100% staff agreement

SPA lists its school values in the about section of its website, listing achievement, accountability, community, resilience, inventiveness and passion. But values are both relative and aspirational of the individual, and can end up butting heads with others.

Is SPA really accountable? Focused on community? What about inclusivity? Dr. Ottley, Head of School, aims to foster moral unity and discuss values across all SPA grade levels, similar to his message at the school-wide assembly. To achieve this goal, he has organized a survey for all students, faculty and families, to gather their input on community morals. A hired consultant going through the survey will analyze students’ responses and determine if they align with our school’s values and morals.
Morals and values provide the ethical compass that guides individuals and societies toward a form of excellence that is not only impressive in its accomplishments but also morally upright and socially responsible. SPA strives for excellence, but excellence looks and feels different with every student and staff member. Contradictions of the definition of excellence can arise because it is a multifaceted and complex concept, influenced by individual perspectives, contexts, cultural factors, evolving standards and conflicting goals. What one person or group considers excellent may contradict the beliefs or standards of others, leading to diverse and sometimes contradictory definitions of excellence.

Don’t let self-reflection stop at the survey, continue to take the time to assess your own values and how to present them. Contemplate and define excellence based on the unique compass of your own morals and values, allowing your personal beliefs and principles to guide you towards a standard of excellence that is meaningful and authentic to your individuality. If you don’t see your values being represented, speak up and advocate for what you believe in. Uplift peers’ definitions of excellence even if they may not coincide with your own. Personal definitions of excellence should strive to create a community rather than separate it.