Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring Identity, Kindness, and Inclusion
At The Parkside School, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is at the heart of everything we do—and Pride Month offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen this work with our students.
This month, classrooms have been exploring age-appropriate lessons that celebrate identity, family diversity, and the importance of treating all people with kindness and respect. From our youngest students to our oldest, classroom discussions are thoughtfully designed to highlight the core message that it is okay to be different—and that everyone deserves to feel safe, accepted, and proud of who they are.
On the third floor, students reflected on the meaning of the word “proud” and how being kind, brave, or a good friend can make us feel proud of ourselves and others. They learned that PRIDE Month is a time to recognize and celebrate people and families of all kinds—just like a rainbow, made beautiful by its many colors.
On the fourth floor, students expanded this conversation by exploring the many ways people can be similar and different—from the languages we speak and the clothes we wear to the games we like and the pronouns we use. They learned about the history of the first Pride parade and why it remains a powerful symbol of inclusion and respect.
On the fifth floor, our oldest students engaged in a deeper exploration of the LGBTQ+ community, learning about the meaning behind Pride and the ongoing movement for equal rights. They discussed the significance of the Stonewall Riots in New York City and the role of Pride Month in honoring the contributions and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Students also reflected on how to be respectful of people’s identities, including using correct names and pronouns.
In every classroom, we emphasized a simple truth: Pride is about being true to who you are and being proud of who you are—and that lesson isn’t limited to one month. At Parkside, we celebrate and nurture that pride every day.
