Long ago, the role of parents of students at boarding schools was one of relative detachment. With some "traditional families"--in which mommy and/or daddy went to boarding schools--this separation was accepted as a necessary part of the experience: they dropped the child off at the start of the school year, and--if distance allowed--attended some athletic contests. At the end of the term, they picked up Johnny or Mary and enjoyed holidays (or a vacation) with a child who had matured nicely. Eventually, grades would come in the mail, reminding parents of their child's curriculum. Sparse teacher comments were--in my experience--stern.



The role of parents of boarding students has changed in response to a variety of factors that include technology, facility of transportation and demographics. 



This weekend, we welcomed 550 parents for two days of immersion in their children's lives, featuring classes, an all-school assembly, extensive parent-teacher conferences and afternoon activities.



Below, international students welcome parents in their native languages.



It's a new day. Boarding schools now attract families of highly diversified backgrounds and we welcome parents into the educational process. David Nolan, whose son is a brilliant metalurgic artist, tries his hand at the torch.



Parents come to campus informed. For decades, they have been receiving "Notices To the Advisor," a communication loop that informs a whole support team of good news, or identification of potential problems. In recent years, these have been sent electronically, raising expectations for advisors to be ready for parent responses (phone calls) immediately. Through our website, parents now access moment-to-moment attendence, assignments, an archive of Notices to the Advisor, and the opportunity to contact anyone, anytime. 





This was a hugely successful Fall Family Weekend at Proctor! At its best, the educational process is a partnership between the school, student and parents. This weekend provided parents open access to all that is Proctor, while teachers and advisors gained personal insights into their students' lives.

Parents are networked to boarding schools as never before. It's a new day, exhilerating and challenging, and we welcome it while learning how to adapt!