| January 2023 Dear Friend, Time in the last few years was a bit surreal. For some of us, time moved slowly and allowed many of us to make huge dents in our “to do” lists. For others, life felt overwhelming and made the pressures of “getting stuff done” too much to manage. Rather than a list of resolutions this year, I’ve started a “looking forward to” list for 2023. As someone who tries to focus on the positive and see the good before the bad, this was a fun and meaningful list to put together. From the easiest ones to appreciate to the ones that bring a welcomed challenge and all the ones with joy in between, these lists are something I’ll refer to throughout the year. From a professional lens, there is so much to look forward to: -
Working with the Pollyanna team of colleagues, trustees, advisory group members, and Teen Council members. This an extraordinary group of people committed to creating and supporting a more equitable and kinder world. -
Helping to produce and attending our Conferences this year. Building stronger school communities and empowering students is our mission. Through the end of the 2022-23 school year, we’ll have conferences at Drew School in California, Tatnall School in Delaware, The Willows in California, San Francisco Friends School in California, Ravenscroft School in North Carolina, St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Texas, St. Luke’s in Connecticut, Far Brook in New Jersey, Dalton School in New York, and Forsyth Country Day in North Carolina. These conferences include our Multi-School and Intra-School models and also a unique collaboration with Charles Vogl. -
Creating workshops for students, faculty, parents, trustees that support personal and professional growth. As much as we’re tired of Zoom, in many ways it has made access to workshops much easier. Nothing replaces in-person, but we do create a community on Zoom during our workshops. If you’re interested in learning how to implement our K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum, join us in February for a new workshop. And, personally: -
Continuing to challenge myself with items on my 2023 bucket list. (2022’s list included obtaining a license in a field that interested and intimidated me 25 years ago, reconciling with family members, riding my bike every day…literally every day, listening to 40 audio books, getting a tattoo, and a few others.) -
Appreciating good health. -
Learning a new language. -
Listening to 50 audio books. -
Riding my bike every day. -
Enjoying special moments with family and friends. And, because my professional and personal lives are so intertwined…I truly look forward to spending time with Pollyanna's amazing clients, many of whom have become friends. Having people in your life who challenge, support, and fill your heart is what makes life meaningful. Wishing you a special new year and creating a great “looking forward to” list! | |
 | | A Parent/Guardian Survey If you are the parent or guardian of a school-aged child, please consider responding to a one-question survey for our next Pollyanna Position Paper. We have surveyed Heads of Schools, DEI Directors, teachers, and students. Our hope for this paper is to hear more from families about how schools are helping students develop healthy interpersonal skills. All responses are anonymous. We will share the results with you in February’s newsletter. | | | |  | | 3 Sessions About Pollyanna's Curriculum If you're thinking about downloading our curriculum, have already and are not sure how to implement it, or if you've already introduced it to your class and have some questions, join us. Reserve your spot. | | |  | | January 7 Pollyanna Teen Council Meet-up All 13 to 18 year-olds are invited to join us for a special discussion on religion with Jason Craige Harris. We come together for monthly discussions to learn how the student voice matters. Students may sign up on our page to receive the Zoom link. And, mark down 2/11/23's meet-up on Promoting Free Speech and Equality Values with Legal Scholar Olatunde Johnson. | | | |  | | We'll Be in DC with AAIE in February Join AAIE at their Equity Pre-conference on Sunday, February 5 as Jay Golon and Jacqueline Nelson from Pollyanna will facilitate THE STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES Using the Assessment Process to Examine Equity, Values, and Narratives. Click here for more information. | | | |
