Head of School Mike Henriques, whose most recent stage appearance was in the role of a pear tree (more on that later), wrote an intriguing article for Friday's Parent Page on the elevated role of student voices in this community. In Thursday's faculty meeting, student leaders spoke for half an hour about a polling process through which they accessed opinions on access to social media during study hours.

 

Discussion strayed from social media to the significance of student leadership and activism over the past 45 years. 

 


It's interesting to speculate on the factors--both subtle and overt--that attract students to Proctor. We are certain that academic diversity, support and experiential modes of teaching and learning are key. But what is the significance of the interpersonal ethos that visitors sense, the non-adversarial nature of relationships?


 

It is important, I believe, that we continue to recognize this unquantifiable factor as we evolve, lest we become--in any way--more like any other school community. 

This team is dissecting squids, an activity that evokes a variety of expressions....


 

Our tour takes us outside of the Meeting House after an all-school assembly, where a group poses for another yearbook photo.

 

Is this possibly the end of an advanced math/finance class?

 

These kids are scribbling notes in biology.

 

Now we're in the lobby outside the Wise Community Center, playing with a hilarious application called Photo Booth.

 

These fans of varsity boys hockey have customized tee-shirts honoring favorite players before a big home game (which we won).

 

Cycling on and through ice and snow is a skill. Andrew (from Cheyenne, Wyoming) has that skill. Kade (St. Georges, Bermuda) has the wisdom to hitch a ride.

 
Students (with adult permission and guidance) have constructed freestyle elements on the the slope descending to the west parking lot.

 

Obviously, we work hard and play hard. Friday's assembly featured a near riotous adult skit in which different departments and offices role played the gifts from The Twelve Days of Christmas. You are seeing twelve lords a-leaping.