The Forest Hills Global Learners Initiative (GLI) has grown and evolved over the years through the combined efforts and dedication of staff, students, parents, and community members. Forest Hills Public Schools, under the leadership of Superintendent Dan Behm, in collaboration with a consultant and a wide range of district representatives, recognized the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable environment in which all learners can grow and learn. Our students need to expand their knowledge, understanding, and empathy for the global society in which we live.
Global Champions
Student Voice
GLI Resource Library
Institutes for Healing Racism
Family Alliance
ALL Learners Achieving Individual Potential,
Building Meaningful and Productive Lives in a Global Society
Global Champions
Global Champions help comprise the GLI teams at each district site. Champions are students, parents/family members and staff who have been certified through the 6 session Champions training program. They are purposeful and passionate in accepting their charge as role models, advocates and allies for FHPS students, families and staff in building systemic cultural capacity and increasing equity and inclusion throughout the district.
Student Voice
GLI Workshops: High energy and interactive sessions engage district students in global team building and leadership activities grounded in appreciating, understanding and empowering a global community.
GLI Elective: FHPS is piloting an elective for middle school students, including a literacy component focused on inclusion, equity and global society.
High School Global Leaders: Students who have participated in the workshops have the opportunity to attend advanced leadership sessions. These students are called upon to develop and co-facilitate the workshops for 3rd-8th grade students.
GLI Resource Library
This is a resource room currently housed in the Media Center at Northern High School. The GLI Library is comprised of books, DVDs, posters, maps and other materials that support Forest Hills Public Schools teachers, staff, students and families in understanding and recognizing the global society in which we live. Materials include professional development tools as well as classroom texts, poster and varied media. Topic areas reflect issues and information regarding various ethnic groups, IHR, common human experiences, special needs, LGBTQ, women and girls issues and bullying. Suggestions for additions are always welcome.
Institutes for Healing Racism
FHPS staff and parents/family members of our students are offered the opportunity to participate in a 2-day Institute for Healing Racism (IHR). A transformative experience, the IHR challenges participants to explore and address the issues of race, racism, equity, and inclusion related to general society and specifically the FHPS community. Participants and facilitators create a safe place where diverse views and experiences are shared and validated with the goal of becoming positive agents of change and intentional allies in the work of building inclusive and anti-racist communities.
Family Alliance
FA is a global representation of FHPS families unified in the desire to have all children exceptionally prepared for their future in our global society… The FA is diverse by district service areas, socio-economic status, resident and non-resident, learning challenges and strength of students, faith perspectives, etc. The FA serves as an advisory group to the superintendent and meets quarterly during the school year.
Link to “Express Yourself” page with all student projects: https://www.fhps.net/2021/02/express-yourself-initiative-features-students-works-about-social-justice-honors-martin-luther-king-jr/