The Brand Becomes a Part of the School

What began as a simple idea quickly became part of the school’s identity. Spirit of CAN. was woven into staff messaging and daily practice — not as a slogan, but as a shared belief that fuels connection, inclusion, and performance. It’s a mindset that inspires an already exceptional team of educators to keep pushing forward, leading with heart and purpose.

Spring Valley, an International Baccalaureate World School, embraced CAN. as a natural extension of what it means to educate the whole student — academically, socially, and emotionally. The belief in possibility now lives visibly on campus: in classrooms, in conversations, and even on the walls through a bold mural celebrating the Spirit of CAN.

The results are as real as they are inspiring. Teachers have risen to the occasion, leaning into their talents and willing students to shine. Counselors continue to go above and beyond to connect and care for each individual. 

Spirit of CAN. has never charged the school for products or branding — every logo, mural, and piece of gear was shared freely as a gesture of gratitude and belief in what Spring Valley’s staff built themselves. We’re equally grateful and honored to be part of such a respected community of educators and learners — a school that not only embraced the message but elevated it, turning CAN. into something living, visible, and deeply their own.

Left to right: Mike Oliver (Assistant Principal – Athletics), Tara Powell (Principal), and Andy Bestwick (Spirit of CAN.)

At Spring Valley, CAN. isn’t just a design — it’s a declaration of who they are, and what’s possible when educators lead with belief.

Leadership Anchoring the Mindset

Principal Powell championed the concept and tied it directly to her vision of being “All In.” In her staff message and public remarks, she linked CAN. to the school’s mission of equity, collaboration, and perseverance.

“Find all the ways we CAN help students experience success, period. It’s not just a slogan — it’s a mindset rooted in discipline, strength, confidence, and ambition.”
— Tara Powell, Principal, SVHS

Her leadership helped create a culture where adults model the behavior they hope to see in students — focusing on what’s possible rather than what’s hard. That belief now drives everything from staff meetings to classroom instruction.

A Message to the Community: Reimagining the Future

By the start of the 2024–2025 school year, the CAN. mindset had grown beyond professional meetings and murals — it became part of how the entire Grizzly community viewed learning, leadership, and care.

In her community letter to families, Principal Tara Powell shared the school’s theme, “Reimagine the Future,” aligning it directly with the Spirit of CAN. philosophy:

“Aligned with our overarching motto, CAN. ‘can period,’ we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for your child’s academic, behavioral, and socio-emotional development, encouraging them to succeed in various aspects of their lives.”

Welcome Back Community Letter- …

She went on to quote Andy’s words directly to parents:

“It’s about defeating can’t daily. In a world where we often succumb to ‘can’t’ dominating our thoughts, ‘CAN’ becomes the counter-thought we consciously choose to focus on in order to persevere.”

That language — once an idea shared in a teacher conversation on Kaua‘i — now reaches every student and family in Spring Valley. It’s a clear example of how CAN. has become part of the school’s identity, shaping not just how educators teach but how the community thinks about growth, care, and perseverance.

A Moment Before Kickoff: 

Before the start of the football season, Andy Bestwick, founder of Spirit of CAN., joined the Spring Valley football team for their pregame meal.
He spoke about what it means to defeat “can’t” at the speed of competition and the game — how momentum and outcomes often hinge on whether a team operates from collective CAN. or collective can’t.

“The team that chooses CAN. together — that plays the next play, finds the next CAN. opportunity — wins more than just games. They win in mindset.”

He reminded players to process their ‘can’ts’ in the film room and on the practice field, not during the game, and to lead by example when things get tough if you’re a senior or captain. 

Outcomes in Action: Principal Powell’s Presentation to the Board of Trustees

Through a shared commitment to strong Tier I instruction, collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and a school-wide focus on literacy and connection, Spring Valley has transformed belief into measurable growth.

The results speak volumes

•    +5.2% growth in mathematics and +6.2% growth in English ACT performance
•    350% increase in dual-enrollment participation since 2021, now offering 11 courses in partnership with Nevada State University
•    15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses with 903 students enrolled
•    42 International Baccalaureate (IB) courses serving 525 students
•    1,308 students enrolled across 10 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways

Students now have unprecedented access to rigorous academic opportunities — and they’re thriving. With targeted scaffolding and differentiated instruction, Spring Valley has not only expanded access but also increased success rates: more students earning scores of three or higher on AP exams, earning college credits, obtaining industry certifications, and achieving IB diplomas.
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Results and Reasons to Celebrate

Spring Valley’s progress is more than numbers — it’s a testament to belief, teamwork, and leadership. The school is now proudly recognized as a 5-Star School on the Nevada School Performance Framework, the result of years of intentional work and unity across staff and students.

“Relationships matter, always. Every individual deserves to be seen, valued, and supported.”— Principal Tara Powell

Principal Powell shared this message in her address to the Clark County School District Board of Trustees, acknowledging the dedication of her team and the collective effort that made these achievements possible.
Every success — from classrooms to athletic fields — is built on that same foundation: defeating “can’t” together. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTF1XiX0EmY&start=6908

A Reflection on What Makes It Special

At the heart of Spring Valley’s story are the teachers — rising to the occasion, leaning into their talents, and willing students to shine. They connect deeply, celebrate individuality, and create spaces where every student belongs.

You see it in the care of the counselors, in classrooms full of laughter and encouragement, and in the way a diverse student body shares lunch, time, and friendship without barriers.

It’s something to witness — and something to be proud of. A public school living out what inclusion and belief truly look like. These aren’t just classroom moments; they’re social building blocks that shape young people into confident learners and caring community members.

Left to right: Mauricio Prado, Tony Gebbia (SVHS IB Coordinator), Andy Bestwick (Spirit of CAN.) 

At Spirit of CAN., we’ve always believed mindset is greater than merchandise. It’s about purpose, practice, and community.
The collaboration with Spring Valley High School shows what happens when a message becomes a movement — when teachers, staff, and leaders take ownership of belief and bring it to life in their own way.
They don't just wear CAN. — they lived it. And that makes us incredibly proud.