Rainbow Ribbon Schools Program

The Rainbow Ribbon Ribbon Schools (RRS) award program aims to encourage JCPS school leaders to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff. 

Schools must demonstrate six criteria to be considered for a Rainbow Ribbon, including three required criteria and three criteria selected by the school's RRS committee.

September - RRS committee formed by principal.

March - Principal submits the committee's RRS application - due March 31st.

May - The RRS selection team evaluates submitted applications.

June - RRS award recipients announced during Pride Week.

Schools must demonstrate six criteria to be considered for a Rainbow Ribbon, including three required criteria and three criteria selected by the school’s RRS committee. While the RRS application materials must be digital, the school’s committee determines the tech format.

REQUIRED CRITERIA

Dynamic LGBTQ+ Liaison: Evidence shows that the school’s LGBTQ+ Liaison supports the LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff within the school. Example lookfors include: emails, presentations, advocacy work, etc.

Active GSA or Rainbow Club: Evidence of a functioning GSA and/or Rainbow Club. Example lookfors include: schedule, calendar, promotional materials, etc.

Principal Attends LGBTQ+ PD: Evidence of professional learning in LGBTQ+-related professional development, conferences, and/or events. Example lookfors include: Vector attendance, conference/event handout or schedule, etc.

SCHOOL CHOICE (SELECT 3)

Safe Space Stickers: Evidence shows a school-wide effort to educate/promote the Safe Space concept. Example lookfors include: message to staff, training agenda, number of Safe Space stickers or rainbow flags, pictures, etc.

Identifiable Allies: Evidence shows that at least 75% of students within the GSA and/or Rainbow Club focus group can identify at least three staff members by name who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and/or as an ally. Example lookfors include: 75% of students of the GSA/Rainbow Club can verify during a focus group session, Google Form survey responses from GSA/Rainbow Club members, etc.

Gender-Affirming Restrooms: Evidence shows an effort by the school to provide gender affirming restrooms. Example lookfors include: policies, signs, etc.

Student Interactions: Evidence shows that students have been educated in a culturally responsive and inclusive manner when addressing their LGBTQ+ peers and staff members as indicated by a focus group of students within the GSA/Rainbow Club. Example lookfors include: GSA/Rainbow Club focus group confirmation of positive sense of belonging, LGBTQ+ specific culturally responsive lessons/activities, etc.

LGBTQ+ Mirrors: Evidence shows prominent signage, displays, posters, flags, books in libraries and classrooms, etc. reflect LGBTQ+ identities - that the school deliberately provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ students to see themselves reflected in the school community and in their learning. Example lookfors include: video walkthrough showcasing displays, photos of libraries filled with LGBTQ+ books, posters and art of LGBTQ+ heroes, etc.

School-wide Celebrations: Evidence shows that the school hosts events that celebrates LGBTQ+ pride, acknowledges LGBTQ+ achievements and history, or fosters an affirming and inclusive atmosphere. Example lookfors include: Pride event flyers/documentation, social media posts, etc.

Staff PD: Evidence shows that all staff received training on supporting LGBTQ+ students, families, and/or staff, building a welcoming and culturally responsive school environment for LGBTQ+ folx, or other staff training focused on LGBTQ+ topics. Example lookfors include: staff meeting agenda, training sign-in sheet, presentation document, etc.

Schools who receive the Rainbow Ribbon Schools award will be given a(n):

• Invite to march in the Pride Parade as guests of honor

• RRS banner to display proudly at their school

• Digital RRS awardee logo to display on their school comms, email signatures, etc.

• Spot on this website listing their accomplishment

The most important reward of cultivating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school space lies in the students' profound joy, a sense of belonging, and th assurance of safety.

We welcome your creativity in submitting RRS applications! Feel free to use any format that suits you, whether it's a presentation of Slides, a video, or any other creative approach. Simply send your completed application to jack.jacobs2@jefferson.kyschools by March 31st. We look forward to seeing the unique way you showcase your school's work to support LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff.

If you have any questions or need guidance, please contact Dr. Jack Jacobs at jack.jacobs2@jefferson.kyschools.

RRS Mentorship: If your school is interested in or in need of a RRS mentor-school we will pair you up with someone from a JCPS RRS school. 

Guidance: Dr. Jacobs and his team would love to offer you any amount of support you need. Our goal is to have ALL schools to be Rainbow Ribbon schools.

If you have any questions or need guidance, please contact Dr. Jack Jacobs at jack.jacobs2@jefferson.kyschools.