MARCH 2024

If you're in St. Louis for NAIS, please stop by our table and say hi!

Conferences, connections, and conversations are the heart and soul of how Pollyanna accomplishes its mission of developing stronger communities. Our three conference models center on creating a stronger community and generating actionable ideas by engaging schools across constituencies in meaningful, constructive dialogue that leverages the wisdom of every voice in the room. Learn more about becoming a host school during the 2024-25 school year.

LOOKING BACK

2/3/24: 14th Annual Dalton Conference

The Dalton School welcomed 26 NYC independent schools to this year's conference: Building Sexuality and Gender Affirming Schools. Ten years ago, the conference was focused on inclusion for LGBTQ+ members, and this year provided an opportunity to revisit progress that's been made and the work that still needs to be done. Schuyler Bailar, an author and advocate for trans inclusion, keynoted the event. He described his inspiring journey and spoke about ways to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging in school.

2/7/24: Ali Michael Joined Our Workshop Series

Building a healthy multiracial democracy requires that we recognize our interdependence and interconnection. Working against oppression is scary because oppression is designed to intimidate and silence; however, training for courage enables us to work against oppression.

Check out facilitator Ali Michael's key takeaways and action items from her recent workshop, Training for Courage: Tools for Educators.

2/25/24: LGBTQIA+ Legislation

The Teen Council welcomed Kiara Saint James, Founder and Executive Director of the NY Transgender Advocacy Group. The discussion focused on ways in which students could better use our experiences and privilege to help combat the onslaught of anti-Trans laws being introduced across the country, especially in schools and education. Kiara talked about her own experiences in the social justice field working on the GENDA act and explained the process and philosophy behind this landmark legislation. Become a Pollyanna Teen Council Member School in 2024-25!

LOOKING AHEAD

3/6/24: Naledi Semela

How do schools report their diversity numbers? The fastest growing racial group in the country is that of people with more than one race. Join Naledi Semela for "Counting In: Supporting the Growing Population of Interracial Families in Independent Schools workshop. Participants will explore the history of racial categorization, its impact on independent schools today, and discuss how to best support multiracial students and families with a sense of belonging. It's not too late to sign up! All workshops are recorded.

3/10/24: Angélica Dass

We're excited to welcome Angélica Dass, an award-winning photographer born in Brazil and based in Spain. Her practice combines photography with sociological research and public participation in global defense of human rights. She is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Humanæ project—a collection of portraits that reveal the diverse beauty of humanity. Angélica’s work transcends the museums and finds in school classrooms a great universe of work. 13- to 18-year-olds may sign up here.

RESOURCES

TeachAAPI

TeachAAPI is a national nonprofit focused on shaping a more inclusive future for America by offering pre-K to 12th grade AAPI education. Its engaging and immersive programming supports today’s learners and educators, through flexible access to a wide range of high quality, shelf-ready curriculum, on-demand content, and cultural celebrations. They believe when students are exposed to multitudes of people and cultures, they develop the empathy needed to understand themselves and those around them. Across a generation, this can have a profound effect on our world. To learn more, visit them at www.TeachAAPI.org and @TeachAAPI, or contact them at info@TeachAAPI.org.

Pollyanna Summer Workshop Series 2024

We are excited to announce that registration for our Summer Workshop Series 2024 is now open. This summer, we have 12 informative 1-hour Zoom workshops with 13 inspiring facilitators beginning June 25 and running through August 1. One low price for your community. This is easily over $35,000 worth of professional development. Click here to learn more and register. All sessions are recorded and archived. We hope to see you this summer from your office, home or the beach.

ENDORSEMENT

Working with Pollyanna to bring the multi-school conference back to San Francisco created an inspiring experience for educators across the Bay Area to re-connect and consider together the value/ importance of centering belonging in our schools. This work is more important than ever - we are so grateful for this partnership and network.

Pankti Sevak, Head of School San Francisco Friends School

FOLLOW POLLYANNA

Pollyanna, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation 501(c)(3).

Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences