The Power of Togetherness

The Power of Togetherness

Dear TQS Families:

Civility is the art and act of caring for others.” --Deborah King

Here’s to another week that demonstrates the power of togetherness. We are now six weeks COVID free, our mask-wearing remains at nearly 100% compliance, our students and staff are staying home when sick, and our superhero teachers are instructing both in-person and online classes with unwavering care and determination. 

This positivity has been a welcome respite from the often overwhelming negativity of the outside world.

Yes, we are now less than 20 days from an extremely contentious election, and there is no denying the emotional toll it is taking. Our news, our social feeds, and our streets are filled with divisive messages and high tensions. We are being bombarded with information, and our children are not immune to the impact.

But here, in these walls, we are a force forged together — and we are using this opportunity carefully. Not to ignore the realities of the world, but to examine them with critical minds. 

I think it’s important for you, our TQS families, to know that we are approaching the election process in the same way we approach all topics: by keeping politics out, and values in. 

How? Our teachers are very intentionally keeping to these non-partisan guidelines in all election discussions:

  • We are talking about the issues — not the people.
  • We are reiterating how important it is to respect diverse viewpoints.
  • We are modeling appropriate behavior for our students, setting community norms before and during our conversations.
  • We are firmly upholding our commitment to non-violence and our Quaker values, affirming the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and the dignity of all individuals.
  • We are using this opportunity to teach about social justice, and never allowing political rhetoric to drift into hate speech.

In addition, to honor our Quaker values and dedication to civic engagement and social justice, TQS will be closed on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3). 

Our hope is that we can grow respect for civil discourse and care for others in all of our TQS students, and that this often-fraught time can be one more real-life example to help them #shinetogether. 

By being open, honest, and understanding, we want TQS to be the safe space for our students that we all deserve during these unsettled times. 

Shine on,

Alex

Upcoming Events

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Thunderbird Lanes Holme Ave, 3075 Holme Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136, USA
K-12 students and their families are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun and bowling!