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Change Makers

Thích Nhất Hạnh 2022-23 Change Maker

The theme for the 2022-23 school year was Crisis and Opportunity, and our change maker was Thích Nhất Hạnh. His life of mindfulness and peaceful work inspired our TK-8 curriculum for the year.

This year, we were honored to be joined at our Interactive Lab by Brothers Phap Dung (Brother Embrace) and Phap Luu (Brother Stream) from Deer Park monastery. They played, explored, and answered many questions. 

What makes a Change Maker

Impact the world in positive and authentic ways.

 
 

Are robustly prepared for real-world challenges that require the integration of academic, creative, and social-emotional domains.

Are not defined by numbers or scale: To make a positive change in the life of one person brings positive change to the world.

OUR Change MakerS

Each year we identify a Change Maker who embodies that year's theme, and can be a lens through which we view our curriculum and projects for the year. Every class, TK - 8, learns about the life and work of this change maker. Change Maker nominations and selection process involves all members of the community, from students to parents & staff. 

Change Maker Themes

The Change Maker Themes inform the selection of each year's Change Maker and reflect the focus we aim to have on curriculum for that year. When a student has completed their Synapse education, from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade, they will have seen and learned in the context of each of the nine Change Maker Themes. 

Open the accordions below to read more about our past Change Makers! 

Our Mission

Our school's mission is Educating a Community of Change Makers.

Synapse empowers every student and community member to make positive change in the world.