Mission
Mission Statement
Values
Meet Grace: More Than a Mascot
At The Mandelstam School, Grace isn't just a symbol. She’s a mindset.
Grace the springbok stands for the spirit and strength we hope to instill in every student. Inspired by one of the most agile and resilient animals in nature, Grace represents how we move through the world with purpose, curiosity, and care.
Her name also holds deeper meaning. Grace is an acronym that captures the core values we model, teach, and celebrate each day. Growth Mindset, Resilience, Adaptability, Community, and Excellence. These values shape how we learn, how we treat one another, and how we rise to challenges, both big and small.
GROWTH MINDSET
"Mistakes help me grow!"
Grace knows that learning isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. She reminds us that challenges aren’t roadblocks. They’re stepping stones. Whether we’re tackling a tricky math problem, trying a new gymnastics skill, or performing on stage for the first time, we embrace the idea that effort leads to achievement.
RESILIENCE
"I rise every time I fall."
Grace understands that setbacks happen, but giving up isn’t in her vocabulary. Whether it's a tough test, a missed goal, or a moment of doubt, we push forward, knowing that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about growing stronger.
ADAPTABILITY
"Change is just a new adventure."
The world is always changing and so is Grace. She reminds us that the best learners and the best leaders are the ones who can pivot, adjust and thrive in new situations. We stay curious, stay flexible, and embrace the unexpected.
COMMUNITY
"We lift each other up."
Grace doesn't walk alone, and neither do we. At TMS, we support, encourage, and celebrate each other's successes. Whether it's a high five at recess, a helping hand in class, or doing community outreach, we believe in the power of we.
EXCELLENCE
"I give my best always."
Excellence isn't about being better than someone else. It's about being the best version of yourself. Grace reminds us that every small effort, every act of kindness, and every moment of focus adds up to something amazing.
Core Essentials
Core Essentials provides the foundation for our character education and social-emotional learning. Through this school-wide program, students explore a new value each month. Words like courage, respect, and perseverance are introduced in ways that are meaningful, age-appropriate, and easy to apply in daily life.
Each month’s value is introduced with a clear definition and supported by classroom activities, visual reminders, read-alouds, discussions, and family connections. This shared focus creates consistency across all grade levels and helps students understand not only what these values mean, but how to live them.
We invite parents, teachers, and students to share when they see someone in our community living out the character trait of the month. These moments are celebrated as part of our ongoing effort to lift each other up and recognize the good we see in one another.
The values for the 2025 to 2026 school year are:
- September – Courage
- October – Knowledge
- November – Trust
- December – Joy
- January – Commitment
- February – Respect
- March – Humility
- April – Honor
- May – Perseverance
Core Essentials aligns beautifully with our belief that character and community matter. It gives us a common language, celebrates positive choices, and encourages students to become kind, thoughtful citizens of the world.