Greetings from 1030 East California Boulevard!

I love the days leading up to the opening of school as the campus reawakens with a distinct energy that signals the start of a new school year—the familiar rhythm of the academic calendar begins!

I hope you all had the chance to reconnect with family and friends over the summer and to embrace new experiences. Our campus doesn’t rest after the final senior crosses the graduation stage in June. PolySummer and Partnership for Success bring together students from across the city, the wider community, and the world. The JumpStart program, now in its third year, welcomed students new to Poly from non-independent schools and provided a variety of experiences designed to assist their transition into the community. Finally, our athletic teams began their preparations with summer practices, and two groups of our students had the incredible opportunity to participate in faculty-led research projects in biology and the visual arts. This blend of the familiar and novel creates the vibrancy and curiosity that defines the Poly community.

As we look ahead, we recognize the opportunities and challenges before us, particularly as the election approaches. While we can't insulate ourselves from the pervasive contentiousness and divisiveness of the current political climate, we can lean on the strength of our mission to guide us. The temptation to stray is real, but our mission, PolyHonor, and DEI statement remind us how academic excellence, personal responsibility, and service to others manifest in our academic and co-curricular programs.

"Civil discourse" is a phrase you’ll hear often, and while it isn’t new, it’s more relevant than ever. Through the pandemic and our ongoing efforts to support a more diverse community, we have sometimes struggled to truly listen to one another and entertain the possibility that we might be wrong. Our disagreements should not define us; instead, we should be defined by our willingness to listen with empathy, engage with generosity, and celebrate the similarities and differences we each bring. Many of my colleagues, including myself, have participated in professional development on this issue over the past spring and summer. As you can imagine, we have digested a wealth of materials, insights, and recommendations. I was particularly struck by one of the pieces that reminded us of the importance of teaching our students to be conscious of what they say and the impact it has on others, to be courageous in expressing their views while creating an environment that supports diverse viewpoints, and to listen deeply and generously to opinions that might run contrary to their own. Our challenge as a community—students and adults— is to support one another in these conversations and recognize our primary task is to teach and learn together.

As we start this new academic year, let’s focus on creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Let’s approach each day with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to grow—not just in our studies but also in our interactions. I’m excited for the year ahead!

Be well,

John Bracker

Head of School