| | | | Dear Friend, Last month, we gathered for Pollyanna’s first-ever virtual National Conference. While we had hoped to be together in Minneapolis, the realities on the ground made that impossible. Choosing to go virtual was not easy, but it was the right decision. We stand with the Minneapolis community, and we are deeply grateful for the grace and flexibility shown by our schools, facilitators, sponsors, and speakers. What unfolded over those three days exceeded our hopes. The learning was rich, the conversations honest, and the sense of connection real. Even across screens, we showed what it looks like to keep showing up for one another and for Building Stronger and Kinder Communities. Click here to view our PNC 2026 Newsletter wrap up and stay tuned for our PNC 2027 announcement. That spirit of connection continues with the launch of Pollyanna Circles, our new membership community designed to deepen engagement, extend learning, and support schools year-round. And, as always, we are reminded that community is also personal. This month, we are smiling a little wider as we welcome new Pollyanna family members (see below) and celebrate the moments that bring joy alongside the work. Thank you for being part of this growing, caring community. We are so glad you are here. | |  | | | | | Leadership Team Convening Launches in 2026 We’re excited to invite you to Resilient Leadership in a Time of Change, Crisis, and Conflict, launching in New York City this April – created by Pollyanna and hosted by The Hewitt School and St. Luke’s School for NY schools. Designed for senior leadership teams, this two-part convening strengthens alignment between mission, priorities, and decisions. Guided by Jason Craige Harris, we’ll engage in role-based discussions and intentional team planning, leaving with tangible takeaways, actionable insights, and a clear roadmap for mission-aligned progress. Click here to learn more and register. | | | | Introducing Pollyanna's Circle Membership 2026-27 Year-Long Learning. Stronger Communities. One Annual Fee. Join the Pollyanna Circle and equip your entire school community with the programs, tools, and inspiration needed to Build Stronger and Kinder Communities all year long. Become a founding member and gain expanded access to the resources schools rely on most from Pollyanna. Click here for more information and to register. | | | | Teen Council's February Meetup: Exploring Identity Join Anthony Witte on Sunday, February 8, on Zoom as he leads a conversation on identity, belonging, and equity. Drawing on experience in independent school leadership, journalism, and arts administration, he provides insights on cultural competency and inclusive community-building. If you're 13-18 years old and would like to join a great group of students from across the country, fill in this form and we'll be in touch. | | | | | | David & Ivy Headline Our February Online Workshops Our workshops for the second half of the school year are filled with incredibly strong content and very much needed now. Please join us. On Thursday 2/12, David Smith will examine how advancement teams can align fundraising, alumni engagement, and events with DEIB goals. On Tuesday 2/24, Ali Michael will explore the shift from DEI to “pluralism” and why it may unintentionally uphold exclusion. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The Art of Having Difficult Conversations Pictured here is Renita LiVosi, Katherine Delmar Burke School’s innovative Director of DEIB, alongside Pollyanna partners Anthony Witte and Jason Craige Harris. They recently spent time with faculty and staff exploring the art of having difficult conversations — approaching them in ways that build trust, preserve dignity, and strengthen community. We’re grateful for schools that invest so intentionally in courageous dialogue, relational leadership, and the well-being of the adults who shape young people’s lives. | | | | | | We've Added to Our Team We’re thrilled to welcome Veneka Chag as a Trustee and Derek Lipscomb as Project Coordinator to Pollyanna. Veneka brings deep expertise in philanthropy, governance, and relationship-building, while Derek offers years of experience in education, athletics, and community organizing. Together, their leadership and lived experience will strengthen our programs, partnerships, and collective efforts to Building Stronger and Kinder Communities. | | | | | | And a New Family Member On December 31, Akemi-Rose arrived a bit earlier than expected and has already filled many hearts. She is the beautiful daughter of Dayna Campbell, Pollyanna’s Chief of Staff, and her partner, Dennis Bonilla. Now one month old, Akemi-Rose is keeping her parents happily busy and very much on their toes. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Pollyanna family and send so much love to Dayna, Dennis, and Akemi-Rose. | | | | | | | | | | | | Strategenius Hosting Virtual Career Fair and Networking Event Join on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9:00-11:30AM PST for this premier virtual fair that connects independent schools committed to equity with a diverse, dynamic network of educators and leaders. Click here to sign up now! - Candidates can explore roles across teaching, administration, operations, advancement, admissions, and more, while receiving free resume feedback from TopResume.
- School leaders will engage with a curated pool of candidates, conduct interviews, and participate in mini workshops on ethical, inclusive hiring. Candidates gain access to national and international opportunities, real-time interviews, and career-building workshops.
Let your next opportunity within an independent school come to you! -------------------- Democracy in Action Curriculum The Civic Life Project is a nonpartisan educational initiative that empowers young people to explore democracy and civic engagement through documentary filmmaking. To help teachers bring this experience into their classrooms, we offer a six-part professional development series (90 minutes each). These workshops introduce our free Democracy in Action curriculum and provide hands-on training in the basics of digital filmmaking using only a smartphone. Teachers learn by doing—planning, filming, and editing a short interview—so they are fully prepared to guide their students in creating powerful stories that connect civic learning with real-world action. Learn it. Teach it. Film it. Empowering teachers to empower students. For more information, contact Dominique Lasseur at [email protected] | | | | | | | | "Of all my pre- and post-COVID virtual experiences, this was by far the most meaningful and connected. While we all missed being together in person, Pollyanna's leadership and efforts created an online community experience, not merely a virtual conference. The impact of thoughtful planning, consistent communication, and a strong reflection of shared values was clearly felt by each participant. I will admit that my morning feels a bit empty now that our virtual gathering is over." Mia Burton, Assistant Head of School for Community, Equity & Student Success, Flint Hill, VA | | | | A FINAL THOUGHT "The life of a nation is secure only when the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous." Frederick Douglass | | | | | | | | | | | | | Pollyanna, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation 501(c)(3). © 2025 Pollyanna | New York, NY 10075 | | | | | | | |
