With all that prep schools are accomplishing by setting the bar in dynamic, experiential learning, it’s too bad that we invest energy debating how to throw people out. Some admission offices boast that their schools practice “Zero Tolerance” toward drugs and alcohol, meaning that they expel kids for first offenses. In truth, of course, we all practice zero tolerance. I suspect they just want to sound tougher…posturing for a reputation. If these “One Strike” policies worked as deterrents, why are these schools dismissing dozens of students (10% in one local case) annually?

Here's Edwin mixing napkins and coffee grounds from the kitchen in a compost bin near Eco-dorm as part of his Gardening senior project.

Don’t get me wrong; Proctor tosses kids for some crimes (flicking a lighter in a dorm, for example) on the first violation. But someone smelling of liquor at Saturday night check-in has 365 days during which they can accrue no more “Majors.” Some very good people make very stupid mistakes, and go on to win awards at graduation….go on to be proud alumni.

Below, Jason and Dave share a laugh with Stevie Martinez, who was recently elected School Leader for 2001-02. A well-intentioned guidance counselor in Lawrence once predicted Stevie would never live to be 16.

Think someone gave Stevie a second chance along the way? Was that a mistake...a risk too great?