Honoring the Curiosity, Courage, and Care That Shape Our Learning Community
As the year winds down and we reflect on the many vibrant moments at PopSmart Academy, one word keeps coming to the forefront: grateful.
In a fast-paced world full of schedules, schoolwork, and social challenges, the effort it takes for young learners to consistently show up—to be engaged, open, and willing to grow—is no small thing. And behind each student is a family, a parent, a caregiver who makes that possible.
This season, we’re pausing to celebrate three things we’re especially thankful for:
- Students who step into debate and find their voice
- Students who bring their curiosity to every single class
- Parents and families who show up with quiet strength and constant support
Let’s take a moment to honor each.
- Grateful for Students Who Step Up to Debate
Debate isn’t easy. It requires critical thinking, confidence, and a willingness to be challenged—not just academically, but personally. And yet, every time we open the floor for a classroom discussion or host our Future Leaders Debate Championship, our students rise.
They arrive with research, passion, and sometimes even nerves—but most importantly, they arrive with a readiness to engage. They make bold claims. They back them up. They disagree respectfully. They learn that leadership isn’t about always having the right answer—it’s about listening, adapting, and standing firm when it matters.
In our November debate event, we watched students take the stage with determination. Some spoke from a place of lived experience. Others were encountering the topic for the first time and found their footing through preparation and perseverance. Each of them left with something deeper than a certificate or medal: the realization that their voice carries weight.
That’s something we’ll always be grateful for. Because when a young person realizes their voice matters, they don’t just debate better—they lead better. And the world needs more of that.
- Grateful for Curiosity That Shows Up Every Day
If debate is where student voices shine, the classroom is where their minds light up—often quietly, but powerfully.
At PopSmart Academy, whether it’s a writing session, a science lab, or a creative storytelling class, we are constantly amazed by how much curiosity our students bring to the table. They don’t just want answers—they want to know why, what if, and how else.
They explore what would happen if xylem and phloem switched places in plants. They imagine alternative endings to classic stories. They come up with inventions that solve real-world problems and ask questions that don’t have simple answers.
This curiosity fuels learning in a way that textbooks alone cannot. It drives discussions, opens up new ways of thinking, and helps students connect their knowledge to the real world. And it doesn’t always show up as raised hands and bold questions—it’s in the notes scribbled in the margins, the wide eyes during a peer’s presentation, the thoughtful pause before a response.
Every student who walks into class with wonder in their heart is doing the real work of becoming a lifelong learner. And for that, we are deeply thankful.
- Grateful for the Parents Who Make It All Possible
Behind every student’s growth is a support system—parents, guardians, and families who believe in them and in the value of learning.
You help with homework. You drive across town to drop your child off at camp, class, or a debate tournament. You encourage them when they’re uncertain, and you cheer them on when they succeed. You listen to their speeches, read their essays, and celebrate their small (and big) milestones.
Your belief in what we do at PopSmart Academy gives our mission its wings.
We are grateful for the parents who ask thoughtful questions during enrollment, who send notes of encouragement to instructors, and who make time to attend student showcases—even after a long day of work.
You remind us that education is a partnership, and we are honored to walk alongside you in this journey.
What We’re Building Together
When students show up with courage, when curiosity becomes the norm, and when families stand behind that process—we don’t just build better classrooms. We build a better future.
At PopSmart Academy, we believe:
- That confidence is learned—and earned—through practice and encouragement.
- That creativity thrives in environments where questions are welcomed and mistakes are part of the process.
- That leadership begins when students feel empowered to speak and supported when they do.
Your children are doing incredible things. They are writing with heart, speaking with power, and thinking with depth. We don’t take that lightly.
And while we’re grateful for every moment of growth we’ve seen this year, we’re even more excited about what lies ahead.
Looking Forward to More
We’re already counting down to events like the Writing Symposium, upcoming student showcases, and the continued joy of seeing your children arrive at class ready to think, imagine, and grow.
Whether your child has been with us for one class or several years, thank you for being part of this journey. Your presence in our community reminds us why we do this work.
Together, we’re not just preparing students for school.
We’re helping them discover who they are, what they care about, and how to express it.
And for that—and for you—we are endlessly grateful.
Ready to empower your child’s voice? Explore our public speaking programs and discover how PopSmart Academy can help your child reach their full potential. Book a FREE trial class here.
