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President’s Letter 2019

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Dear Pinewood Community,

One of the greatest strengths of our community is our shared sense of family. And this year, I have been reminded so often of the importance of two critical ingredients of the Pinewood family culture: diversity and inclusion.

The most apparent demonstration of our diversity is found in a record 49 nationalities represented in our student body this year. This includes students from 6 continents and an impressive number of languages spoken and cultural customs practiced. What a wonderful environment for our students to learn in each day.

Beyond the apparent diversity lies an even more valuable type of diversity – that of the multiplicity and abundance of the Pinewood spirit. It is a spirit that has been built by the special contributions of every Pinewood student, teacher and staff member over the last 70 years and it is our collective responsibility to carry it with us wherever we go. 

Inclusion, the second part of our family essence, is the secret to our capacity not only to educate all with equal opportunity, but to build a sense of belonging for everyone. Ultimately, it is our goal to make each and every student feel comfortable being himself or herself each day – to express opinions openly, to empathize with others naturally, and to work collectively for the common good.

Respecting inclusion and diversity is ongoing, not something that is ever ‘done’. Thus, as I wish a fond farewell to the Class of 2019, I send with you these beautiful messages from two influential writers of the 20th century.

“… in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”

-Maya Angelou

“…peace requires everyone to be in the circle – wholeness, inclusion.”

– Isabel Allende

And, I remind you that you are forever a part of the Pinewood family.

Warm wishes,

Dr. Roxanne Giampapa

President