The Family Connections Special Education PTO is proud to be hosting the Inclusion Awards for Lakeville Area Schools. This began over ten years ago as a way to bring awareness to inclusion within our schools and has grown into a celebration of the progress that our schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors. As a district, we expect kindness and inclusivity as a general rule when it comes to the way others are treated. 

The need to belong is a basic need of all students and an integral component of effective inclusive schools. To be inclusive implies a fundamental commitment to building relationships among students, families, educators, and the community to support safe and positive learning environments.

There are individuals in our midst that who practice this daily.  We see these individuals use their gifts in areas like advocacy, service, words or other means to demonstrate acts of kindness.  Please help us identify these individuals so we can tell their story and recognize them.  Use the link below to nominate a staff member, student, parent, or community member that embodies these ideals for the Family Connections Inclusion Awards. 

Inclusive Schools Week allows us all to take a moment to applaud the progress we’ve made toward building more inclusive school communities while pledging to continue our work toward becoming a more inclusive society. 

The nominations will close on Tuesday, January 6th.  Please contact familyconnectionspto@gmail.com with questions.

Click here to read more about Inclusive Schools Week.

For some interesting, fun, learning activities that promote inclusive practices during Inclusive Schools Week and anytime throughout the year, check out the Celebration Activities Guide