Philip’s Academy Charter School (PACS) aims to provide a rigorous academic and moral education to elementary and middle school children of the city of Newark. The administrative team from PACS visited The Uplands in July for a strategic planning retreat. The group’s goals were to prepare for the upcoming year, integrate new members of their team, bond, and work on internal communication.
The group kicked off their retreat with presentations in the Uplands’ art room. After lunch on the patio, the group enjoyed free time in the pool, sauna, and yard games. This industrious group snuck in an additional work session before their dinner of curry, fresh garden salad, and ricotta crumble cake. They concluded the evening with a discussion and stargazing around the bonfire the cherry grove.
The second day of their retreat began with a gentle yoga session in the grass under the morning sun, focusing on waking the body and the senses up for the day ahead. After a hearty breakfast, the group was ready to tackle a full day of planning for the 2022-2023 school year. Free time in the afternoon was filled with rides in the ATV, swimming, walking, and relaxing on the patio. Dinner featured a garden-fresh garlic scape pesto, caponata, and avocado chocolate mousse. PACS ended their retreat the next morning with a group hike through the Wellness Walk out to the Vista Shed.
Thank you, PACS, for the work you do to improve education for Newark children!