by Anna Lodder | Aug 18, 2025 | integration
A couple days ago, Integrated Schools posted a TikTok about “redshirting” — the practice of holding kids back a year so they’re the oldest in their kindergarten class — and it blew up. Hundreds of comments poured in. Some agreed. Some disagreed loudly. And some made points worth sitting with. We’ve been in the thick of these conversations for years, but seeing all the attention “redshirting” got on TikTok has made us want to dive a little deeper and respond to some of the feedback, and add more context.
by Anna Lodder | Apr 8, 2025 | integration
Last week, we introduced our #PublicSchoolsSaveDemocracy campaign, and we want to talk a little bit more specifically about why we believe INTEGRATED public schools save democracy.
by Anna Lodder | Mar 31, 2025 | integration
The challenges of the last few months have left many of us feeling disheartened and uncertain. But one thing is clear: We cannot afford to retreat into silence. We cannot wait for the next election, the next policy shift, or the next “big moment” to make a change. Democracy is a long-term project, and public schools are at the very heart of that work.
by Anna Lodder | Jan 23, 2025 | benefits of integration, our stories
Last year, the office of US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote a nearly 30 page health advisory about the mental health issue of parental stress. Anna, a White parent in Phoenix, who also serves on the leadership team at IS, shares her thoughts about the advisory and how it relates to integration.
by Anna Lodder | Aug 19, 2024 | book club
We are thrilled to announce a special “teacher’s edition” of the Integrated Schools Book Club, a conversation that centers educators but also makes room for those of us across the Integrated Schools community who want to know how we can support teachers in honoring and uplifting the diverse backgrounds of our students.
