With Pirate Pride

Jennifer Forshey, Ashley Morris, and Katherine Hamm are three outstanding teachers at our high school. They lead our AP Seminar course, which focuses on college-level research, writing and presentation skills. . Last week, they shared with me an early lesson from this school year that I think captures so much of what makes River special.

AP Seminar challenges students to explore real-world problems and issues from multiple perspectives. To begin the year, students read several different viewpoints on the purpose of school that had been published by The New York Times. Afterward, each student paired up with someone who held a different perspective, reflected on their own beliefs, and decided which value was most important to them. Together, they created posters and presented their ideas to the class.

What stood out to me is how closely our students’ priorities mirror our own. Many of them identified caring as their number one priority, right alongside hope and the development of good citizens. School provides endless opportunities, but it all begins with the environment students walk into each day. When that environment is caring and supportive, students are able to thrive. Deep learning grows out of deep relationships.

Back in August, I had the privilege of welcoming our staff at convocation. As the “new guy,” I wanted to share my values and develop a foundation for how we will work together. At the heart of our work are two simple but powerful expectations: Care about kids. We bookend this phrase in our expectations because it is the most important thing we do. Caring doesn’t mean lowering expectations or excusing poor choices—just the opposite. It means holding students accountable while walking alongside them, helping them grow into the best versions of themselves.

Every day, in every building across River, you can see this care in action. In partnership with families, we are committed to creating environments where young people feel supported, challenged, and inspired. When we put care at the center, both inside and outside the classroom, deep learning and strong outcomes follow.

This is the most important priority we have and our students say it should be.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham