Letter to Staff

[Nicole_P]

As many of you know, I am transitioning this fall as a teacher. I wanted to share with you the letter that my principal is sending the staff next week- I think it is quite good~ much better than I would have imagined-


August 11, 2009

Dear Wxxx Staff:

I am writing to you on behalf of one of our colleagues, Nicholas Kxxxx. I know some are aware of this situation, but it is my intent to ensure that all staff members are aware before we return on August 31. This information is of a personal nature and hence in letter form instead of email.

It is important before I get into specific details that you have some background information. I have met with Nicholas, Kathe Mxxxx, and other advocates and there is strong support for Nic. At the same time, there is a realization that this news will pose questions and concerns from other staff, students and parents. We have an opportunity to be role models in this transitional process.

Nicholas Kxxxx will be returning to Wxxx this school year as Nicole Kxxxx. Nick is transitioning to Nicole and will be continuing a process started some time ago. Nicole has shared that this is the time to be authentic to who she really is. Later in this letter, you'll find some thoughts that Nicole has drafted to share with all of you. Transgender transition is an involved process and takes a great deal of courage.

During our meetings this summer, we discussed all of the various issues and circumstances related to this transition. We believe we have a teachable moment for ourselves, our students, and this community. As educators, we speak to authenticity, tolerance, honoring diversity and developing character. As professional educators, we have an obligation to support Nicole and welcome her as a continuing member of our staff.

When you greet Nicole on August 31, she will be dressed as a woman. She has shared information with several of us regarding her life and the struggles she has endured. I believe Nicole is embracing her authentic self, something she has waited a long time to do. This is not something she has taken lightly.

It is incumbent on us to review legal language around discrimination, and as a reminder I enclose it here for you. Oregon changed its wording a year and a half ago to language specifically addressing gender identity. Our district language is below and is present on our district website as well.

It is the policy of the Board of Education and School District that no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, national origin, age or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment shall occur. Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Human Resources Director at the District, 503-6xx-xxx.

I hope you will join me in welcoming Nicole and appreciate having this information in advance. First reactions can be unknowingly hurtful and we don't want this for Nicole.

Sincerely,

Lou Bxxxx
Principal

[Sandra]

I think the principal had worded it very well, easy to read.

[Holly]

Well said. It seems the way for your integration into the faculty is being paved for a smooth transition among staff.

[MichelleP]

Bravo. Have a great school year.

Michelle

[joanlynn28]

That is wonder Nicole, I know that in the school district that I lived in some of the school board members got all bent out of shape because of SA 777 in California. I researched the bill myself on the state's website and counldn't find anything that would be upsetting to anyone. All it did was clearly define gender identity within the state's educational code. You must be greatful to have such an understanding administrator to work under. Wish you the best in the upcoming school year.:yippee:

[MJ]

A very nice letter Nicole. i wish you all the best in the new school year :hugs:

[CharleneT]

Bravo for them !! It is heart warming to see support like this. So many days we assume folks won't understand. We should all send them flowers ;)

[MAJESTYK]

A very well spoken Principal. I send you all my best and my congratulations! I also applaude your courage and am glad that things are going your way.

[Nicole_P]

Thank you all for your good wishes. I think he is really stepping up to the plate on this one. He seems to be a good man-

As for courage- I'm not sure. Yes, I have more courage than most people, but less than others. I think of it more of a necessity- like I ran out of oxygen to breath where I was, so I had to move. I must say, the oxygen is much sweeter where I am!

Thanks again! :)

Nicole

[Patricia1]

I'm very happy for you Nicole. This is a great step forward & it's so wonderful to have official support, at the least. What a great adventure awaits you, both as an educator and a woman. Best of luck.

[Diane24]

Nicole,
Your Principal is a keeper! Not all are as understanding and supportive of their staff as he seems to be.
I transitioned in another place before I was hired at my present school. By the time I applied, all my documentation had been changed to my new name and sex so I chose not to mention my past. That may be a little out of line, but I didn't want to take any chances of creating a stir at that time.
I wish you the best of everything in your new life. Keep us updated as the school year progresses.

Diane

[Teri Jean]

Nicole, the prnciple has said as good as any and it sounds she wants to give you all the right opportunities. I am also starting my transition process with therapy sessions and when I finally gets to the moment I would like to share the comments below.


Huggs to you and the principle. Teri

[joanlynn28]

Teri just want to add that I think it is great that you are in a position as an educator that you will have a positive influence on the young minds of your students. You are in an unique position to teach them about acceptence and that we as women are no different than anybody else. If more of us could be in such situations we would be able to gradually change the opinions of those who are out to harm and degrade us as human beings.

[Karen564]

Nicole,
Ge, what a great guy he is,
I thought his letter to your colleagues was perfectly worded & brilliant...it gets right to the point about the situation, it's clear & concise, and warns everyone about harassment in a direct but polite way, along with mentioning to be careful how they 1st react to you, as to not make you feel uncomfortable & remind them that you have emotions that can be hurt just the same as anyone else...

I wish you the best on your 1st day back to school, and hope it all goes smoothly..:hugs:

[Sheila]

What a great letter and how wonderful to know you have the complete support of the principal, it should make life so much easier for all concerned :)

I wish you the very very best on your return to work, but this time as Nicole, what a wonderful day that will be for you :hugs:

[Stephanie Stephens]

I suppose we really have come a long way. I hope that your students will be as good as your boss. Good luck to you.

[Sara Jessica]

What a wonderful letter, best wishes as you move forward.


I hope that your students will be as good as your boss.

Exactly what I was thinking as well. Often the overall attitude of an organization is largely influenced by it's leader and this should filter to the students as your situation will undoubtedly be discussed in the classroom setting.

[Nicole_P]

Thanks again gals- I appreciate the well wishes- I'll keep you posted on how it goes- the staff should be getting the letter tomorrow or Wednesday~

Nicole

[Jessinthesprings]

it's good to see more and more people are supporting our community. The letter sounded truly sincere.

[pamela_a]

That's really great to have the principal write a letter of support like that Nicole. Having just transitioned at work myself I know how stressful it can be on you. With support like that I'm confident you will do just fine.

Congratulations. :hugs:

-Pam-

[Jenn2716]

Thanks for sharing Nicole. It is so good to hear that you are heading into the school year with such support behind you. Hopefully your co-workers and students will continue the trend. Congrats on going full time at work!!!

[Gerard]

Good luck. On a school it's going to be tough (especially if you have teenage students). With a letter like that, you at least have a lot of support. I think things will go well.