SECTION 5: SPIRIT AND SCHOOL CULTURE
5.01 Sapere Aude
Latin phrase meaning “Dare to know”; and also, loosely translated as “Dare to know things”, or even more loosely as “Dare to be wise”.
Originally used in the First Book of Letters (20 BC), by the Roman poet Horace, the phrase Sapere aude became associated with the Age of Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was a European cultural and intellectual movement (especially in France and England) that developed from the late seventeenth century until the beginning of the French Revolution.
Enlightenment thinkers held that human reason could combat ignorance, superstition, and tyranny to build a better world. The Enlightenment had a great influence on the economic, political, and social aspects of the time.
5.02 Alpha, The Grizzly Bear
ALPHA is our school mascot!
He is strong, caring, courageous and a natural leader. Fun-loving, charismatic, and somewhat of a jokester, he reminds us all to work hard and play hard with enthusiasm and a “never give up” attitude.
ALPHA is a team player, compassionate and graceful in both victory and defeat. We win as a team. We learn as a team. He is fair, honest and attentive to the needs of others, like a loving older brother.
We are thrilled to have him as the embodiment of our school’s values and principles.
5.03 Alpha Award Program
What are Alpha Awards?
USP students are introduced to Alpha Awards during elementary school years.
A.A. is a program that combines morals, values, and character traits with our Language Arts and Life Skills program at USP.
Embedding Alpha Awards in students’ routines, helps to promote and build healthy mindsets and actions.
It serves as a reward program encouraging our students to grow and prosper, turning positivity into meaningful habits.
What is an Alpha Bracelet?
Alpha bracelets are collectible items that are presented to students as rewards for deeds that exemplify what it means to be an outstanding USP learner.
How does Alpha Awards works?
Students are presented a new value during life skills class every month. Students come to understand what the specific value of the month means, how it is spelled, how it is performed, and how it influences character. Alpha Awards promotes the use of these values in our daily verbal vocabulary and written works.
Students earn Alpha bracelets as rewards for demonstrating how well they understand the impact of their actions while upholding inherent values of the USP community.
How Alpha Bracelets are awarded?
Nurturing our future world citizens and professionals with the tools to choose and lead with their best foot forward, throughout life’s experiences is essential in building successful human beings.
We practice what we preach here at USP, reminding one another that having modest conversations about principles help us grow and be more caring and sympathetic to the world around us.
USP encourages families to use Alpha Awards as a conversation starter, about positive mindsets and combining student’s experiences both at school and at home.
Communication is key to building open and meaningful relationships with our students during their educational growth.
Academics Achievements
Alpha bracelets are awarded per subject. Each subject teacher has specific criteria based on academic achievement, responsibility, newly learned abilities, and development.
USP Pillars
Through the demonstration of good intentions and actions, USP looks to instill values in our students and throughout our community.
Golden Rules at USP: Camaraderie, Communication, Diversification, Courage, Critical Thinking, Independence, Compassion, and Responsibility.
USP Spirit
If one loves their school, they will care for their school and one another. It is through school spirit that students share a deep sense of belonging to the institution and what it stands for.
» I belong to USP and USP belongs to me.»