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8 September 2025
Welcome to the First Edition of the Pollyanna National Conference Newsletter
Whether your school is already registered or still considering joining us, this newsletter will bring you updates, resources, and voices from school communities leading up to the Pollyanna National Conference (PNC). In this first issue, we introduce the heart of the conference—the POD—and why it makes the PNC unlike any other gathering.
What makes the Pollyanna National Conference (PNC) different? The POD.
A POD is a representative group of your school community—administrators, alumni, community engagers, faculty, heads of school, parents, high school students, and trustees—all together in one room.
This structure ensures your school’s experience is unlike any other:
Every voice is included — conversations deepen when multiple perspectives are heard.
Fostering shared learning — schools leave with stronger connections and accountability.
Dialogue becomes action — teams return with ideas and plans that reflect the compassion and hopes of the entire community.
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A School Leader’s Perspective "Schools have never been asked to do more than they are right now, especially in terms of educating young people for a rapidly changing world that requires thoughtful discourse across perspectives and compassionate leadership for generations to come. We anticipate our School POD will come away from Pollyanna’s National Conference with concrete tools and strategies that will amplify our commitment to fostering a Beloved Community at Nueva."
— Lee Fertig, Head of School, The Nueva School (CA) |
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Why Kindness Matters in Education “Kindness builds well-being, reduces stress, and fosters social connection—and those benefits extend deeply into school communities.” — Harvard Health Publishing
Explore the Power of Kindness in Schools → |
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What’s Next? November: Registered schools receive a Pre-Conference Planning Guide with POD directions, reflection tools, and tips. January: Your school won’t just take back ideas—you’ll return with a plan, a network, and renewed energy to launch change. |
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We can’t wait to see your School’s POD in action in Minneapolis. With anticipation,
The Pollyanna Team |
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Quick Links
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Why the POD Matters
When every role in your school community comes together, conversations deepen, assumptions are challenged, and ideas turn into action.
Discover Why PODs Make the Difference
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
Inclusion Ally: Strategenius, VHH Consulting, Meredith Herrera Consulting
Community Connector: Private School Village, Joy-Raising, DoSomething.org, Teach AAPI, The Boys' Room, Private School AXIS, Educating for Equity, Pollyanna Teen Council
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Hear from One of Our Facilitators
Derek Lipscomb, High School Community Engagement and Belonging Coordinator, The Dalton School, NY. Derek will lead a student session titled, "Passive or Direct - How to Navigate Dialogue Through Difference."
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Join us!
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Pollyanna National Conference – Building Stronger and Kinder Communities
January 20–22, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN
Follow us: Instagram | LinkedIn |
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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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