Why Prep

November 12, 2024

Hello Sandia Prep Community, 

It’s difficult to believe we are already in the month of November and even had a snow day! It’s been a fantastic start to the year in many ways - students are diving into their classes, sports, and activities with passion and excitement. There’s an energy on campus that’s palpable, a buzz of discovery and engagement that reminds us of the immense potential within each of our students. But no matter how passionate or capable they are, we know that academic and personal success is built on something deeper: the relationships they form with the adults in their lives.

One thing we believe strongly at Prep is the importance of every student having at least one trusted adult on campus - someone they can turn to, confide in, and rely on. As we strive to reinforce relationships, our first Strategic Priority, we recognize that these connections aren’t just a nice extra - they’re foundational to our students’ well-being and achievement. Research supports what many of us know intuitively: students who have at least one trusted adult at school are more engaged, feel safer, and perform better academically. According to a 2020 study by America’s Promise Alliance, students with a supportive adult at school are also more likely to report a sense of belonging, which can be a protective factor against stress, anxiety, and other challenges young people face today.

Building these important relationships doesn’t happen by chance - it requires intentional effort, thoughtful structures, and a culture that places relationships at the heart of the educational experience. One change we made this year to support relationships was implementing a new schedule. After surveying students and faculty, our scheduling task force determined that while long class periods have some benefits, the downside was that teachers and advisors saw their students too infrequently, making it more challenging to form strong connections. The new schedule still provides a good length of time for classes (one hour) while allowing students to have more regular, meaningful interactions with their teachers and advisors.

This increased face time provides opportunities for adults on campus to check in with students more frequently, thus keeping a closer eye on how they are doing, not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. These regular meetings are vital, especially for students who might otherwise slip through the cracks. By prioritizing time for connection, we’re sending a clear message: every student matters, and every relationship is valued.

In the classroom, our teachers are more than academic instructors - they are mentors, listeners, and advocates. They create an environment in which students feel safe to ask questions, to take risks, and to grow. Outside of class, teachers attend games, performances, and events, cheering their students on. When we show up for our students in multiple ways, we show them that we care about them as human beings, not simply as students in our classes.

And speaking of athletics and performances, this emphasis on relationships extends to all of our Five A’s. Coaches, directors, and activity leaders, much like teachers, play roles in our students’ lives that extend far beyond teaching a craft or a sport, and these adults form crucial bonds with students that live on after the season or school year is over. Additionally, many members of our staff and administration take the time to get to know students individually, whether through leading an activity, coaching a sport, or even through more casual interaction. I cherish the visits students make to my office for Mock Talks (candy and conversation) or the chats I have with them on the sidelines at games. These seemingly small moments have helped me get to know these students better. I want to be sure they know they can come to me and share whatever is on their mind.

As we move through the school year, I encourage everyone - students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff - to reflect on the importance of our relationships with one another. Relationships are the heart of everything we do at Prep. When students know they have someone they can trust, they feel more confident, more resilient, and more willing to take the risks that lead to growth. 

As I walk through campus each day, I see these relationships in action - in a teacher offering an encouraging word, a coach celebrating a hard-fought game, or a student confiding in a trusted mentor. It reminds me that this work is never ‘done’; it’s woven into the very fabric of our school, evolving as each new student and teacher leaves their mark. In a world that can often feel disconnected, these relationships provide stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that is crucial to our students’ development. It is our goal to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and supported throughout their journey here. Here’s to the year ahead and to the relationships that make it all meaningful.

Best,

Heather