| | Dear Friend, When Pollyanna began in 2015, the world was buzzing with change — from the launch of the Apple Watch to the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality. In that moment of transformation, Pollyanna was born with a bold vision: to help schools become inclusive communities where every student, family, and educator feels seen, heard, and valued. What began with one conference in New York has grown into a national movement with a Teen Council, Curriculum, Workshop Series, and partnerships with hundreds of schools. Over the past decade, we’ve trained thousands of educators and proven that kindness and strength together create lasting change. As we celebrate 10 years, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead — from our inaugural National Conference this January in Minneapolis to the 2025-26 Workshop Series launch this month. After a decade of growth, we’re just getting started. Warmly, |
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| | Jan Abernathy Kicks Off the Workshop Series We’re All Members Here – Better Communications for a Stronger PA: This session explores how parent associations can foster belonging through effective communication. By creating inclusive environments, parent leaders can help make school communities where every family contributes and thrives. Each workshop is actionable, inspiring, and grounded in real-world experience designed to spark learning, dialogue, and meaningful change. The Workshop Series is 1 price for 16 powerful workshops. Countless ways to strengthen your school community. |
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| One of the Student Workshops in MN At the Pollyanna National Conference, Alia Carponter-Walker will lead a workshop for students - Courageous Curiosity and Making Your Voice Heard—a space to notice what feels unfair, ask the hard questions, and begin shaping solutions. Through journaling and small-group work, students will turn reflection into action, leaving with the clarity and confidence to spark change in their own communities.
Don’t miss these three powerful days of learning, questioning, and reimagining—where educators, school leaders, and students come together to share practices, challenge assumptions, and Build Stronger and Kinder Communities. Join us in Minneapolis for this workshop and many, many others! |
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| Teen Council October: Your Voice. Your Power. Sadiqa Reynolds, the Founder and President of the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, trailblazing lawyer, civic leader, and community builder, will share her journey and insights on civic engagement. Students will explore how to use their voices, take action in civic life, and lead with purpose in their communities. Our first meetup happens on October 19...we hope to see you! Fill out this short form if you’re interested in attending this year. |
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| | 1 Raffle. Over $10,000 in Prizes. 1 Lucky Winner. In honor of Pollyanna’s 10th Anniversary, enter our $10,000+ Grand Raffle. One lucky winner will take home exclusive experiences and prizes from Butterfield Market, Dolce & Gabbana, The MET, Film at Lincoln Center, and much more. Tickets are $100 each. Raffle closes at noon ET on October 7. Don’t miss your chance to support Pollyanna and celebrate this milestone in a big way. Click here for more information and to buy tickets. |
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| Bridging the Divide Our special workshop on September 18 took on one of the most pressing challenges of this election season: how to support students in navigating political dialogue with steadiness, empathy, and clarity.
In "Bridging the Divide: Supporting Students Through Polarized Political Moments," educators explored how broader socio-political tensions shape school culture and student identity, and what it takes to hold space for belonging in the midst of charged conversations. Jason Craige Harris reminded us that it’s not about shutting down conversations or leaning into fear and self-preservation but about taking steps to stabilize the space so that dialogue can continue. |
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| | Inspired by San Francisco’s Schools Casper Caldarola spent four days at seven schools, engaging in countless conversations about what it means to Build Stronger and Kinder Communities. From Burke’s to Castilleja, Crystal to Drew, Nueva, SF Friends, and Town—each stop was a reminder of the power that lives in classrooms and hallways when educators, students, and families come together with courage and care. Every conversation surfaced fresh insights: how schools nurture belonging, how they confront challenges, and how they create spaces where young people can thrive. The themes may have varied but the throughline was clear—possibility and hope are alive in San Francisco’s school communities. |
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| | Exploring Human Connection at Sonoma Academy Jason Craige Harris recently spent the day at Sonoma Academy in CA to engage students, parents, and faculty/staff in the science of human connection. Together, the community reflected on how small but powerful shifts, such as moving from transactions to deeper interactions and asking, “do you want me to hear, hug, or help you?” can reshape the way we show up for one another. All of the sessions emphasized that these practices not only strengthen individual relationships but also build trust and cohesion across the entire school community. |
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| | | | Exclusively with Pollyanna We’re excited to announce that Jason Craige Harris is now working exclusively with Pollyanna on K–12 schools. Through professional development, coaching, keynotes, and more, Jason brings his depth of experience and transformative leadership to help schools grow and thrive. We invite you to watch one of his videos to see his work in action. For more information, please email info@pollyanna-us.org Where Mission Meets Action: Partner as a Host School This two-part Pollyanna Leadership Seminar helps independent schools align culture, strategy, and mission. Hosted in fall and spring half-day sessions, it offers senior administrators time to reflect, collaborate, and sharpen their decision-making lens. Teams of 5-8 senior administrators — including Heads of School and leaders in Communications, DEIB, and Advancement — explore how daily practices reflect values and how strategy drives impact. The result: stronger trust, clarity, and cohesion across communities. We'd love to speak with you about becoming a host school in your area. Please click here for more information. |
| | | | “I think it’s important for everyone to know they have a voice, that what they have to say is important. Part of leadership is listening too, right? I don’t necessarily agree with everyone’s views, but these are people with a perspective, and we should understand where they’re coming from.” Addeson Lehv, former Pollyanna Teen Council Leader, current Pollyanna Trustee |
| | A FINAL THOUGHT "Be Kind. Kindness is underrated." President Barack Obama in Conversation with Steve Scully | Jefferson Educational Society | 9/2025. |
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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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