What Does Simplicity & Sincerity Mean to You?

“Simplicity and sincerity generally go hand in hand, as both proceed from a love of truth.”

― Mary Wollstonecraft*

When I first arrived at Park, the School’s motto, Simplicity & Sincerity, resonated with me. I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about those words, wondering about their origin, and considering what we mean by them at Park. They evoke a lovely thought, aspiring to clarity and purpose, and it’s up to us to invest them with meaning through our work at Park every day.

How was this motto chosen, and why? Park’s historical documents don’t offer a tidy answer. The centennial history of Park credits drawing teacher Louise Ames Norman for designing the school’s Simplicity & Sincerity motto—presumably as part of the School Seal—in the late 1930s, around the time of Park’s 50th anniversary, though we don’t see evidence of the motto in use prior to that time. In fact, the history reports that a student contest in 1929 landed on an emblem that read Courtesy, Fair Play, Honor, Scholarship—perfectly fine school values, but lacking the warmth and intention behind Simplicity & Sincerity.  Some good minds in the 1930s clearly chose differently, and the rest, as they say, is history.

So, I ask again, what do we mean at Park by Simplicity & Sincerity? I invited colleagues at Park to provide their own interpretation, and here’s what they said.

Lower Division Head Tina Fox sees Simplicity & Sincerity as not just aspirational words, but daily standards. “Simplicity means returning to what matters most—children, relationships, curiosity, and joy in learning—without unnecessary complication. Sincerity speaks to the honesty, care, and integrity we bring to our work with students, families, and one another. Together, they reflect our commitment to creating a community that is both deeply thoughtful and authentically connected, which is at the core of Park’s mission.” 

Upper Division Head Jimmy Manyuru believes that “simplicity means keeping our focus clear—strong instruction, consistent routines, and steady support for students. Sincerity means being real in our relationships with one another and with our students, modeling honesty and care.” For our students, he says, simplicity means knowing that we don’t have to have it all figured out at once—we can take it one step, one class, one conversation at a time. Sincerity is about being real with each other—listening, being kind, owning mistakes, and cheering for each other. 

Grade 6 teacher (and Park alum) Merrill Hawkins believes the motto reflects “the cornerstone of all we do.” It’s what remains when you sweep away the educational jargon or fads that come and go, and what our core values, mission, and Park Portrait are built upon. As a Park student, she says, “the words were everywhere,” as school leaders reflected on the meaning of the words. For Merrill, the ideal Simplicity & Sincerity sets Park apart from other schools: “We are not always trying to keep up with the neighbors, we are sincere in what we do, and keep it as simple as possible in a child-centered way.

PreK teacher Yuka Terada sees the school motto come to life in how our youngest learners begin their journey as they play out Park’s core values: Academic excellence means building a strong foundation in curiosity, language, and problem solving. Social emotional learning shapes how they form friendships, navigate their feelings, and build resilience. Our commitment to DEI is evident in creating a classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and respected. Yuka notes, “The motto reminds me that these early experiences set the tone for how children will approach learning and the world throughout their time at Park.” 

For Kindergarten teacher Keisha Riley, it means being able to communicate with sincerity and honesty, and by expressing ideas in a straightforward and authentic way, building the trust that helps avoid unnecessary complications as we stay true to values. 

Peter Bown, Grade 2 teacher, believes Simplicity & Sincerity is about the commitment to genuinely caring for and nurturing students within a warm and welcoming community, focusing on what matters most: building authentic connections, communicating clearly, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. He notes, “Sincerity means approaching students, families, and colleagues with honesty, curiosity, and genuine care. When trust is established, open communication follows, and meaningful teaching and learning can take place.”

Shannon O’Leary, Director of Development, believes the motto reflects the fact that “Park is not flashy or superficial, and that we are who we say we are and we mean what we say.” 

For Director of Student Support Anndrew Reinfeld, Simplicity & Sincerity evokes clear, honest communication. “I see these words as both a goal to strive for and a way to navigate challenges for both students and adults,” he notes, providing a path toward conflict resolution and to creating the space where children feel safe naming and sharing their feelings. He says, “Simplicity & Sincerity is both a wonderful ideal and a mantra to guide us when the work of learning feels difficult.”

Ken Rogers, Assistant Head of School for Curriculum & Instruction, reflects that “Simplicity gives us clarity about where we’re headed, and sincerity keeps us honest about who we are and who we say we are trying to become—together they enrich our relationships and increase the likelihood of learning becoming a lifelong, intentionally impactful endeavor.” 

Each colleague brings their own experience, professional mission, and values to their interpretation, and yet, a clear through line emerges that centers on authenticity, clarity, and care in the educational environment. We seek to focus on what truly matters with clarity of purpose and action. We seek to sustain honesty, authenticity, and integrity in all interactions and to nurture students who approach challenges with those same intentions as they grow as lifelong learners.

In short, staying true to a simple, sincere mission means prioritizing relationships, clear communication, and authentic care for each individual, striving for a foundation of trust as we create an educational experience that is both impactful and deeply connected.

I can’t imagine a stronger foundation upon which to build, this year and in the years to come.

*Mary Wollstonecraft was an 18th century British sealwriter and philosopher, best known for  her 1792 work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, which advocates for educational and social equality for women. (Source: Britannica.com)

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