October Community & Belonging Theme: How We Include

At Taipei American School, we believe every person has inherent dignity and worth. Belonging is something we help create through how we welcome, respect, listen to, and care for one another.

This October, TAS recognizes LGBTQ+ Pride Month alongside our broader Community and Belonging theme, How We Include. Together, they invite us to consider:

How do we help create a community where everyone can experience belonging?

Students may explore LGBTQ+ experiences, perspectives, and contributions while learning about dignity, respect, inclusion, and participation. Younger students might consider what welcome and kindness look like, while older students may examine identity, representation, assumptions, stereotypes, and barriers to belonging.

Learning will vary by age, division, subject, and context. Students will not be required to disclose personal identities or experiences or speak on behalf of a community. Teachers may use stories, hypothetical scenarios, private reflection, and other approaches that provide appropriate choice.

A simple idea will guide the month:

I belong, and I recognize that others belong, too.

Students, faculty, and staff are also invited to make bracelets during Lower and Middle School lunch and flex times from October 26–28. The bracelets will be shared at the Taipei Pride Parade in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

An upcoming faculty panel will provide another opportunity for learning and conversation, with details to be announced soon.

Families can support this learning by talking together about what helps people feel welcomed, respected, and able to participate, and how each of us can help create those conditions for others.