Rules & Regulations
The first few weeks of school feature a variety of returning rituals for students: Beginners separating from parents in Thacher; first graders exploring the cafeteria; Middle School football players trying on shoulder pads; and seventh graders learning Stevens Building geography. One traditional event held each September is our “First Forum,” at which several administrators I meet with all Middle and Upper School students and faculty to review our expectations for the community. In recent years, I have enlisted enthusiastic ninth graders to help us, as they have a way of breathing life into a predictable review of rules and regulations.
Last week we gathered in the auditorium. Mrs. Garrison, our Transportation Director, covered bus safety rules and reminded the older students to take care of our younger riders. Mr. Stoller, technology director, touched on our Acceptable Use Policy (“All computer use must be consistent with educational purposes”) and shared examples of inappropriate tech behavior. School nurse Kathy Diomede demonstrated proper coughing and sneezing techniques and explained how recess play can become unsafe. Four teams of ninth graders then provided high-energy and humorous skits, each intended to illustrate one of the four “Guidelines for Citizenship” which are posted in every Middle and Upper School classroom. “Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Strive for Excellence” were given their due in…creative ways. Finally, I briefly but firmly reminded everyone about major school rules which, if broken, may lead to suspension or dismissal.
We try to frame these important reminders in affirmative ways. We also try to make our expectations and standards clear and concrete, because early adolescents, like all of us, can be prone to selective hearing or short memories. I always have two core messages for our students on this occasion: this is a voluntary community in which attendance is a privilege, not a right; and we expect them to choose the hard right over the easy wrong. I take special pride when alumni quote the latter admonition years later; it gives me hope that they are practicing this advice still. As we lean into a new school year, full of promise and energy, I look forward to all of the good decisions the children will make in the months ahead. ~ TRB
