Jeanne (June 19, 2007, 1:23 pm) writes:

I am glad that I used this tool (the Rainbow Report Card) as it gave me some great ideas about how to improve what I considered an already good situation with my children's school. I have some fresh ideas about how to make things better this fall. Jeanne


Chris (June 18, 2007, 9:28 am) writes:

Thanks for making this available. The recommendations were great! Thanks for the good ideas!!!


name (June 19, 2007, 3:54 pm) writes:

I've seen a lot of reports on schools. They all say how bad they are, how bad they are, how bad they are. This approach is better. Whether your school is great, bad, terrible, okay, whatever, there are things you can do to make it better for your kids. That's why this report card is so great--it tells you how YOU can make things better. From my family to yours--THANKS FAMILY PRIDE! --Sydney, Michael, Alisha, Sarah


Oren (June 21, 2007, 11:57 am) writes:

Little Friends is a wonderful daycare/pre-school. We have been very lucky and we have the environment to be caring and nurturing for our son, as well as our family.


lauren (June 21, 2007, 12:05 pm) writes:

We've taken Family Pride's advice and have gotten very involved in the school. My partner volunteers in the lunch room, we go on field trips, we read to our daughter's class...The more involved and visible you are, the more the school, children and parents will see that we are loving and caring parents, just like everyone else! This is extremely beneficial to our children and to other special families like ours! Lauren J. Weil


Janice (June 21, 2007, 12:19 pm) writes:

The report card provides recommendations that we, as GLBTQ parents can use to take actions. I am activly working with other parents in our school district to improve the climate for students with GLBTQ parents. The information provided in the report card has given me some new ideas to use in this effort.


Jeannette (June 21, 2007, 12:24 pm) writes:




name (June 21, 2007, 12:41 pm) writes:

This is such a great idea! I've been wondering how I could make it known to other parents how WONDERFUL this school is. I'm so proud of the teachers for making it known thay my family is the same as everyone else's......NORMAL! rae


Karen (June 21, 2007, 1:27 pm) writes:

When the legislature was debating same-gender marriage, our then-first grader said, "They should just ask my first grade class. Everyone thinks it's cool to have two moms." The biggest test we've found is what the elementary teachers do when it comes to Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day -- our children have always come home with two Mothers' Day crafts. We really appreciate their teachers' thoughtfulness!


Diane (June 21, 2007, 1:57 pm) writes:




Elizabeth (June 21, 2007, 2:21 pm) writes:

As a teacher I want other parents to know that the school I work in is a GLBT friendly place. There are many out students and staff as well as supportive allies. As a parent, I would like to know what other districts will be welcoming to my children, who have two moms, as they enter into school.


Nancy (June 21, 2007, 2:26 pm) writes:

We have been very comfortable and welcomed by all during our daughter's first school year. My partner Beth (Mommy) is one of the homeroom parents and often the first to be called to assist the classroom. Her teachers have been wonderful and supportive of our family. Earlier this year, I asked the principle to feel free to call us if any incoming families have concerns. Beth is also present of our local preschool PTOs, and we are the only family where 2 parents are the same gender.


Olivia (June 21, 2007, 2:37 pm) writes:

I appreciate the concise suggestions for improving the school environment for my children. Thanks!


Michael (June 21, 2007, 2:52 pm) writes:

Our daughter's school is very inclusive and our family feels more than welcome there. There are three children with same-sex parents in her class alone!


Alison (June 21, 2007, 4:08 pm) writes:

I was happy to get the recommendations, but the one improvement that could be made to the questionare would be to allow for more than one school in the school name area. I also am not able to provide our school classrooms and or libraries - nor the public library - with books depicting various LGBTQ families, as our county has banned them from all publicly funded libraries and classrooms. I live in Hillsborough County Florida.


Katte (June 21, 2007, 4:23 pm) writes:




Judy (June 21, 2007, 4:46 pm) writes:

We were very nervous about what our children (and we) might experience once they entered school. Turtleback Elementary School has been an amazingly positive experience for our family. In our son's first year of school, there were two other children in his class with same-sex parents and his teacher was a lesbian (who gave birth to her first child two years later). Since that time (our son is entering 5th grade and our daughter, 3rd), we have had nothing but open, positive experiences with teachers, administrators and parents alike. Turtleback Elentary School practices what it preaches every day. We couldn't be happier (also, it's in the Poway Unified School District, which boasts superior test scores every year.


Alicia (June 21, 2007, 4:47 pm) writes:




Lara (June 21, 2007, 4:55 pm) writes:

I have to say that approaching school administrators and teachers and thanking them for thier support goes a long long way. Our chlidren middle school has been mostly supportive from the start. They created safe zones for our children and together with our children developed action plans to help insure a safer evironment for them. My spouse and I expressed our thanks in personnel letter to all of them. 2 Month ago our 2 children approach different teachers and administrators about starting a program "Use Another Word". The support and response that they received was nothing short of amazing. As of this moument the Hastings Middle School planning to begin this program this fall!!! It has been a huge boast to thier confidence and they as well my spouse and I Feel more empowered to make positive change happen. Never Give Up Hope!


Michael (June 21, 2007, 5:03 pm) writes:

Greenhill School in Dallas Texas is a model for the rest of the country. It rolled out project safe zone 3 years ago to the families, students and teachers that it is a safe school for gay faculty, students and families. It is a very progressive school that promotes deversity and this is a part if its core values.


name (June 21, 2007, 5:05 pm) writes:

It is always good to have action items and suggestions on how to improve your children's school and community. Thanks for the good work.


name (June 21, 2007, 5:32 pm) writes:




name (June 21, 2007, 7:38 pm) writes:

I found the report card really helpful; with some useful tips to initiate further and deeper discussion with an already open and supportive school staff.


name (June 21, 2007, 8:57 pm) writes:

The tool is a great way to take a look at what your child's school is doing and ways everyone could improve what happens in the schools. I would love to see a directory of supportive schools come out of this. My kids' school is great. There is a lot they don't have control of, but have always been more than open and accepting to our family.


matt (June 21, 2007, 9:43 pm) writes:

I'd highly recommend Ann Arbor Open School for any child of a same sex family. They strive to embrace diversity on all levels.


Sheri (June 21, 2007, 9:54 pm) writes:

I want to help other parents find schools that they can be comfortable in and become just another family. My son's first grade year my partner was the PTA secretary and I was a VP, his second grade year I was the head treasurer, and his third grade year I am going to be the president. Everyone has been absolutely wonderful and does not treat us any differently. His kindergarden teacher even let him explain to the other students what gay was. This helped all the kids.


Beth (June 21, 2007, 10:30 pm) writes:




Brenda (June 21, 2007, 10:34 pm) writes:

Our family has encountered both an enormously positive school environment and a negative one as well. We moved from a school in buffalo where everyone knew our names and our daughter and was friendly and accepting in Kindergarten to a school where we encountered many problems in her 1st grade classroom. She came home crying after mothers day because her teacher would not allow her to make two mother's day cards and then when asked by a student the teacher told our daughter that two women could not get married even though her two aunts in Massachusetts were getting married within the year. Our whole family was treated poorly by this teacher who refused to include us as voulenteers in school parties and activities. Luckily for us her second grade teacher was much more accepting and positive and we were able to enjoy a good year where we knew our daughter was safe and the teacher was conciously diffusing any situations that occured amongst her peers. She thrived in that environment. It is up to us to change the way our families are treated and fight for our own acceptance and equality because we cannot wait for someone else to do it for us.


Julie (June 22, 2007, 1:39 am) writes:

This is an important step towards equal respect for all in this new frontier. Ideally, all schools would do this as a self-evaluation.


Robert (June 22, 2007, 7:10 am) writes:




Karen (June 22, 2007, 8:21 am) writes:




sonia (June 22, 2007, 8:44 am) writes:

There is absolutely nothing for kids of LGBT families in french schools! Let's hope that will change soon...


Carol-Anne (June 22, 2007, 8:50 am) writes:

Our son's teacher has been extremely welcoming in person, over the phone, school activities, and at parent/teacher nights. When addressing classroom grades and progress reports via email, the emails are positive and addressed to both my partner and myself. Several of the secretaries are cold at times to us but we notice they can be less than friendly at times with other parents. The principal is past retirement age and we notice that she is often very lax in dealing with discipline problems, school policies regarding discipline and bullying. Too often her solution to such issues is having the harrasser and the harrassed children write notes home about what happened rather than an immediate parent-child meeting. She appears welcoming to us, however I believe she may just be being cordial because she has to be rather than being truly lesbian and gay positive.


Merle (June 22, 2007, 9:27 am) writes:




Kathryn (June 22, 2007, 9:34 am) writes:

I am a teacher at Lincoln Park High School. Lincoln Park High School presents an open atmosphere but the reality is different. We have a LGBT club and we are "allowed" to teach about LGBT issues but teachers are not trained in antibulling. Hearing the terms "Fag" and "that's so gay" are constants in the hall and most teachers don't blink an eye. We need to do more!


carol (June 22, 2007, 10:03 am) writes:

My partner and I come from two perspectives in dealing with LGBTQ issues at our children's schools, as parents and as teachers. The district that my partner and our children (15, 11, and 7 years old) attend has, as a whole, been fairly inclusive. Neither Katherine nor I have experienced open discrimination from our colleagues however, this has not been the situation for our children. On a daily basis, our freshman and middle schooler hears "gay", "dyke", or "lesbo", not necessarily directed to them, it is simply a part of the students social language and is clearly so common that is accepted by teachers within ear shot. My partner and I have been active in adressing this isue for all students, forwarded numerous materials, met with district administrators, paticipated in anti-bullying initiatives. We understand that it is a gradual process but difficult to be patient when your 2nd and 5th grader come home with "ew!" "gross" "your gay too!" from students that they have otherwise respected. School responses are often just that, responses not a proactive approach, not taking teachable moments to discuss nontraditional families, gender identity, etc. A few worskhops and trainings are offered on a voluntary basis or brief discussions on harrassment policies. If anything is to truly change trainings need to be mandatory to include those teachers and administrators that would otherwise not be willing to open their minds.


name (June 22, 2007, 10:13 am) writes:

Excellent school!!! Herberich Primary School in the Copley-Fairlawn school system.


nancy (June 22, 2007, 10:43 am) writes:

My kids are done with K-12, but I am now beginning to be active in assuring the schools are safe and happy for all families and children. I am straight, married, with three sons, one of whom is gay. It is vitally important for those of us without children/etc in the system to be advocating change for the good of all. nancy dubler


Kirstie (June 22, 2007, 12:42 pm) writes:




Kirstie (June 22, 2007, 12:42 pm) writes:




name (June 22, 2007, 1:43 pm) writes:

The interesting thing about our bad experience, is that is was my child's counselor. My child's counselor called me to tell me that she didn't feel my daughter should be telling other people at her school that her Mom has a "partner". In this instance, my daughter was speaking to the school nurse and happened to mention my partner's name and the nurse asked who that was. My daughter proudly said, that's my Mom's partner. The counselor repeatedly said that it 'might not be safe' to "out" herself as being a child in a family raised by 2 Mom's. I was shocked and caught off guard. Later I thought about it and thought, if it's not safe to tell your school nurse, then who is it safe to tell? When I told my partner, she was outraged and wanted me to contact the school board. My daughter has had sleepovers at our house, her friends know us, their parents know us. We don't hide who we are. Everyone so far has treated us just like any other parents. And that's the way it should be. I let it go this time, but I won't be letting it go if it happens again.


Wendy (June 22, 2007, 2:42 pm) writes:

I can now print this and give it to my daughters teacher's and other staff at her school. Hopefully this can encourage them to play a stronger role in making school easier for her and with better protection from discrimination.


TJJAMIKA (June 22, 2007, 8:27 pm) writes:




chris (June 22, 2007, 9:16 pm) writes:




Robin (June 23, 2007, 11:46 pm) writes:




jan (June 24, 2007, 12:47 am) writes:

The school has had several stuents with two moms and/or dads and the teachers, counselors and administrators have been open and affirming in all areas. Students demonstrate that they feel safe and supported.


Toby (June 24, 2007, 3:52 am) writes:




Donna (June 24, 2007, 12:11 pm) writes:

My partner and I were looking for a safe, accepting private school for our son. After doing alot of research and school visits, we selected Fairmont. The staff has been very accepting of our lifestyle and of our son. We just didn't want our lifetstyle to affect his schooling. We are extremely happy with our selection. He just completed his first year of preschool. We are so glad we found the school. Donna


Patricia (June 24, 2007, 11:44 pm) writes:

The Rainbow Report Card was very helpful. I intend on using some of the suggestions to effect positive change withing our my daughter's school.


Laura (June 25, 2007, 11:03 am) writes:

This is super, thanks very much.


Daryn (June 25, 2007, 12:06 pm) writes:

So far so good. Our school has been very positive and welcoming to our family. We adopted three very young siblings and the school has been very supportive. It's the homework that's a challenge at times. Like the school forms that come home asking for mother and father information, some of the school work is also geared strictly to traditional families. We had to design our own family tree since there are three sets of grandparents.


Laurie (June 25, 2007, 1:43 pm) writes:




gina (June 25, 2007, 2:12 pm) writes:




Roberta (June 25, 2007, 2:38 pm) writes:

Village Christian is a Evangelic Christian School in Sun Valley, CA. My son attended the school during my divorce. The atomosphere is hostile toward anyone gay. I had come out and my partner was not allowed to participate on campus in anyway. I was shocked at the level of gay tuants and cat calls that I heard daily on campus, as young as second graders. One 3rd grade boy was somewhat feminine and in line I witnessed him being called "gay", "you're gay" and "gay boy", this was clearly in the ear shot of a teacher who did nothing. Not only do the kids cat call and tease, but it seems very acceptable to the staff. This campus was clearly a safe haven for bullies and kids who like to gay bash. I am very happy to say we no longer attend this school, but I was shocked at the level of hate of gays that filled the air at this school and I even felt was being taught. Roberta


sharon (June 25, 2007, 5:37 pm) writes:

thank you for starting this. we are raising our granddaughter and we want her to be in the safest environment possible. it is very important that our children are treated equally as well as their families. again, thanks!


Maureen (June 26, 2007, 12:53 am) writes:

Filling out the Rainbow Report Card gave us a better idea of what we need to do to keep our son in a safe school environment. We feel more empowered to take the next steps now that we have acquired the tools! We do appreciate the staff that has acknowledged our family and always being welcoming, engaging and acknowledging of both mothers. We are inspired to continue to remind staff, parents, and children that Love is what makes us a family!


frances (June 26, 2007, 6:03 am) writes:




name (June 26, 2007, 12:40 pm) writes:

We are a lesbian couple with 2 children, one that is special needs. We have always let the principal and staff of the schools know that our children have 2 mommies and we have never had a problem. We often volunteer and work in the classrooms with our kids. I know there is an anti bullying policy at the school and the teachers are trained in it but to what specifications I do not know, I also don't know if they have any books in the library on different types of families, these are things that I am going to look into. I'm going to email this link to all my email contacts, so that they can rate their schools. I would like to find out the results of this study, if we should ever move I would like to know there are schools where we would be as welcome as the one we are in now.


Carol (June 26, 2007, 3:19 pm) writes:

The Rainbow Report Card was a wake-up call for me and my partner to be more proactive in our children's schools. Sadly, the number of negative comments about our family and our community that our children (now 2nd and 5th graders) have received from their peers continues to increase. And school staff don't always know what to do. The Recommendations offered within the Report Card will be very helpful to us as we work to insure that our schools are safe for all our children.


Rock (June 26, 2007, 8:11 pm) writes:

Moses Brown School in an independent Quaker school in Providence, RI. The school welcomes diversity and is proactive in providing a safe and supportive environment. Question can be directed to the Director of Diversity.


Patrick (June 27, 2007, 11:44 pm) writes:

This is the best tool I have seen to get organized around making sure our children's schools are doing what they need and ensure that they have a positive learning experience.


Donna (June 28, 2007, 7:43 am) writes:

I believe our school is the only one in this public school district that has a LGBTSQ group which meets all year long. The gatherings have been enjoyable and fun for the kids.


Susan (July 5, 2007, 3:37 pm) writes:

This is a school for children with language and learning disabilities. Our families have been openly welcomed and respected. In the middle school where our daughter currently attends, there are families with gay dads and lesbian moms.


Susan (July 5, 2007, 3:46 pm) writes:

My daughter is in High School and it is worth noting that her classmates who identify themselves as lesbian are treated well by faculty and other students alike. This is very nice for my daughter to witness.


name (July 5, 2007, 4:06 pm) writes:




name (July 5, 2007, 4:12 pm) writes:




Michael (July 5, 2007, 8:41 pm) writes:




Gretchen (July 6, 2007, 9:47 am) writes:




name (July 6, 2007, 4:23 pm) writes:




Robin (July 7, 2007, 10:08 am) writes:

St.Andrews has been very responsive to the needs of our family. The staff takes care to make sure that "two" mothers are recognized for Mother's Day and asked us how we wanted to address Father's Day with our child. While a Presbyterian-based preschool, the staff has one LGBTQ teacher.


Debra (August 7, 2007, 11:38 am) writes:

Overall, this is an excellent addition to your website! My daughter will be attending middle school in September 2007 and I am looking forward to grading the new school..I hope that the new school will be a positive experience for both our daughter and us...as parents... I will be involved as usual in the PTA and the daily happenings that occur at the new school...I have been involved in school activities since kindergarten( my daughter is now going onto 6th grade)...PTA member,Leadership team, parent volunteer and each school year doing 2 presentation on nutriton and food for my daughter's class...So i will return in October to answer the rainbow report card again!!


Laurie (August 11, 2007, 12:02 am) writes:

I just stumbled onto your site and as I did I exhaled some of my fear. My wife and I have twin girls that are starting kindergarten this month and the information and recommendations that I have found here has already put some ease into this transition. Thank you!


Dr. (August 13, 2007, 10:30 am) writes:




ann (August 17, 2007, 3:36 pm) writes:




rhonda (August 25, 2007, 11:16 am) writes:

Our son is part of a "virtual school". it is a registered public school in the state of kansas, which handles curriculum, testing, grading, etc. but he doesn all his schoolwork at home, either online and/or on paper. for state testing we go to a scheduled testing site. this school allows our son to work at his own pace, whether that is catching up in a subject because he is a bit behind, or if he is ahead and needs more challenging work. they also offer and encourage families participating in events together and the support and encouragement the school gives it's family is fantastic. they have always treated my partner and i as equal parents without any reservations or hesitations. we love it!


Lisa (August 25, 2007, 3:36 pm) writes:

Not only will my 3 year old attend this school but I work there. At the Parent sponsored Meet and Greet, I took my family and was welcomed without fanfare. No one paid too much attention to the make up of my family, either faculty or parents. The kids had a ball and my students got to see what my family is like. It will make being there so much easier as this is my first year there.


Nancy (August 25, 2007, 5:53 pm) writes:

You deserve to be celebrated!! As intentional, loving, strong families, we are nurturing a generation of amazing young people who are now able to tell us they are happy to be a part of OUR FAMILY. Nancy


Laura (August 26, 2007, 2:16 pm) writes:

I think we have to be vigilant about how our children experience various school systems. Just because my preschool is wonderfully inclusive, I know that I have to stay on top of my son's elementary school and every grade teacher at each level for his entire educational experience. Maybe all parents should be doing this... Thank you for all you're doing to help parents like me.


Jill (August 27, 2007, 5:33 pm) writes:

This is a great tool with helpful suggestions on how to make change in our childrens' schools.


Candie (August 28, 2007, 3:16 pm) writes:

I would like 2 get more involved, I have a little girl who's growing up in lesbian household and I don't want my baby 2 be bully or calld names, i want every1 2 be educated and see tht we r people just like them, and teach ur kids sum respect.


V (September 9, 2007, 2:08 am) writes:

Very active and visible GSA. Staff are, for the most part, pro-diversity. The administration makes it clear to all staff that anyone using homophobic or racist terms will be dealt with immidiately using the district's nondiscrimination policy. In several cases the offending students were suspended and parents were brought in the same day for discilinary meetings. As a gay teacher, I know several teachers who wary of gay staff members but luckily they keep it to themselves.


Veronica (September 9, 2007, 3:38 pm) writes:

My sons and I belong to the a local GLBT family group, Stonewall. It's great. The families that belong are wonderful and have given me some wonderful ideas about how to handle some situations. I think more families should fill out report cards on their schools so others know how they're doing. I wouldn't want to go to a school or a district that wasn't supportive of my family.


Art (September 11, 2007, 10:34 am) writes:

Our 3.5-yr-old son is just in his first month at OGMS, but thus far it's been a really good experience for all of us.


Anne (September 13, 2007, 1:15 am) writes:

HOSTILE - and HORRIBLE


Karen (September 14, 2007, 5:57 pm) writes:

At the start of each school year we show up toward the end of the open house time period. With fewer parents around the teacher we ask the teacher if they've had any students with two mom's and begin our conversation. We make sure all 4 of us are there to meet the teachers, ask if they have questions and encourage them to notify us of difficulties or questions which arise. Up front is our family motto, along with stay involved, especially in the south.


pia (October 13, 2007, 9:00 pm) writes:




Lara (November 15, 2007, 1:04 pm) writes:

This was a great tool. I'm going to use the recommendations to get books in my child's school first. Then I'll go from there!


Jonathan (December 5, 2007, 12:57 pm) writes:

This is the second time I've filled out the Rainbow Report Card. The first time I filled it out I didn't know a lot. In fact, I didn't know how much I didn't know! I took the recommendations seriously and contacted my kid's school to get some information. I found out we don't have a nondiscrimination policy, even though state law says we should. Now that I've filled it out a second time, answering "NO" to the nondiscrimination policy, I have new steps to take. I'm working with some parents now to engage the administration on this. It'll be an uphill battle, I bet, but we're going to get it done. Thanks for the great tool!!


Keva (July 14, 2008, 11:40 pm) writes:

very helpful and great food-for-thought......


goo (September 5, 2008, 2:50 pm) writes:

I'd love to but I haven't time now. Thank you. Mother of 5th grader.