Education

The past couple days have been a test of my resolve. I am on the Administrative Comittee at the school and one of the responsibilities associated with that job is being a part of the judiciary comittee. A couple weeks ago we had an all-school meeting where the Head gave out a thoughtful letter stating that there needs to be a greater commitment on the student's part to live by our school honor code. The letter also went out to the parents. There was a clear warning that the kids who are continually trying to push the boundaries of respect and responsibilities would be brought before the judiciary comittee and given consequences.

Consequence is a good word. I like how it ties things in; For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In a black and white world we would be able to dole out consequences with ease. If you do this then this will happen as a consequence. In this technicolor world, however, it is never easy. I have been in meetings with very thoughtful and caring staff, people who want to support the kids, but also to be realistic about how much rope we give students before they hang themselves. These meetings have drawn on and on. There is a lot of emotion, its hard to be objective when you are talking about kids. I have felt very drained and beat down, but also grateful.

I am grateful to be a part of trying to resolve issues. Sometimes I wonder if this is histrionics, just a show, or if these kids are on the edge of some dire negative landscape. If I treat the scenarios with seriousness and care, whether a kid is depressed, or just lazy, a positive, constructive show by caring adults will be helpful. There is a lot of caring plied on these kids. Part of the challenge is that caring is often met with apathy. Kindness repayed with cruelty. Teenagers are working out a lot of issues with identity, motivation, and a path into the future. Never easy, always rewarding.