Letter from the Board of Principals
As October unfolds with the closing of the first quarter, PennSchool was aglow with our core value of the month: Respect. I feel privileged to be part of a community that doesn’t just speak about values but brings them to life in myriad ways.
Understanding Respect at PennSchool
Universal Acceptance: Respect is about recognizing and celebrating the inherent worth of every individual. At PennSchool, we foster an environment where differences aren’t just tolerated but embraced with open arms. PennSchool tried to embody this with our United Nations Day Celebration. The Vietgangz grounds echoed with the harmonious tunes of anthems and cultural songs as students and teachers donned costumes representing diverse nations. The event was a beautiful ode to global unity and a testament to the respect we hold for the tapestry of cultures within our PennSchool family.
Acknowledging History: Recognizing the tales, triumphs, and tribulations of civilizations and cultures allows us to develop a deep-rooted respect for humanity’s journey. This month we celebrated Columbus Day & Indigenous People’s Day. Our Golden Bell Challenge took students on a journey through time, exploring the westward expansion of Europeans into the Americas. This dual celebration was a nuanced approach to understanding history, its complexities, and developing respect for varied narratives.
Digital Respect: The digital realm is as real as our tangible world. Respect here translates to being aware of our actions, understanding their repercussions, and ensuring safety and kindness online. In an effort to increase digital respect at PennSchool we hosted a workshop series this month called Network Safety & Cyberbullying Workshop. The middle schoolers delved deep into the psychology of online interactions. They learned about the importance of respecting boundaries, the dangers of cyberbullying, and the significance of creating a positive and respectful digital footprint.
Community Care: Respecting one another extends to the environment we share. By taking care of common property, we exhibit respect for our community and the collective spaces that nurture our growth. In ADP 10 our students have a compulsory course called Community Service. October saw their completion of the first round of community service activities in which the students decided to raise money for Saigon Children’s Charity and the Young Animal Rescue Center.
As we conclude the first quarter at PennSchool, I am deeply grateful for the vibrant spirit of respect that permeates our community. It’s heartening to witness our dedication to embracing diversity, understanding history, promoting digital respect, and caring for our shared spaces. I look forward to the continued growth of our PennSchool family, where respect remains a cornerstone of our values and actions. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.
Warm regards,
Mr. Tim Nelson – AP Principal
