Parent David Henkel served as moderator. Without recounting the entire evening s events, I would like to underscore some highlights and suggest where this evening might point us. John Evaldson began the evening by framing our discussion in the context of adolescent development. John contended that the most significant element in creating a sense of inclusion is to ensure that each child has an affinity, a passion, or a skill that he or she can feel good about. As well, John recognized the value of both inclusion and exclusion in identity development, a chief undertaking in adolescents.
Most teenagers construct a lasting sense of self through both engagement and separation.
Panel members made opening comments and reflected on the ways that success is defined, measured, and communicated at Prep. Parents and students had the chance to ask questions of the panelists, to share their own experiences with the demanding environment of Prep, and to offer alternative perspectives. As a new head of school, I found myself located on both the balcony and the dance floor, watching the story of this challenge of success unfold from some distance, yet also feeling directly implicated in it. I received a thoughtful letter from the parent of an eighth grader a few days after the panel discussion. As I have thought about the issues raised that evening and talked with people who attended the session, several thoughts really questions are circling in my head.