Welcome back, Orca Community!
The energy from our Orca students was contagious—their excitement to return to the building, re-engage with friends, and reconnect with their favorite staff made for a fantastic start.
Our focus and theme this year is belonging. Research shows that when students feel a sense of belonging—feel seen, affirmed, and connected—academics improve! Also, students are more willing to take positive risks, persevere through challenging work, and navigate social situations.
A key pillar of this work is recognizing and honoring the unique identity of every child and adult in our school. True belonging happens when individuals are seen and accepted for who they are, as we actively embrace and celebrate both our differences and our common ground.
Not only will we be looking at belonging from the standpoint of knowing our students and affirming them as individuals, but extending that to belonging to a place and space where individuals swim together.
Much like Orcas in the wild, we rely on one another—learning together, keeping each other safe, and growing side-by-side year after year. Drawing inspiration from these amazing creatures, our official theme for the year is Pod Power! We accomplish far more together than we ever could swimming solo.
I am thrilled to spend my days alongside this incredible community. Happy swimming,
Rhonda
