I have had students that preferred to be called a different name. I always respect their request and make a note of it. I wish there is a spot in powerschool where we could put a spot for 'Preferred Name'. This would help so the student would not have to go through it every first day or for a substitute teacher. When we honor and remember students' names, they feel seen, heard and respected. It helps all students to feel safe and accepted while in your classroom. The Hollywood story was really unfortunate; renaming someone is never okay. To show kids you respect them, do whatever you need to, to get their name correct. Say it, write it down, practice it, check in to make sure you said it correct...
