INSPO

We at Japhet School wish that every school and work environment could start its day with something as special – and inspiring – as INSPO.

“INSPO” – a special, unique word familiar among Japhet students and staff – stands for Inspiring Speakers, Participants, and Observers. There are two types of INSPO: first is the Monday morning assembly in which the whole school participates, which focuses on the character quality being studied that month. The second type of INSPO is the brief inspirational message delivered by a Japhet student or staff member over the school intercom each morning.

The purpose of Monday morning INSPO is to begin the week as a unified school body with a positive outlook, setting the tone for a positive expression of character. It also serves as a way to share events of the week ahead and welcome newcomers to Japhet throughout the year.

During INSPO, speakers help students to understand each month’s character quality with quotes, personal experiences, literature, dramatizations, examples, and discussion that inspire and give practical application of these qualities.  Keynote speakers may be faculty, staff, parents, community leaders, whole classes, or individual students. As a graduation requirement, each eighth-grader delivers a 25-minute INSPO keynote once during their last year at Japhet.

There is open, inclusive and active participation during the assemblies. Information is shared about the week ahead, reinforcing involvement and punctuality. Students often share this news,  giving them a leadership role and building their oral presentation skills.

Students also practice speaking during their Student of the Week presentations, classroom sharing, or as an eighth-grade INSPO speaker. Faculty and Staff members take turns being the INSPO M.C. -- the master of ceremonies. All speakers, including children, are given a personal introduction by a student, and keynote speakers are thanked in a special way the following week.

INSPO assemblies, which used to be called “Chapel,” have been a Japhet tradition since our inception as they support our mission: to nurture and prepare each child for life by integrating character education with a strong academic program.

Weekly INSPO is an open event. Come visit us and be inspired!