USSN: Speaking Up

NOVATO ADVANCE – sent January 23, 2003

Dear Editor,

We are writing in response to Ms. Wong's letter re "That's A Family" (1/22/03), the video currently being piloted in the NUSD diversity curriculum program. We, too, thank the school district for its excellent parent preview of this important video about family diversity.

We wholeheartedly support the age appropriate use of this material. We are not alone in this support; indeed "That's A Family" has been endorsed by groups such as the American Federation of Teachers, American Psychological Association, Interfaith Alliance, National Education Association and YWCA. Evelyn K. Moore, President of the National Black Child Development Institute, states: "It is delightful to see that someone is able to give a realistic portrayal of the changing face of the American family. With the honesty and sincerity of the children’s voice, 'That’s a Family!' shows how we are all different, but that the true definition of a family is one in which there is love." Teachers and parents in our own school district reviewed this material and 94 out of 101 recommended its use. In addition, we know (as parents in our community) that each family structure represented in this film can be found in Novato. It is time for these children and families to be recognized so that the safety and inclusion of all can be promoted.

We encourage 5th grade parents, and all in our community, to view the film. To get further information about the film and other issues related to safety, respect and justice for all, visit the United for Safe Schools Novato website: www.unitedsafe.com

Sincerely,
Mark Brand, Laura Fleming, Shelley Norris-Alvarez, Annan Paterson
Novato
United for Safe Schools Steering Committee Members


	NOVATO ADVANCE – sent January 23, 2003 Dear Editor, We are writing in response to Ms. Wong's letter re "That's A Family" (1/22/03), the video currently being piloted in the NUSD diversity curriculum program. We, too, thank the school district for its excellent parent preview of this important video about family diversity. We wholeheartedly support the age appropriate use of this material. We are not alone in this support; indeed "That's A Family" has been endorsed by groups such as the American Federation of Teachers, American Psychological Association, Interfaith Alliance, National Education Association and YWCA. Evelyn K. Moore, President of the National Black Child Development Institute, states: "It is delightful to see that someone is able to give a realistic portrayal of the changing face of the American family. With the honesty and sincerity of the children’s voice, 'That’s a Family!' shows how we are all different, but that the true definition of a family is one in which there is love." Teachers and parents in our own school district reviewed this material and 94 out of 101 recommended its use. In addition, we know (as parents in our community) that each family structure represented in this film can be found in Novato. It is time for these children and families to be recognized so that the safety and inclusion of all can be promoted. We encourage 5th grade parents, and all in our community, to view the film. To get further information about the film and other issues related to safety, respect and justice for all, visit the United for Safe Schools Novato website: www.unitedsafe.com Sincerely, Mark Brand, Laura Fleming, Shelley Norris-Alvarez, Annan Paterson Novato United for Safe Schools Steering Committee Members
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