Welcome Back, SJPDS!

We have had a wonderful first few days of school, and it already feels like this will be an incredible year! Our students were so excited to reconnect with old friends and had a great time making our new friends feel loved and welcome! Mr. Springer, our Head of School, was thrilled to greet students, families, and staff and wrote a letter addressing our community! Please see his Welcome Back letter below!

Welcome back, SJPDS! I have had the joy of welcoming students at carline, visiting classrooms, and meeting many of you. While there were a few tears from some of our youngest children as they began school for the first time, they were quickly surrounded by the love and care of an understanding community of educators and fellow students who welcomed them with open hearts.

Having children back on campus has been truly heartwarming. Their enthusiasm and excitement for the new year inspire us each day and remind us why we do this work! I want to thank you for entrusting us with your children. It is both a sacred responsibility and a joy.

Over the summer, our faculty and staff were hard at work preparing for this school year. Together, we read The Whole Brain Child, a wonderful book that we found valuable both professionally and personally—and one I would recommend to parents as well. Our teachers also engaged in professional development focused on our new K–5 math curriculum and deepened their practice with Morning Meeting, which is being used in every classroom from EC through grade 5 to begin the day with intention and to build a strong sense of community.

In addition, we continued to care for and invest in our campus. The installation of the new HVAC system in the EC Wing is nearly complete and will not interrupt our program. This project, along with our ongoing focus on mission-led work, reflects our commitment to ensuring that our facilities and practices align with our vision and values.

Thank you for your partnership. It is valued, it is essential, and it makes all the difference in the life of our school.

With gratitude,

Steve Springer

Head of School