At All Saints Episcopal Day School, we are committed to providing an education that nurtures the whole student—academically, emotionally, and socially. As we celebrate the Week of Respect (October 7-11, 2024), a time dedicated to fostering positive school climates and promoting social and emotional learning (SEL), we are excited to highlight a new initiative that aligns with these goals: the Pollyanna Program. This program not only addresses emotional resilience but also introduces Pollyanna’s K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum, which plays a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable school environment.

The Week of Respect: Supporting Social and Emotional Learning

The Week of Respect, established by the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, underscores the importance of SEL and highlights efforts to prevent harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). At All Saints, we embrace this week as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels respected and valued. Our efforts to promote inclusivity and emotional well-being are deeply tied to the values of this important week.

The Pollyanna Program supports these objectives by equipping students with the skills they need to navigate emotional challenges and build strong, supportive relationships. This year, we are expanding the program to include Pollyanna’s K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum, a comprehensive educational tool designed to help students understand and address issues related to race and racism. This addition reflects our belief that a respectful and equitable community requires not only emotional intelligence but also racial literacy.

Pollyanna’s K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum: A Pathway to Equity and Justice

Pollyanna’s K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum is a free resource designed to empower students with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to address racial issues thoughtfully and constructively. By incorporating this curriculum into our broader SEL framework, we are giving students the opportunity to examine critical values related to identity, community, and justice. Students engage in age-appropriate discussions and activities that foster a deeper understanding of the historical and systemic roots of race and racism, as well as the ways these issues continue to affect society today.

One of the core goals of the curriculum is to develop students’ racial literacy, helping them become more aware of racial dynamics and better equipped to challenge inequities. At All Saints, we believe that by teaching students about race and racism in an open, honest, and thoughtful manner, we are helping to shape the next generation of compassionate and socially responsible leaders.

As Pollyanna states: “Helping students become racially literate is one of the best solutions to these persistent problems.” Without this knowledge, the status quo will persist. The K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop concrete academic and leadership skills while cultivating a more robust vision of social responsibility and global citizenship.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our school community is dedicated to constant reflection on our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and how we live into our beliefs. Our mission statement begins, “All Saints Episcopal Day School is a diverse community committed to academic excellence and social responsibility.” When creating partnerships, the school’s leadership works with the faculty to identify organizations and partnerships that will align with and enhance our work.

As Ms. Aya, our school counselor who has previously used this program, explains: “Pollyanna cultivates in students a sense of deep reverence for our differences, similarities, and the dignity we owe each other as members of a community. All Saints’ mission is manifest in the curriculum, as students explore community, identity, and belonging.”

Through this program, under the guidance of our dedicated faculty who will all receive training from a facilitator from Pollyanna, students will be supported by classroom discussions that address not only emotional well-being but also the critical issues of race and equity. This holistic approach ensures that our students are prepared to thrive academically, socially, and as responsible global citizens.

Integrating the Pollyanna Program with the International Baccalaureate Framework

The Pollyanna Program aligns seamlessly with the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, which emphasizes the development of well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally intelligent and socially responsible. By incorporating Pollyanna’s K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum into our IB framework, we are enhancing our students’ understanding of global citizenship, empathy, and social justice.

Students will reflect on their own identities, engage in meaningful conversations about race and equity, and collaborate with peers to build a more inclusive school community. This work supports the IB’s Learner Profile, which encourages students to be caring, open-minded, and principled—qualities that are essential for creating a more just and equitable world.

A Safe and Inclusive Future at All Saints

As we observe the Week of Respect and launch the Pollyanna Program with its focus on emotional resilience and racial literacy, we are reaffirming our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students. At All Saints, we believe that fostering emotional well-being, social awareness, and racial understanding is as important as academic achievement. Through these initiatives, we are preparing our students to navigate the complexities of the world with empathy, confidence, and a strong sense of justice.

With the support of programs like Pollyanna and the leadership of our educators, we are confident that our students will continue to grow as compassionate, resilient individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. The future at All Saints is bright, as we nurture scholars who are equipped not only with knowledge but with the emotional and social skills necessary to shape a more equitable world.For more information on Pollyanna’s K-12 Racial Literacy Curriculum, please reach out to info@pollyanna-us.org.