The Country School is an independent, coeducational, Pre-K through 8 school founded in 1934.
News
The Importance of a Firm Handshake and Good Eye Contact
A Country School tradition started in 1934 is touted as a critical workplace skill for the 21st century.
Who would have thought that the ritual Dorothy Startt, our founding Headmistress, instituted in The Country School’s early days could today be seen as cutting edge? A December Wall Street Journal article entitled “Workplace Training Adds Handshakes, Eye Contact” confirmed the unlikely.
Kate King reports that those emerging into today’s workplace more often than not lack social skills and courtesies that are very difficult to teach. These deficits put new workers — and their eventual enterprises — at a disadvantage.
King offers the example of Scott Johnson, President of Certified Retail Solutions. He “doesn’t mind teaching his workers on the job. These days, to his dismay, that includes showing them how to shake hands. ‘You have to teach them how to look you in the eye when they do it.’”
It’s not just CRS that is filling these gaps. Corporations like Bank of America have developed programs that focus on teaching its workers empathy. Subaru teaches basics like “showing up on time and wearing appropriate attire.” Carilion Clinic in Roanoke instructs employees on how to have difficult conversations.
Mrs. Startt did her best to make sure TCS children wouldn’t emerge into the world with these needs. She made sure that every day at The Country School started and ended with a handshake. And to this day, in between, there is much focus on character, manners, politeness, and treating others properly and respectfully. We believe that the morning handshake not only welcomes children to school with the affirmation that they are known and valued, but also teaches critical social skills, promotes self-confidence, and enhances one’s ability to meet the world.
You may not know it, but I hold onto the hands of students who don’t make good eye contact as I greet them. I also offer occasional suggestions to those whose handshakes need fine-tuning and are too vigorous, too limp, or too rushed. All get better and better at connecting with others in a socially meaningful way that also conveys integrity, being in synch with society’s more formal norms, and knowing how to present oneself to others.
Small actions, taken consistently, can indeed have an impact on how people feel about their environment, others, and themselves. This YouTube video provides a fun view of what is involved in a good handshake.
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Kate King reports that those emerging into today’s workplace more often than not lack social skills and courtesies that are very difficult to teach. These deficits put new workers — and their eventual enterprises — at a disadvantage.
King offers the example of Scott Johnson, President of Certified Retail Solutions. He “doesn’t mind teaching his workers on the job. These days, to his dismay, that includes showing them how to shake hands. ‘You have to teach them how to look you in the eye when they do it.’”
It’s not just CRS that is filling these gaps. Corporations like Bank of America have developed programs that focus on teaching its workers empathy. Subaru teaches basics like “showing up on time and wearing appropriate attire.” Carilion Clinic in Roanoke instructs employees on how to have difficult conversations.
Mrs. Startt did her best to make sure TCS children wouldn’t emerge into the world with these needs. She made sure that every day at The Country School started and ended with a handshake. And to this day, in between, there is much focus on character, manners, politeness, and treating others properly and respectfully. We believe that the morning handshake not only welcomes children to school with the affirmation that they are known and valued, but also teaches critical social skills, promotes self-confidence, and enhances one’s ability to meet the world.
You may not know it, but I hold onto the hands of students who don’t make good eye contact as I greet them. I also offer occasional suggestions to those whose handshakes need fine-tuning and are too vigorous, too limp, or too rushed. All get better and better at connecting with others in a socially meaningful way that also conveys integrity, being in synch with society’s more formal norms, and knowing how to present oneself to others.
Small actions, taken consistently, can indeed have an impact on how people feel about their environment, others, and themselves. This YouTube video provides a fun view of what is involved in a good handshake.
Recent News
List of 5 news stories.
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Kindergarten Students Serving Others!
Kindergarteners have been participating in a 3 part HOHO (Helping Others; Helping Ourselves) project lead by Ferris and Laura Butler. Students packed boxes to be shipped to veterans and their families. The boxeswere filled with child friendly, donated items. Also in the boxes were handwritten letters from the students along with a handmade American flag craft. The Butlers carefully orchestrated this project, and we are very grateful for their time and efforts. -
Spring Athletic Award Winners
Congratulations to all our spring athletics award winners and to all our Cougar athletes who participated in sports and clubs! This spring, TCS offered Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse, Pickleball Club, Running Club, and Volleyball Club. Providing so many athletic opportunities took a village—thank you to our amazing coaches, volunteers, and parent drivers for making it all possible! And thank you to our students for setting an example of dedication and sportsmanship!Read More -
Summer Trips for Upper School Students in 2025
It is with great excitement that The Country School announces the addition of 2025 summer trips for our Upper School students!Read More -
The Country School Celebrates 90 Years and Installs Jay Parker
Read MoreThe Country School is proud to be celebrating its 90th school year. This milestone year also marks the beginning of a new chapter with the appointment of Jay Parker as the 7th Head of School. -
Conversation & Homecoming - Saturday, February 24, 2024
Read MoreThe Country School, Talbot County Free Library, and the Avalon Foundation, sponsors, join with fourteen other community organizations to present Conversation & Homecoming with Carole Boston Weatherford and her son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford, a program free and open to all.
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