What We Stand For

Early in the program, we asked the Japanese Plus students to identify those values or qualities that they felt identified the group. These could be words that currently describe the group – or they could be qualities that they would aspire to achieve. After brainstorming, small group and big group discussions, the following words were selected to describe the first year class of Japanese Plus. Each year we ask our Japanese Plus students to reflect on these values, and to make additions or changes they feel are appropriate. Here is the result of their collective decisionmaking:

• Open-mindedness
• Respect
• Patience
• Dedication
• Empathy
• Collaboration
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Curiosity
• Equity
• Communication
• Application
• Attentiveness
• Community
• Courage
• Appreciation

These are words that guide the group through their work and time together, and ensure that everyone is living up to their full potential, while still having FUN!

Introducing Puni Puni

The next step was to design a mascot that embodied the group’s values and personality. Again, we had small group brainstorming, development of individual designs, and finally the selection of our mascot. Thank goodness for so much great artistic talent in our group. The winning design was developed by Ana Nguyen, a senior at Capital City Public Charter School. The name – Puni Puni – is Japanese for “squishy,” as in a baby’s cute “squishy” cheeks.