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Creators of Community: Rooted in Shared Growth
This year, we embark on a wondrous adventure – to become Creators of Community. Imagine our school as a vibrant forest, teeming with life and diverse in its inhabitants. Just as a healthy forest thrives on the profound interconnectedness of its trees, so too will our school flourish when we cultivate a space where each member can bloom.
As renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson reminds us: "When a tree is cut down in the forest, other trees reach out to the victim with their root tips, and send lifesaving sustenance, water, sugar, and other nutrients via the mycelium. This continuous IV drip from neighboring trees can keep the stump alive for decades, and even centuries. And they don't only do it for their own kind. They do it for the trees of other species. Why? Is it possible that trees can think in longer terms than we do?"
This powerful image captures the essence of a flourishing community. Let's embody the wisdom of the forest. We are the stewards – the ones who cultivate a space for shared growth and collective well-being. Just as a forest thrives on the unique contributions of every tree, big or small, so too does our school. Each of us, students, staff, and families, holds the potential to be a nurturer of belonging and a champion of connection. Through our daily interactions, we extend our roots of support, creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to blossom.
Poet Andrea Gibson captures this beautifully: "I was aware that my lifelines are braided with the lifelines of strangers. I was tuned into the knowing that the air I breathe out is the air others breathe in." In our school community, our well-being is intertwined. The kindness we offer ripples outward, fostering a sense of connection that nourishes us all.
In the spirit of the forest, where each tree supports its neighbors, can we become a community that offers sustenance to one another? Together, we can become the guardians of a flourishing forest, a vibrant school community where everyone grows and is empowered to bloom.
Your fellow steward,
Cristina K. Usino, MS, RYT200
Director of Belonging & Collective Well-Being
Director of Belonging & Collective Well-Being
Upholding our Values: Guiding Principles for Civil Discourse
As we embark on this academic year under our theme, "Creators of Community," we find ourselves at a pivotal time with the upcoming election season. This theme encourages us to build, nurture, and sustain a community that thrives on understanding, respect, and collaboration. With this in mind, we want to share our expectations and guiding principles for how we, as a school community, will navigate this period.
Our mission at Moravian Academy is to nurture the joyful spirit of each learner and empower inclusive global citizens to think critically, communicate effectively, lead with integrity, and strive for excellence. During the election season, we are called to embody these values more than ever. Our vision challenges us to answer the questions: Who am I and who can I become? These reflections are essential as we encounter diverse perspectives and ideas.
At Moravian Academy, we firmly believe that a strong community requires active, informed participation from all members. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where civil discourse thrives and where students can engage with complex issues in a respectful and productive manner. To support this aim, we have developed guiding principles to enhance and direct how we interact and communicate with each other.
To maintain a respectful and constructive environment for civil discourse, we have established the following rules for engagement within our community:
List of 5 items.
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Engage in Dialogue
Approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to engage in dialogue. Avoid shutting down discussions or refusing to consider alternative viewpoints. -
Focus on Issues, Not Individuals
Engage in discussions that center on the topic or policy issue rather than personal characteristics or beliefs of individuals. This ensures that conversations remain constructive and relevant. -
Practice Empathy
Strive to understand the perspectives and experiences of others. Listen actively and consider viewpoints that differ from your own. Remember that what may be theoretical for you, may be deeply personal for another person. -
Use Respectful Language
Communicate in a manner that is respectful and considerate. Avoid derogatory or inflammatory language. Consider your tone and the volume of your voice. -
Be Informed
Make an effort to stay informed about the issues being discussed. Use credible sources and be prepared to share evidence to support your viewpoints.
List of 5 items.
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Actively Listen
Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. Practice tips include maintaining eye contact, indicating understanding, and refraining from interrupting. -
Acknowledge Bias
Recognize and disclose any biases or preconceptions you may have. Be open to changing your mind in light of new evidence or compelling arguments. -
Engage in Critical Analysis
Critically analyze media coverage and other sources of information. Question assumptions and explore the underlying values and implications of different policy positions. -
Seek Common Ground
Whenever possible, look for areas of agreement or shared values that can serve as a foundation for constructive dialogue and problem-solving. -
Practice Self-Regulation
Use techniques to manage your emotions and reactions during discussions. Sample self-regulation techniques include deep breathing, taking short breaks, and using positive self-talk.
To support these expectations, our faculty will be trained by the Close Up Foundation, a leading organization in civic education. This training will empower them with the tools to engage thoughtfully and constructively in the process of facilitating classroom conversations.
We are committed to fostering a community that lives out our mission, vision, and values, even in the most challenging of times. By engaging with respect, thinking critically, leading with integrity, and striving for balance, we can navigate the election season in a way that strengthens our community and upholds our shared values.
We look forward to working together as "Creators of Community" and demonstrating the grace, love, and belonging that define Moravian Academy.
