Character and Leadership Development Opportunities

Curricular

Students generally have far more opportunities than they have time or energy. The culture of the school created by students and faculty tends to invite and encourage students and faculty beyond their perceived limitations. The course selection and class sizes compare favorably with the best college prep schools. Options include honors level and AP courses in every subject area and independent studies for students with special passions and talents (visual arts, music, athletics). Character, leadership and personality development result, by design, from living and working in an environment where growth is the expectation and the norm.

Extra-Currricular

Every student, especially in his/her junior and senior year is strongly encouraged to assume leadership roles. A number of student organizations have been added over the last few years to expand the leadership positions options. The National Art Honor Society and Tri M give those students inclined to fine and performing arts the opportunity to enhance the visibility of these student activities and to support the fine and performing arts faculty. The Varsity Club cultivates the talents of student leaders who have a special appreciation for the value of athletic competition including team work, personal initiative and sportsmanship. Students who have discovered the rewards of community service work closely with their faculty advisors to promote service opportunities under the acronym KICS (Kids Involved in Community Service). A Chapel Committee combining student and faculty leadership focuses on preparing and maintaining the Chapel for all services, planning the music and liturgy and supporting the work of the Chaplin. Honor Council promotes the honor code and provides counsel and recommends consequences for those students who behave dishonorably (cheating/theft). Junior and Senior members of each School Family work closely with faculty to plan and implement school family and SIBS activities. The traditional leadership opportunities at the Class Officer level (7-12) focus on grade level responsibilities and social activities with the overall objective being to enhance the growth of each class member and develop solidarity with the class as a whole. Student Council coordinates the activities of all other student groups, works to maintain a school spirit and positive student culture where every student and faculty member is valued, respected and engaged.

Rocks, Roots and Wings (RRW)
In the fall of the year the school schedules a 3-4 day Outward Bound type experience for each Upper School class 7-12. For most students the activities, the location, the expectations and the rewards are something they have never experienced. The fact that they are supporting and being supported by their classmates is an important bonding experience, not unlike what many colleges require as part of freshman orientation. The accommodations are basic (youth hostels, camping and primitive cabins). Meals, including all the preparation and clean up are handled by the students. The activities include white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, back packing, biking, etc. Most often, there is a major service component. In addition to the bonding objective, students are individually encouraged to "test their limits and use their resources". RRW is an integral part of the School's commitment to developing character, leadership and skills. Students find themselves "out of their comfort zones" where growth in self confidence, personal initiative, team work, maturity and balance are significantly and often permanently enhanced. There are RRW awards for those students who show outstanding strength, courage and compassion in what they have undertaken or in what they have done to support others. The cost of RRW was incorporated into tuition beginning in 2008, given that these experiences have become such an integral part of the School's strategy for developing personality and character. One fringe benefit to RRW has been the personal growth the faculty has experienced along with the enhancement of student-faculty rapport.