Author: John Novick, Jr., Head of School

STUDENTS LEARN IN IMPACTFUL AND ENDURING WAYS WHEN ACADEMIC STUDIES ARE INQUIRYBASED, COLLABORATIVE, INNOVATIVE, CHALLENGING, AND FUN

As we settle into the new school year at NPES, I invite you, for yourselves and your children, to join me and our exceptional faculty and staff in committing to seeking and embracing the joy that exists, all around us, throughout the academic year ahead.

Surely the struggle, disappointment, and failure inherent in the process of learning and growing up can be painful at times (and productive pain, that leads to growth can be beautiful and impactful for individuals and a community). But there is so much joy to be had and gratitude to share, even in the challenging moments, provided we seek together to recognize and embrace it.

For decades now, students, families, alumni, and staff have talked about how at NPES you can “feel something in the air, something affirming, inclusive, and joyful” I think that feeling is real, but not the least bit mystical It’s rooted, deeply, in this simple statement from our Core Educational Beliefs (found at npeschool.org): “Students learn in impactful and enduring ways when their academic studies are inquiry based, collaborative, innovative, challenging, and fun.” In other words, a school is supposed to be a positive, engaging, interesting, and joyful place as often as possible Our faculty/staff and parents/caregivers share the responsibility of making that vision a reality for every child I view this simple but powerful principle as a key ingredient in our “secret sauce,” a small school with a big impact. As Head of School I experience it myself daily in every corner of our building, and at every special event and gathering. We are a fun, joyful, and grateful school and community

This is not to say that our students don’t feel the anxieties of coming of age in the 21st Century, nor that it isn’t complex and difficult work to keep students in this societal context healthy and whole, thriving intellectually and as positive, contributing members of a community. While it is true that the ideal environment for promoting a positive self-concept and intellectual and social emotional growth is optimistic, inclusive, joyful, and grateful, today it takes an entire community dedicated to that vision to fend off the significant challenges to sustaining that culture and climate These challenges include perfectionism and the fear of failure (when in reality all learning begins with a mistake); the increasing amount of courage it takes to present one’s authentic self in the world–and to help make it possible for others to do so; persistent (and in some instances, worsening) social injustices that drive social ills for which all ultimately pay in our society; and a digiverse that at its worst preys on our vulnerabilities, obscures truth through misinformation, foments intolerance and reduces humanity to a single image, a few words, a soundbite

In this challenging societal context, a school and community like ours is not just special, it’s essential Everything begins at home, and in elementary school Our nation and world need, more than ever, educated, enthusiastic, and engaged citizens who are intellectually curious, analytical and creative in their thinking, culturally literate, and empathetic, flexible, resilient, compassionate, and inclusive. This is what NPES strives to model and teach every day. And when we fall short, we do our best to learn from it and get better, together. We are all fortunate to have this school and community in our lives, and as we enter the 2024-25 school year, let’s pledge to continue to make our school a loving and authentic place for children to learn and grow, a place that is not afraid to engage in hard things for the benefit of our students, but is just as committed to recognizing and embracing the joy and gratitude alive all around us If we can do that for one another, our students will reap the benefits today, and for years to come.