This Is My Story – Laura Ingalls Wilder PTSA

Building an Inclusive Community

Wilder Elementary PTSA is jumping into participation with Timberline Middle School, Ella Baker Elementary School, and Rosa Parks Elementary School to help create and nurture an inclusive school and community environment. We love the prospect of coming together as a community, particularly while in this virtual environment, to have opportunity for connection points and to discuss important topics around embracing diversity. This is a great opportunity to assess our collective role in a creative an inclusive environment.

Live Virtual Speaker Event - Gabe Murfitt

February 25th at 6:00pm

As part of our This Is My Story Program, we are excited to offer families the opportunity to learn from speaker Gabe Murfitt as he speaks about his experiences as a differently abled person and the topic of inclusion. We hope all families can join us for this incredible opportunity!

Missing typical arms and legs, Gabe was born with a rare birth defect. Despite facing numerous challenges due to his physical differences, Gabe has been very successful in his life. Gabe grew up in Woodinville and he attended Woodinville High School. He went to Cascadia Community College and graduated with his Associates Degree. He also attended the University of Washington. He has traveled all over the country speaking to schools and encouraging students to chase their dreams. Gabe also works full time in a group home for foster children. He has been featured on many different news outlets including local TV, Good Morning America, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Learn more here: http://gabemurfitt.com/media-page/ https://youtu.be/kGloWBcdn-Y

Link to live event

Activities to help you connect

Many of these events have already been in process -- Wilder is jumping in while there are still ways to participate with the goal of understanding different experiences and reflecting on barriers that exist. All of these are open to any and all families who would like to participate.

Book Study: So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. See purchasing and free options for getting the book below. While this book study is already underway, there's still time to begin reading and to join an upcoming session by registering here.
- Week of February 1: Chapter 9-13
- Week of March 1: Chapters 14-17
- Week of March 30: Speaker with Book Author, Ijeoma Oluo

- Purchase option ideas:
  - Kizzy's Book and More (Black-owned business in the US) Kizzy's Books and More Website
  - Other purchase options online or at bookstores
  - Audio book options
- Free option ideas:
  - King County Library System (Unlimited e-books)

Sharing Your Own Story: Tell your own story to provide and receive opportunities for connecting with and educating others on a variety of lived experiences with the hope of exposing others to perspectives different from our own. Each month features a different theme:
- February "This Is My Story" Focus: Inclusion
- March "This Is My Story" Focus: Kindness
- April "This Is My Story" Focus: Failure/Forgiveness
- May "This Is My Story" Focus: Successes

Stories can be submitted through this form. You have the option of including your name with your story or to remain anonymous. Look out for announcements about virtual activities and newsletters to see featured stories.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email samm@wilderptsa.net

This page was last updated on February 9, 2021.