When you study education in graduate school, they try to tell you that adolescents crave clear, consistent structure. At Proctor, we sometimes appear motivated to disprove this notion. Submitted for your approval: the schedules for the next four days. First, today is "on-campus orientation" which means that we break all new students into groups and march them around to different corners of campus to learn about the library, athletics, technology, the Health Center, and the school's harrassment policies. Here are some new students figuring out the on-line library catalog:

After that, we had a picnic lunch and listened to music played by a duo who looked like Bo Diddly and Julian Lennon.

They made up with synthesizers and volume what they lacked in talent. The lyrics were another thing. In one set they sang "Red, Red Wine" followed by "Sexual Healing" and then something called "Bajalo los Pantalones." The effect was dramatic: three years after its construction, the volleyball court next to Carr House was finally crowded despite temps in the 90s.

It goes on. This afternoon we have summer reading and community service work. Tomorrow's schedule is unique and calls for a walk-through of every class block. Wednesday's schedule pivots on a special assembly observing 9/11. Thursday? Yet another schedule.....a normal Thursday. Yes, students who successfully navigate the start of a school year are well prepared for lives filled with chaos.