Around Amherst: Crocker Farm earns national Welcoming Schools Seal
Published: 07-12-2024 7:30 AM |
AMHERST — Crocker Farm School’s Amherst Early Education Center recently became one of 35 schools across the country to earn the Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools Seal of Excellence, where work over the past three years is honoring family diversity, creating LGBTQ+ and gender inclusivity, and supporting transgender and non-binary students.
Preschool administrator Elizabeth Burns said in a statement that Welcoming Schools is the perfect program for preschoolers who are naturally curious and interested in talking about their families and their friends' families, as well as exploring identity and what makes them the same and different from their peers. The program includes lessons in how to show kindness and care to classmates and the local and global community.
“The learning and exploration that we have done over the past three years is apparent in the way staff interact with students and families, set up their classrooms and the environment and respond to student questions, curiosities and comments around gender, family and identity,” Burns said. “Every preschool staff member embraced the learning opportunities; as they always do when it comes to digging deeper and doing what is the absolute best for the students we care for.”
Burns also offered thanks to the administration, the School Committee, the community and preschool families for support.
The Seal of Excellence comes after training sessions were done and books, resources and toys to reflect and appreciate individuals and family diversity were updated. The award was presented to the center by Danielle Murray, the Welcoming Schools facilitator and a Safe and Welcoming Schools specialist.
Low-income residents who have suffered financial hardships and economic impacts due to the COVID pandemic are eligible to seek portions of $50,000 remaining in the town’s Resident Aid Assistance Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Members of marginalized communities, including people of color, women and LGBTQ+ individuals and families, are encouraged to apply for one-time grants, up to $3,000. Payments can then be made to landlords, banks and utilities to help cover overdue rent, mortgage or utility fees. Over the past two years, the town has provided $150,000 from the fund to help residents.
To apply, residents should contact Family Outreach of Amherst at 413-548-1275. Application forms can also be downloaded at amherstma.gov/3743/Resident-Aid-Assistance-Program/.
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