Update on Work on Peer Relationships & Bullying
Even though The Country School already has in place a strong and longstanding emphasis on character development, a culture imbued with positive values, and a firm discipline code that does not tolerate bullying or mean-spirited behavior, part of what also defines the school is that we always look to improve what we do. Thus, in our efforts to create an even better environment for our students, I wanted to give you a brief update on the work we’ve started and will be doing on peer relationships and bullying as we wrap up this school year and look to the future.
First, we have begun gathering resources and are considering the best background reading for our faculty and administration to be doing this summer. We have started researching the best student programs, faculty training, and parent education efforts. We are gathering other independent schools’ bullying policies. We have consulted with the leadership of the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS). We have started contacting experts in the field to see how their work might help us. We have begun scoping out which of our current policies, processes, and routines we may need to reconsider. There will be a significant Board of Trustees discussion of these issue at its meeting later this month, and I suspect we’ll be putting together a task force including administrators, teachers, trustees, and parents.
The issues of peer relationships and bullying are complex ones that require careful consideration and that defy a quick, one-size-fits-all solution. We need to be thorough and thoughtful in contemplating changes to implement. If I have learned one thing working in education for over three decades, it is that one must research available solutions carefully because there are diametrically opposed answers out there for just about every educational issue, and, most often, validating research is lacking.
Plus, school doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We live amidst powerful societal forces that model mean behavior. Insults, derision, rudeness, incivility, insensitivity, and putting others down have become the norm. Just think of reality television, sitcoms, talk shows, the whole political arena, and even many children’s books. Strong models promoting empathy are rare.
I will be getting back to you with a further update before the end of the school year, but please realize that most of the work to be done will be focused on the next school year and beyond. In the meantime, I continue to welcome your input and ask you to send me or your child’s division head your thoughts on any of these issues or any concerns that you might have. You have my continued commitment that we will be addressing these issues vigorously and thoughtfully.
End of Year Activities
Each year at this time, I like to remind all families of the many special events that take place at the end of the school year. Since our new families may not be familiar with our year-end traditions, I know it would be helpful for our "old" families to reach out to make certain that all feel a part of things at our culminating activities.
Dorothy Andrew Day, otherwise known as "Play Day," was named for a very special, long-time faculty member and is The Country School's annual field day. It takes place this year on Friday, May 13, or May 20, in case of rain. Most school families come out for the entire morning, cheer on the participants, and stay on for lunch at the conclusion of the games. The festivities will begin at 8:30 and will end at about noon. The Bay Hundred van will depart at 12:30 and there is no after care that day. The Parents’ Association is again planning a cookout at very reasonable prices. We ask that you not bring pets, even on a leash, to the event.
Awards Day occurs on Thursday, June 2, at 10:00 a.m. While it is mostly eighth and seventh graders who are recognized on this occasion, younger students who have made the honor rolls for the year or earned other citations are also honored. Students should dress up for Awards Day: boys wear dress shirts, ties, and long dress code pants; girls wear skirts and blouses or dresses. On this same day, many classes have end of the year parties at the homes of students. These are not school sponsored or supervised events, but are instead organized and chaperoned by parents.
Graduation Day is Friday, June 3. First through seventh graders attend the event; the dress code is the same as Awards Day. The day recognizes and celebrates our eighth graders, and so special space is reserved for their families. However, all are welcome to attend and offer their support and congratulations. A reception for graduates, their families and friends, and the faculty will take place in the courtyard immediately after the ceremony.
I ask that all first through seventh graders be present at Awards Day and Graduation to support our graduating eighth graders. While I realize everyone is eager to start the summer, for first through eighth grades the school year is in fact not over until after Graduation. The reason we include our younger students at Awards Day and Graduation events is to show the entire school community’s support for our eighth graders and to celebrate all they have contributed to our school community over the years. Since we consider ourselves a family school and since we do much throughout the year to support different groups and grades in the school, it is only fitting that everyone be here to celebrate, support, and send off our oldest “family members.” While absences due to illness cannot be avoided, before you consider having your first through seventh grader miss Awards Day and Graduation for any other reason, I ask you to give this mindful, considerate deliberation. Thank you.