other gender? If AISD endorses these treatments and ¢ parents? HAISD oc: among its youngest On Fri, May 26, 2017 at 3:55 PM, Bonnie Pritchett: _ wrote: Samantha, Thank you for the responses. | appreciate your efforts. The answers prompt further questions that | will send this afternoon or first thing Monday (| assume you will be out of the office that day.) | wil file an open records request. To whom should | address it? I would like to speak with someone about the final question regarding gender fluidity. This issue requires more inquiry and, candidly, the answer does not address the question. Teaching, promoting and affirming sender fluidity is of the greatest concern among parents | have interviewed. Who can | speak with to address this issue? Thank you again for your assistance. And have a good Memorial Day weekend, Regards, Bon On Fri, May 26, 2017 at 3:28 PM, Samantha Alexander wrote: Bonnie, Below you will find the answers to your questions. ‘Thank you and have a safe weekend, “Sam Did the curriculum's authorship - the Human Rights Campaign - pose a problem in the consideration process? Not that we are aware. ‘orrrrpiosenqaterwopratiialiialsanion Sclaaiaisesteniimanny mn iaag We do not have these training materials readily availat istribute outside of the district due to the take staff time to compile, If this something you would like to wait for, please follow up with me via email and | would respectfully ask that you file an open records request so that we are certain we capture everything you'd like. If those modules differ between campuses | would like to get the set designed for Kiker Elementary School. They don't differ between campuses. Who is the instructor for the Welcoming Schools teacher training? District support staff 10Is it a district employee? Yes. Is the instructor trained by the Human Rights Campaign to teach the curriculum? Yes. How many hours of in-service training are grade school teachers required to take each year? There are no requirements for any teachers. How many of those hours have been devoted to Welcoming Schools training, on average, for each elementary school campus? We offer a six-hour workshop on request. Why do AISD campuses display Pride rainbow decals? AISD supports Pride Week and inclusiveness of all students. ‘Are teachers required to display the decals in their rooms? No. Are they displayed on elementary school campuses? It's up to the campus. Goverment sources cite “looks” and "body shape” as the #1 and #2 reasons why children are bullied. With that information, why did AISD choose to incorporate curriculum into its classroom that ignores that population but, instead, focuses on the needs of a smaller subset of students ~ those with an association with the LGBT community? Many of our kindergarten through eighty grade classrooms use ‘Second Step to address bullying of all kinds. ‘Was the Welcoming Schools curriculum vetted by the AISD schoo! board before being piloted? No, the school board does not typically review workshops and training. If not, has it since been vetted by the board? No. Were parents notified when the Welcoming Schools curriculum was incorporated onto each of AISD's ‘elementary school campus? Yes, it's part of the protocol when the workshop is requested. The Welcoming Schools curriculum promotes and affirms the unscientifcally proven notion of gender fluidity. Why does AISD require its faculty, staff, and students to affirm behavior that is scientifically unproven and potentially harmful to the children who identify as transgender or gender non- conforming? AISD is committed to including all students in making them feel safe and valued at school. Samantha Alexander, MPA Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Operations Department of Communications and Community Engagement Austin independent Schoo! District. Office: (512) 434-0022 Samantha Alexander@austinisc.org www austinisd.org/community tinisd.org/communication: n‘Genius is the ability 19 renew one’s emotions in daily experiences.” Paul Ces connectedness . relator . input .intellection . learner From: Tiffany Young Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2017 3:15 PM Yo: Peter Price Ce: Caroline Chase; Darla Caughey ‘Subject: Re: Fresh inquiry for a fact-check Acouple more questions © What schools are doing the training in 2017-187 Why did Kiker Elementary suspend after module 3? Can you provide a copy of the letter sent to parents? Thanks! Tiffany Young Senior Communication Specialist ‘Austin Independent School District Office: 512-414-0024 tiffany youne@austinisd ors yoww austinisd,ora Beginning Monday, June 12, Austin ISD will operate on a summer efficiency schedule. District offices will be open for business from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with all facilities closed on Fridays. The District will be closed the week of July 3-7. The summer efficiency schedule resumes on July 10 and continues through Aug. 11. AISD returns to its normal operations schedule on Monday, Aug. 14 The first day of schoo! is Monday, Aug. 21. From: Peter Price ‘uesday, August 2, 2017 12:23:31 PM iffany Young ‘aroline Chase; Darla Caughey Subject: Fw: Fresh Inquiry for a fact-check Couple more comments, Tiffany: Caroline and Darla, want to add anything?Pete Price Director, AISD Social and Emotional Learning & Multi-Tiered Systems of Support 0-230 1111 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78703 512.414.8728(w); *Learner*Achiever* Context*Relator*Strategic (st Website . Twitter - Farebook . Pintersst Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients) and contains confidential student information. Unauthorized Use oF disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99). if you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information Please contact the sender by reply email or by contacting the sender immediately and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments. From: Edmund Oropez Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2017 12:00 PM ‘To: Peter Price; Victoria Birkeland ‘Subject: Re: Fresh inquiry for a fact-check FROM ASHA: Hi yall. Have you touched base with Tiffany about this request? Please follow up with her ASAP. Thanks. asha Edmund R. Oropez Chief Officer for Teaching and Learning ‘Austin independent School District 1111 West 6th Street ‘Austin, Texas 78703 (W) 512-414-4820 Confidentiality Notice: This email message, riciuding all attachments, i for the sola use of he intended recipient(s) and correcta confidential tudert information. Unauthorized use or disclosure & prohed under the federal Family Eavcational Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §12329, 34 CFR Part 99) if you are not the intended recipient, you may not Education Piaipy oF disseminate tis information. Please contact the sender by reply ema and destroy all copies of the ‘original message, including attachments From: Tiffany Young Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2017 9:02 AM ‘Ta: Peter Price; Victoria Birkeland Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2017 9:06 AM To: Victoria Birkeland; Caroline Chase ‘Subject: Re: Fresh inquiry for a fact-check already sent this to her: ‘The SEL department has provided the Welcoming Schools PD to elementary school campuses requesting it (24 total) over the past three years. It's totally voluntary. It's not a curriculum! It's a training to provide safe, supportive, inclusive environments for students and their families and to create a conversation among adults ‘on campus in order to examine our language and practices. The training embraces family diversity, avoids gender stereotyping, and prevents bullying. Our current protocol is to have the principal be present for the ‘entire six-hour training which takes places over an entire year, a parent information letter is sent home at the start of the school year, and parents are invited to attend one of the modules. Based on the feedback we received after our Welcoming Schools update we provided to TLC and High Five ‘over the past month, we are going back to the drawing board and creating a more inclusive training which we are calling "All are Welcome” (using the AISD slogan), which will ensuring we welcome ALL students from all backgrounds, including students from other countries, students with disabilities, etc. We will pilot it in the spring and roll it out next fall, More elem. schools have requested the Welcoming Schools training, but we have told them to sit tight for now. Pete Price Director, AISD Social and Emotional Learning & Multi-Tiered Systems of Support 0-230 1111 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78703 512.414.8728(w) *Learner* Achiever*Context*Relator*Strategic 3 Website . Twitter . Facebook . Pinterest Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients) and contains confidential student information. Unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited under the federal Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99). If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. Please contact the sender by reply email or by contacting the sender immediately and destroy all copies of the original message, including attachments. From: Victoria Birkeland Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2017 8:39 AM