At Action Day, our greatest strength has always been our people.
Staff Development Day 2026 was a powerful reminder of why we intentionally pause, come together, and invest in the educators and team members who bring our mission to life every single day. Across our entire organization, including Action Day Schools, West Valley Dance Company, and Action Sports Bay Area, we gathered as one community, united by a shared purpose: supporting children through exceptional programs led by extraordinary people.
Though our programs may look different in practice, from classrooms to studios to fields, we are deeply connected by the same values, the same commitment to excellence, and the same belief that educators and instructors are the foundation of every child’s growth.
Coming Together as One Team
Staff Development Day is one of the few moments each year where our entire company gathers under one roof. Teachers, instructors, leaders, and staff from all programs come together to reflect on where we have been, celebrate how far we have come, and look ahead to what we are building together.
Through thoughtfully designed activities, storytelling, and shared reflection, we explored the theme Proud Past. Powerful Future. We honored the traditions and milestones that shaped Action Day while reaffirming our responsibility to carry that legacy forward with intention, innovation, and care.
Veteran educators shared meaningful moments that reminded us why this work matters. Newer team members reflected on the possibilities ahead and the role they are excited to play in shaping the future. Together, these voices painted a clear picture: our past gives us roots, and our people create the path forward.
A Powerful Message on the Impact of Educators
One of the highlights of Staff Development Day 2026 was hearing from our special guest, Jenn Slavin, who shared an inspiring message about the lasting impact educators have in a child’s life.
Through stories and reflection, Jenn reminded us that teachers do far more than teach. They build confidence, shape character, and help children see what is possible. Her message resonated across all our programs, reinforcing our belief that the relationships educators create each day play a critical role in a child’s growth and success.
Her words left our team feeling energized, appreciated, and proud of the difference they make, perfectly aligning with the spirit of our theme, Proud Past. Powerful Future.
Recognizing Excellence and Commitment
A cornerstone of Staff Development Day is recognition because celebrating our team is not optional, it is essential.
We proudly honored staff members for their years of service, recognizing the dedication, consistency, and heart it takes to grow with an organization over time. These milestones represent relationships built, children guided, and countless moments that make a lasting difference.
We also celebrated our Star of Excellence Award recipients, teachers who were nominated by our families for the incredible impact they make every day. These awards reflect what families see and feel: trust, joy, connection, and care.
2026 Star of Excellence Award Winners:
Quality: Rajal Kumar
Dedication: Jackie Ruiz
Community: Alex Marquez
Fun: Bri Sheats
Trust: Ikbal AlkanÂ
- Carole J. Freitas Award:Â Shannon Claude
These educators embody our core values through their daily actions. Their work shapes classrooms, builds confidence, and creates environments where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Why Staff Development Days Matter
Staff Development Days are not just about training. They are about alignment, appreciation, and renewal.
When we invest in our educators, we strengthen our programs. When teachers feel supported, recognized, and inspired, children benefit. The quality of our classrooms, studios, and sports programs is a direct reflection of the care we pour into our people.
Our educators are role models, mentors, and guides during some of the most formative years of a child’s life. The relationships they build, the curiosity they spark, and the confidence they nurture leave a lasting impact well beyond the classroom.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
As we look to the future, Staff Development Day reminded us that our legacy is built daily through small moments, thoughtful decisions, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for children and families.
Our teachers and instructors are the heart of Action Day. Their passion fuels our mission. Their dedication defines our culture. And their work ensures that every child who joins our community is supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
Together, we honor our proud past and move forward with purpose toward a powerful future.
