Developing connection and a sense of belonging is crucial for both teachers and students at Pythagoras Academy. Teachers have weekly scheduled collaboration blocks. All teachers are placed on teams to help ensure cross curricular planning and continuous support. Older and younger classes are paired up together and participate in weekly buddy reading groups. Students are also in mixed aged groups often on field trips, during weekly activity blocks, and in our annual musical theatre production. All students kindergarten – grade 8 are placed on one of four house teams. These opportunities foster connections and relationships between grade levels and help promote a deeper sense of belonging.