Park City School District rolls out ‘We All Belong’ program to foster inclusion in schools

The We All Belong program, announced by the Park City School District at the start of school this year. Photo: We All Belong

PARK CITY, Utah —As Park City students return to school, the Park City School District has announced We All Belong, a new initiative to prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination and foster inclusion following a review of its practices over the past year.

The district’s efforts to roll out the program follow a Resolution Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, which required the need for better support and security for all students. In response, the district has revised its policies for the 2024-2025 school year to clearly define acceptable behavior and establish a streamlined reporting process for incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This system is now accessible through the district’s website, allowing students, parents, staff, and community members to report concerns efficiently.

Staff across the district have also undergone training on how to appropriately manage and resolve incidents, with the goal of ensuring all reports are thoroughly investigated.

In addition to these policy changes, PCSD has launched the “We All Belong” campaign district wide. This initiative promotes respect and inclusion throughout the school community, providing resources to parents, guardians, educators, and administrators. The campaign includes community meetings at schools to discuss its objectives and a new website offering additional resources and forums for public engagement.

In an email to parents and on the PCSD’s website, Superintendent Jill Gildea highlighted the district’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students and stakeholders.

“This is fundamental to ensure every student is safe and protected when they are in school, no discrimination, no judgment, no hate. But for our students to thrive, we have to reach higher by building a learning environment where they are uniquely honored and respected for who they are, where they come from and what they believe,” a video about the campaign posted on the PCDS website says.

As the new school year begins, these measures are intended to reinforce the district’s dedication to ensuring that everyone in the school community feels secure and valued.