PS9 PACE

Setting A Collaborative Rhythm in Our Hive

PS9 PACE is a framework developed and supported by the PTO for building on who we are as engaged parents to enhance our school partnership. It is centered on four cornerstone values:
  • PATIENCE creates space for collaboration. When we take a breath before responding and allow reasonable time for communications, we enable thoughtful work.
  • AWARENESS builds understanding. School decisions involve multiple stakeholders—students, teachers, families, the NYC Public Schools system, and third-party programs to name a few. When we expand our perspective, we better understand why some decisions may not meet all of our individual needs.
  • CURIOSITY opens doors. When a decision doesn't make sense to us, we assume best intentions and start conversations by asking for context.
  • EMPATHY strengthens our community. We're all juggling competing priorities under different constraints—public school resources, family schedules, personal circumstances. Which means that information may not always reach us immediately or perfectly. When we're feeling confused or out of the loop, we assume positive intent and extend grace to one another.

Like a thriving beehive, our school works best when every member—families, teachers, staff, and students—works together.

And like runners who pace themselves for a marathon rather than sprinting at the start, PACE helps us set a sustainable rhythm that supports our community from September through June—and beyond! Our teachers, administrators, and staff have dedicated their careers to supporting our students. When we practice patience, awareness, curiosity, and empathy in our partnerships with them, our hive thrives and our children flourish.

Join us at PTO meetings to explore what these values can look like in practice at PS9. We're excited to have conversations, share experiences, and learn from each other.