Letter from Board of Principals

Dear PennSchool Community,

As we wrap up the month of January and prepare to welcome the Tet Holiday, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on our journey so far this academic year. In this month’s letter, we’ll reflect on the year gone by and draw inspiration for the year ahead through quotes from three prominent thought leaders. I encourage each of our students to take a moment to think: Have you made the most of your time at school? What accomplishments are you most proud of? And what areas do you hope to improve as we move forward? Reflection is a powerful tool for growth, and as Ho Chi Minh wisely said, “To reap a return in ten years, plant trees. To reap a return in 100, cultivate the people.” Let us take this time to invest in ourselves, our relationships, and our community, knowing that the rewards will be far-reaching.

The Tet Holiday is a time of renewal, celebration, and connection – a chance to pause from our busy lives and spend quality time with our loved ones. Too often, our days are consumed by screens and online distractions. Let’s use this holiday as an opportunity to step back from technology and focus on building and strengthening relationships with friends and family. As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely reminded us, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Let’s make the effort to engage in meaningful conversations, share laughter, and create lasting memories with the people who matter most.

As we celebrate Tet, it’s also a time to reflect on how we embody PennSchool’s core values: Innovation, Leadership, Inquisitiveness, Equity, and Respect. These values guide us as individuals and as a community. How have you demonstrated these principles in your daily life? How can you continue to grow and live by these values as a PennSchool Eagle? Let us take inspiration from Mark Twain’s words: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Use this break as a time to reset and recharge, so we can return with renewed energy and a commitment to soar to even greater heights.

Wishing all of our PennSchool families a joyful and meaningful Tet Holiday. May it be a time of reflection, connection, and inspiration for the year ahead.

Warm regards,

Timothy Nelson
Principal of American Program