| | 27 October 2025 This Moment In a time when schools are stretched and communities are navigating division, the moment is now to come together to learn, support, rebuild, and lead with courage and care. From January 20–22 in Minneapolis, the Pollyanna National Conference will unite schools from across the country committed to Building Stronger and Kinder Communities. Over three days, School PODs – diverse teams representing students, educators, parents, trustees, alumni, and community engagers – will participate in shared learning, real-world problem-solving, and honest reflection. This multi-voice model makes the Pollyanna National Conference unlike any other gathering, ensuring every layer of the school community is part of the change process. This isn’t just another conference. It’s the conference designed for schools ready to turn values into action and to bring more voices into the room and reset. To turn dialogue into strategy and strategy into impact. To leave with a roadmap your team can use right away to strengthen belonging, trust, and mission alignment across your school community. Reserve Space for Your POD Now |
| Why This Conference, Why Now Schools everywhere are balancing rising expectations with limited time and resources. The work of community-building can’t wait, and it doesn’t have to happen alone. This conference exists for that exact reason. At Pollyanna, we believe the most effective change begins when schools pause long enough to reconnect with their values and with one another. “This is a time for clarity and courage. The work ahead requires both.”
— Jason Craige Harris, Conference Guide |
| Join Us for a Live Info Session on October 30 Still deciding? Let’s talk. Join Casper Caldarola and Jason Craige Harris on Thursday, October 30 for one of two 30-minute virtual info sessions. We’ll walk through what to expect at the National Conference, how schools are forming their PODs, and what your team will gain from this experience. Bring your questions and your curiosity. Register for one of the Q&A Sessions here. |
| What Your School Will Gain - Actionable Frameworks: Tools to strengthen trust, belonging, and mission alignment.
- Collaborative Learning: Access to schools nationwide sharing practical solutions.
- Real-Time Impact: Leave with a clear, ready-to-use action plan for your community.
Every day, schools are asked to do more with less — to hold community, nurture growth, and lead with empathy. This is why this conference matters. It’s your moment to pause, reflect, and reignite your mission. |
| | Together, we’ll shape what’s next because the moment for stronger and kinder communities isn’t coming. It’s here. With anticipation,
The Pollyanna Team |
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|  | HIGHLIGHTED WORKSHOP Jan Abernathy - "Stay Ready - Leadership During Change" In today’s world of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA), school leaders are called to lead with both steadiness and adaptability. This workshop explores how to transform strategic thinking from a static plan into an active, daily practice. Participants will learn practical tools for balancing urgent operational demands with long-term vision, anchoring decisions in mission and values. Through discussion and reflection, we’ll explore how to build resilient leadership habits—and how to guide school communities with clarity, flexibility, and confidence, even when the path forward is uncertain. *** WHAT'S NEXT? October: Finalize your travel arrangements, hotel rooms are available to book here. November: Registered schools receive a Pre-Conference Planning Guide with POD directions and reflection tools December: Schools submit final POD lists to this form. January: Gather in Minneapolis for workshops, connections, and collective vision-building Note: Meals at the Conference – Lunch and refreshments will be provided on Wednesday and Thursday, and heavy appetizers at the Welcome Reception on Tuesday night. We accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-sensitive options. *** CONFERENCE NEWSLETTERS The Power of the POD The Impact of the Student Voice Unity In Action The Tools Needed The Ripple Effect The Impact of Every Voice A Shared Beginning *** THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Inclusion Ally: Meredith Herrera Consulting, Strategenius, VHH Consulting Community Connector: Chrysalis Academy, DoSomething.org, Educating for Equity, Joy-Raising, Pollyanna Teen Council, Private School AXIS, Private School Village, Teach AAPI, The Boys' Room, |
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| Join us! | Pollyanna National Conference – Building Stronger and Kinder Communities
January 20–22, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN
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| Pollyanna, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation 501(c)(3). © 2025 Pollyanna | New York, NY 10075 |
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