5 Tips to Prepare for a Successful IEP Meeting

An IEP meeting is one of the most important times for special education teachers, parents, and students. It’s where you make decisions about a student’s educational path, accommodations, and supports. As the facilitator of these meetings, being organized and prepared will help ensure a smooth and productive meeting. Let’s look at some actionable tips to make your next IEP meeting a success.

1. Review Student Progress Thoroughly
Before the meeting, take time to thoroughly review the student’s progress. This includes checking on their current IEP goals, collecting and reviewing the data from progress monitoring tools, and reflecting on areas where the student has shown improvement or may need more support. Having concrete data ready will allow you to give an accurate and well-rounded picture of how the student is doing.

2. Collaborate with Your Team Early
Don’t wait until the day of the meeting to start discussing the student’s progress with other service providers (speech therapists, OTs, etc.). Schedule a brief check-in with your team beforehand to make sure everyone is on the same page. This helps ensure a collaborative, cohesive, and well thought out plan is presented during the meeting.

3. Involve Parents in the Process
IEP meetings are most successful when parents feel heard and involved. Prior to the meeting, reach out to parents. You can send home a parent input form for them to fill out regarding how they see that their child is progressing or any areas they may need additional support in. This helps create a collaborative atmosphere and builds trust with the family.

4. Organize Your Documents
One of the biggest stressors in IEP meetings can be disorganized paperwork. Before the meeting, make sure you have:

  • The current IEP
  • Any updated assessments or evaluations
  • Meeting invitations and other required paperwork
  • Notes from other service providers
  • Your prepared discussion points

5. Create a Clear Agenda
It’s helpful to have an agenda ready to guide the IEP meeting. Outline key points such as:

  • Review of current progress and present levels of functioning
  • Proposed New goals or adjustments to existing goals
  • Any changes in accommodations or modifications
  • Any proposed new or changes to services
  • Next steps

Share the agenda with the team and parents at the start of the meeting to keep everyone on track. You can grab a FREE IEP Meeting Agenda and Checklists HERE!

Stay Calm and Flexible
IEP meetings can sometimes get emotional, especially when discussing challenging areas. It’s important to stay calm and open to feedback. Flexibility is key—what’s on paper may need adjusting based on the conversation, and that’s okay! The goal is to create a plan that works best for the student.

To make your IEP meetings easier, I’ve developed a few helpful tools:

  • IEP Meeting Checklist: A FREE quick, printable guide to make sure you’re prepared before stepping into the meeting. There are checklists included for before, during, and after the meeting, as well as a meeting agenda to help your team stay on track.
  • Special Education Binder: With dedicated IEP sections, lesson plan templates, and goal-tracking sheets, accommodations trackers, and more, it helps you keep everything organized throughout the school year.

Grab these resources and make your next IEP meeting a success!

Remember, IEP meetings don’t have to be stressful! With proper preparation and the right mindset, you can create a productive environment that sets your students up for success. Take the time to review, organize, and communicate ahead of time, and you’ll be well on your way to a smooth meeting.

Back to School Tips for Special Educators

As the new school year begins, it’s important to start the year feeling prepared and organized. Here are some valuable tips for both self-contained and resource room special education teachers to help you get organized and create a supportive learning environment for your students.

Classroom Setup and Organization

1. Create a Structured Environment

  • Self-Contained Classrooms: Designate specific areas for different activities such as reading, sensory breaks, and independent workstations. Clear boundaries help students understand expectations and routines, which also builds independent functioning skills.
  • Resource Rooms: Have designated spaces for individual work and group work, as well as for supplies. Flexible seating arrangements can also accommodate your students’ different learning styles.

2. Use Visual Supports 

I say always use visuals whenever and wherever you can!

  • Self-Contained Classrooms: Individualized Visual schedules, labeled bins, clearly labeled areas, and instructional posters can aid in comprehension and independence. Grab this FREE set of Lanyard Visual Cues to use with you in your room or on the go! 
  • Resource Rooms: Incorporate visual aids that support the general education curriculum. This can include graphic organizers, charts, and visual timers. Visual schedules, labeled bins, and the lanyard visuals are still very beneficial for your students. However, your visual schedules need to match your students needs and meet them where they are. It may be a whole-group schedule, or individualized that your students carry with them.

3. Maintain an Organized Space

  • Self-Contained Classrooms: Keep materials organized and easily accessible for you, your paras, and your students. Use color-coded systems for different subjects or activities. I also use color coded student systems, so each student is assigned a color. For Independent workstations, they are both student color-coded and picture coded to match specific tasks.
  • Resource Rooms: Organize materials by subject and/or skill level. Clearly labeled shelves and bins or binders can make it easier for both you and your students to find what you need.

Planning and Preparation

4. Develop Individualized Plans

  • Self-Contained Classrooms: Create lesson plans that align with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Differentiate activities to meet the diverse needs of your students. Use whole group time to teach common topics and use small group/teacher time and independent work time to focus on specific and individualized skills.
  • Resource Rooms: Align your lesson plans with the general education curriculum while providing necessary accommodations and modifications to meet your students needs. Focus on remediating skills that your students need, as well as IEP goals, in order to help them make progress.

5. Build Strong Relationships

  • Self-Contained Classrooms: Establish a strong open communication line with your students’ parents. Regular updates and open communication help build trust and promote collaboration. Remember, you are all a team working to help the students succeed. I like to use a parent communication book, especially for my students who are not able to communicate to their families about their day. It is also very important to collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, and other staff members at the school to make sure that your students’ needs are being met during those times.
  • Resource Rooms: Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure consistency in expectations and support is happening across settings. Set your students up for success!

Managing Behavior and Building a Classroom Community

6. Set Clear Expectations

  • Self-Contained Classrooms: Establish consistent routines and clear expectations and make sure to pre-teach these to your students and review periodically. Visual expectations and social skills stories can help reinforce desired behaviors to your students. These should be stated positively to your students. Plan activities that promote social skills and peer interactions. Group activities and cooperative learning can help build a sense of classroom community.
  • Resource Rooms: Establish classroom routines and expectations at the beginning of the year. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior choices. Encourage inclusive practices and collaboration among your students. Plan classroom activities that promote kindness and understanding.

Self-Care and Professional Growth

8. Prioritize Self-Care

  • Teaching can be demanding, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Set aside time for yourself for relaxation and hobbies. Regular self-care ensures you’re at your best for you and your students. 

By implementing these tips, you can create an organized, supportive, and effective learning environment for your students. Here’s to a successful and rewarding school year!

Lanyard Visual Prompts for Special Education

Visual Prompts

As special education teachers, we are constantly looking for effective tools to support our students’ unique communication needs. One tool that has proven to be incredibly useful are visual supports. We use visuals all the time in our classrooms with our students. I made this set of visuals to wear on our lanyards, because they can go wherever you go! Having them color-coded and varying in size is super helpful to flip to the on you need – when you need it!

What Are Visual Support Lanyard Cue Cards?

Visual prompt lanyard cue cards are small, portable cards attached to a lanyard that teachers wear around their necks. These cards have visual cues and are designed to aid with communication and comprehension for students with special needs, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or speech and language impairments. Having visual supports helps remove the language barrier and helps students understand what is needed or being asked of them without having to process the verbal portion by itself.

Benefits of Using Lanyard Cue Cards

  1. Improved Communication:
    • Non-Verbal Cues: For non-verbal or minimally verbal students, visual cues provide an alternative method to express needs and understand instructions. The visuals also help students with language processing difficulties.
    • Consistency: Visual cards offer consistent messaging, helping students grasp and retain information better. Having the visuals that you can use with you on the go is even more beneficial.
  2. Behavior Management:
    • Routine Reinforcement: Visual Cue cards can reinforce daily routines and expected behaviors, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security. Visuals also help build independent functioning skills for our students.
    • Immediate Access: Having the cards readily available allows for quick and effective intervention during times when you need to use visuals with your students and without having to search for what you need or without thinking (“Oh no, those visuals are in the classroom). They also help intervene quickly with behavioral incidences.
  3. Enhanced Independence:
    • Visual Schedules: Students can follow visual schedules, promoting independence in completing tasks and transitioning between activities.
    • Choice Making: Visual choice boards on lanyards empower students to make decisions, fostering autonomy.

How to Implement Visual Support Lanyard Cue Cards

  1. Select Appropriate Visuals:
    • The visuals included on this set of lanyard visual prompts are clear, simple, and relevant to many students’ needs. They are color-coded and differentiated in size to make finding the one you need simple and quick.
  2. Train and Model:
    • Consistently use the cue cards throughout the day. Model their use during instruction, transitions, and social interactions. Encourage students to refer to the cards as needed.

Tips for Success

  • Consistency is Key: Use the cards consistently across different settings and routines to reinforce their meaning and effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with Colleagues: Ensure that all staff members who interact with the student are familiar with and use the cue cards to maintain consistency.

By incorporating visual support lanyard cue cards into your teaching practice, you can significantly enhance communication, behavior management, and independence for your students. These simple yet powerful tools can make a big difference in creating a supportive, inclusive, and effective learning environment.

Including Fifth Grade Students as Participants in their Matriculation IEP Meetings

As students transition from elementary to middle school, it’s essential to involve them in the process and empower fifth grade students to take an active role in their educational journey. One way to do this is by including fifth-grade students as participants in their matriculation Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of involving fifth-grade students in their IEP meetings and provide tips for facilitating meaningful participation.

The Importance of Student Involvement: Including students in their IEP meetings empowers them to become advocates for their own learning and development. By actively participating in the decision-making process, students gain a sense of ownership and responsibility for their education, leading to increased self-confidence and self-awareness. This also helps build self-advocacy skills and promotes independence.

Benefits of Including Fifth Grade Students:

  1. Promotes Self-Advocacy: Participating in their own IEP meetings allows fifth-grade students to practice self-advocacy skills by expressing their preferences, goals, and concerns. This experience prepares them to effectively communicate their needs in future educational settings. This also helps them to advocate for their own accommodations and services. They may already know what accommodations that work well for them and what they may need to add/change in the future.
  2. Promotes Independence: Involving students in their IEP meetings encourages independence and self-determination. Students learn to identify their strengths, challenges, and learning preferences, empowering them to become active participants in their educational planning.
  3. Enhances Engagement and Motivation: When students feel heard and valued as active participants in their IEP meetings, they are more engaged and motivated to participate in their education. This sense of ownership and investment in their learning can lead to increased academic achievement and success.
  4. Strengthens Relationships: Collaborating with students in their IEP meetings strengthens the student-teacher relationship and promotes a sense of partnership and mutual respect. Students feel supported and understood, fostering a positive school climate and culture. This also helps them to feel more comfortable to voice what they need moving forward in middle school.
  5. Improves Transition Planning: Including fifth-grade students in their matriculation IEP meetings facilitates smoother transitions to middle school by addressing students’ concerns, preferences, and goals. This collaborative approach ensures that students’ needs are understood and supported in their new educational environment.

Tips for Facilitating Student Participation:

  1. Prepare in Advance: Provide students with information about the purpose and format of the IEP meeting in advance, including a review of their current goals, accommodations, and progress. Encourage students to think about their strengths, challenges, and goals for the upcoming school year.
  2. Encourage Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences, preferences, and concerns before the meeting. This reflection can help students articulate their needs and goals more effectively during the meeting.
  3. Provide Supportive Environment: Create a supportive and inclusive environment during the IEP meeting where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions. Use positive reinforcement and encouragement to validate students’ contributions and ideas.
  4. Facilitate Student-Led Discussion: Encourage students to take an active role in leading the discussion during the IEP meeting by asking questions, sharing insights, and expressing their goals and preferences. Provide opportunities for students to contribute to decision-making and problem-solving.
  5. Follow Up and Follow Through: After the IEP meeting, follow up with students to ensure they understand the outcomes and action steps discussed during the meeting. Encourage students to take ownership of their goals and monitor their progress throughout the school year. I also provide students with a copy of their IEP. I encourage them to keep their goals, services, and accommodations in easy access for themselves so that they can refer to it if needed in middle school.

Including fifth-grade students as participants in their matriculation IEP meetings is a valuable opportunity to promote self-advocacy, independence, and engagement in their education. By empowering students to take an active role in their educational planning, we can support their transition to middle school and foster a lifelong commitment to learning and self-improvement. Let’s work together to empower students to become confident and capable advocates for their own educational success. Have any other matriculation tips or questions? Message me on Instagram and let me know.

Preschool & Kindergarten Graduation Ideas

Grad Ideas

The End of the Year in VPK, Pre-K, Preschool and Kindergarten is such a special time to celebrate our students’ accomplishments with a graduation. Every year when my students graduate from preschool, we have a special “Preschool Graduation” day.  We invite their families to come celebrate and we plan activities and events to commemorate the day and their time in preschool. We decorate the cafeteria and stage for our students to sing, dance, make crafts with their families, and take pictures.

Here’s some of the things I make for my class:

Graduation Caps:Grad Caps

To make them, I used black bulletin board borders for the part that goes around their head.  I measured it and cut it for each student. I used foam sheets for the square on top, which you can get at a craft store or on Amazon. I made a hole through the top in the center and put yarn through.  I hot-glued the yarn onto the back side, so it would stay.  Then I used two circle stickers that had cute graduation caps on them (from Dollar Tree) and stuck them together, back-to-back, on the yarn.  I hot-glued the head band from the bulletin board boarder to the foam square on the bottom.  Then to finish it off, I had them choose a color of puffy paint and I wrote their names on top!  For another Pre-K class at my school, I made them in white, so we would each have different colors.  They came out cute in both colors and I’m sure would come out cute in any color!
Here’s another pic of some finished caps stacked up:
Grad Caps 1
Here’s our cute Graduation Handprint poems too!
These poems are available in my TpT store and I’ve included poems for Preschool and Kindergarten!  There’s also certificates included in the pack too!
Grad
During the Graduation Ceremony, after students sing and dance, we pass out “Diplomas”. When they come on stage, instead of handing out the real certificates, we hand out plain printer paper rolled up and tied with ribbon.  Then we give the real certificates to the parents…no bent certificates that way!
Grad Certs
I hope you found these preschool and kindergarten graduation ideas to be helpful for your end of the year graduation celebration. What else do you do to celebrate graduation with your students, find me on Instagram @specialeducationclubhouse and let me know!
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End of the Year Organization Tips for Special Education Teachers

As the school year is coming to an end, special education teachers face the important task of wrapping up the year with organization and efficiency. End-of-year organization is essential for ensuring a smooth transition into the next school year and setting the stage for success. In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable tips and strategies to help special education teachers effectively organize their classrooms and materials as the school year comes to an end.

  1. Reflect on the Year: Before diving into end-of-year organization tasks, take some time to reflect on the past school year. Consider what worked well, what challenges you faced, and what changes you’d like to make for the future. Reflecting on the year will help you identify areas for improvement and inform your organization efforts.
  2. Create a Checklist: Develop a checklist of tasks to complete before the end of the school year. Include tasks such as cleaning out student desks and cubbies, organizing teaching materials and supplies, updating student records, and preparing the classroom for summer break. Having a checklist will help you stay organized and focused on your priorities.
  3. Purge and Declutter: Take this opportunity to declutter your classroom and get rid of any unnecessary or outdated materials. Sort through teaching materials, student work, and classroom supplies, and discard or donate items that are no longer needed. Decluttering will create a more organized and streamlined learning environment for both you and your students.
  4. Organize Teaching Materials: Reorganize your teaching materials and resources to make them more accessible and efficient. Use labeled bins, shelves, or drawers to categorize and store materials by subject, theme, or type. Consider creating a designated area for frequently used resources to make them easy to find during the next school year.
  5. Archive Student Work: Create a system for archiving student work and records from the current school year. Store student portfolios, assessments, and progress reports in labeled folders or bins, and keep them in a secure location for future reference. Archiving student work will help you track student progress and maintain organized records. Some schools have an area where they keep these as cumulative records, and some schools also have these folders placed in an area for the students’ future teachers.
  6. Prepare for Next Year: Take proactive steps to prepare for the next school year by setting up your classroom for success. Consider rearranging furniture, updating classroom decor, and making any necessary repairs or improvements. Preparing your classroom in advance will help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth transition for both you and your students.
  7. Communicate with Colleagues: Collaborate with your other special education teachers and general education teachers to share resources, tips, and best practices for end-of-year organization. Exchange ideas, offer support, and brainstorm creative solutions to common challenges. Working together as a team will make the organization process more manageable and effective.
  8. Celebrate Achievements: Take time to celebrate your achievements and successes from the past school year. Recognize the hard work and dedication of both you and your students, and acknowledge the progress and growth that has been made. Celebrating achievements will boost morale and motivation as you prepare for the next chapter.

By implementing these tips and strategies, you can effectively organize your classroom and materials at the end of the school year, setting the stage for a successful transition into the next school year. End-of-year organization is not only about tidying up physical spaces but also about reflecting on the past year, preparing for the future, and celebrating accomplishments. Here’s to a productive and organized end to the school year!

Supporting Students with Autism

Today’s guest blog is from Heather from Full SPED Ahead. Heather has taught in self-contained classroom settings for middle school and high school students for 8 years. She is currently a Special Education Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator at a private autism school.

Disclaimer about Language

In this blog, I will be using identity-first language. Identity-first language involves referring to individuals by placing the disability or condition before the person, such as “autistic person” rather than “person with autism.” While identity-first language is embraced by many individuals as a way to affirm their identity and foster a sense of community, it’s essential to recognize that language preferences can vary among individuals and communities. 

You should ask the individual what their preference is before assuming. Some individuals and organizations may prefer person-first language, which emphasizes the individual before the disability. When discussing or writing about individuals with disabilities, it’s important to be respectful and considerate of their preferences. It’s always best to ask individuals how they prefer to be referred to and to use language that respects their autonomy, dignity, and self-identification.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that impacts social interaction, communication, and behavior. It affects individuals differently, hence the term “spectrum,” encompassing a wide range of challenges and strengths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism. It is more prevalent in boys than in girls. 4 in every 100 boys receive a diagnosis of autism, whereas for girls, it is 1 in every 100 girls. 

How does Neurodiversity play into this?

Despite the challenges that autism may present, it’s crucial to recognize the neurodiversity movement, which celebrates the diverse ways in which brains function. The movement emphasizes the value of neurological differences and advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism and other neurological variations. Instead of viewing autism as a disorder to be fixed or cured, the neurodiversity perspective reframes it as a natural variation of human diversity. Every brain is different and we should embrace each unique  individual.

Embracing neurodiversity involves recognizing and valuing the unique strengths and abilities of autistic people. Autistic individuals often possess exceptional talents in areas such as pattern recognition, attention to detail, and creative thinking. By embracing these differences, society can create more inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive.

What about autistic students?

When it comes to supporting autistic students, educators play a crucial role in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Here are some best practices for supporting autistic students:

Individualized Support: Recognize that each autistic student is unique and may require individualized support. Collaborate with the student, their family, and any support professionals to develop a personalized education plan that addresses their specific needs and strengths.

Sensory Considerations: Many autistic individuals have sensory sensitivities or preferences. Be mindful of the sensory environment in the classroom, such as lighting, noise levels, and classroom layout. Provide sensory accommodations, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, or a quiet space for students to decompress safely when needed.

Visual Supports: Utilize visual supports, such as visual schedules, visual timers, and visual cues, to help autistic students understand routines, transitions, and expectations. Visual supports can enhance communication, reduce anxiety, and promote independence.

Clear Communication: Use clear and concise language when communicating with autistic students. Be explicit about expectations, rules, and instructions. Offer opportunities for students to ask questions and seek clarification. Visuals can also be a helpful tool in communication.

Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and celebrate the achievements and efforts of autistic students. Provide positive reinforcement, praise, and encouragement to build confidence and motivation. Positive reinforcement also creates positive bonds between adults and children. 

Social Skills Instruction: Offer targeted instruction and support in social skills development. Teach specific social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and initiating conversations, through structured lessons, role-playing, and modeling.

Promote Self-Advocacy: Empower autistic students to advocate for their needs and preferences. Encourage self-awareness and self-expression, and provide opportunities for students to voice their opinions, preferences, and concerns. Body autonomy is such a crucial component of supporting their advocacy. 

In conclusion, supporting autistic students requires a holistic and inclusive approach that values neurodiversity and embraces differences. By understanding the unique strengths and challenges of autistic individuals and implementing best practices in education, educators can create a learning environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.

If you would like to continue the conversation, you may email Heather at heather@fullspedahead.com

You can find Heather on social media below:

Website: https://fullspedahead.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/full_sped_ahead/

TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Full-Sped-Ahead-Heather-Cacioppo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx8px8BJ9cKQwalq34mnnIA

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/910794309732258/

Embracing Neurodiversity: Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

As April approaches, so does an important opportunity for reflection, education, and celebration: Autism Acceptance Month. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – a condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. This month offers a platform to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum while also advocating for inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to support and include students with autism in educational settings and promote autism acceptance throughout our communities.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Firstly, it’s essential to understand what autism spectrum disorder is and how it impacts individuals. Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. However, it’s crucial to recognize that autism is a spectrum, meaning that each individual with autism experiences it differently. Some may have exceptional abilities in specific areas, while others may face significant challenges in daily life. Embracing this diversity is key to fostering acceptance and creating inclusive communities.

Tips for Including Students with Autism

  1. Create a Structured Environment: Establishing routines and predictable schedules can provide students with autism a sense of security and stability. Clearly communicate expectations and transitions to minimize anxiety and promote success.
  2. Provide Visual Supports: Visual aids such as visual schedules, picture prompts, and visual timers can help students with autism understand concepts, follow instructions, and navigate daily tasks more independently.
  3. Offer Sensory Support: Recognize and accommodate sensory sensitivities by providing sensory-friendly spaces, allowing for sensory breaks, and minimizing sensory overload in the classroom environment.
  4. Encourage Communication: Foster communication by using clear, concise language, and offering alternative means of communication such as visuals, gestures, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
  5. Promote Peer Understanding: Educate classmates about autism and encourage empathy and acceptance through classroom discussions, activities, and inclusive peer interactions.

Ways to Promote Autism Acceptance

  1. Educate and Raise Awareness: Use Autism Awareness Month as an opportunity to educate others about autism, dispel myths and misconceptions, and highlight the strengths and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum.
  2. Celebrate Neurodiversity: Embrace and celebrate the diverse perspectives and abilities of individuals with autism by showcasing their achievements, talents, and contributions in various fields.
  3. Advocate for Inclusion: Advocate for inclusive policies, programs, and resources that support the diverse needs of individuals with autism in education, employment, healthcare, and beyond.
  4. Promote Acceptance and Respect: Foster a culture of acceptance, respect, and kindness by promoting understanding, empathy, and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities.
  5. Support Autism Organizations: Get involved with autism advocacy organizations, participate in awareness events, and support initiatives that promote autism acceptance and empower individuals with autism and their families.

Autism Acceptance Month serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of neurodiversity, has unique strengths, abilities, and contributions to offer. By embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and promoting acceptance, we can create communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Let’s celebrate Autism Acceptance Month not just in April, but throughout the entire year by working together to build a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.