“Building a school culture doesn’t happen overnight,” Peperzak Middle School Assistant Principal Cori Fletcher shared in the school gym on Tuesday with students seated around her for a special assembly. “We are part of something really special, not a single middle school is like us. And in our first year, all together, we won this award.”
James Layman, director of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL), was there to present a certificate and banner to the school as one of the inaugural winners of the AWSL and Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)’s Culture Kickoff Award.
The award was created to recognize and celebrate schools that create and sustain a positive school culture, set the tone for a successful year, and foster a sense of community among students and staff. Peperzak was one of 34 schools statewide, and the only SPS school, to receive the award.
“These schools hit the ground running to cultivate a strong culture and bring people together,” explained Mr. Layman. “We want to shine a light on schools that have a strong start and maintain that positive tone throughout the year through systems. It’s about students and adults coming together to create positive experiences.”
He noted that the two nominations they received for Peperzak highlighted several attributes that made the school, which opened last year in 2023, stand out to the committee.
“Their continued connection and collaboration with Carla Peperzak and her bravery and the spirit she inspires,” he said, counting on his fingers. “How they expanded their staff by nearly half and welcomed them and a new class of students in an intentional way this fall, and how they’re creating a welcoming environment for everyone, not just on Day 1.”
Congratulations, Peperzak Pumas!
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