I would argue that nothing--remotely in our control--matters more than enrolling a student population that is appropriate for a school's mission, programs and methods. This underscores the significance of revisits, because we do exercise some control over the day. Here's the Morris Lobby, packed with prospective parents, at 8:15 AM:
For admission officers of Northeastern boarding schools, the April 10 deadline (by which students first notified of admission on March 10 declare their intentions) is regrettable, because it compels us to schedule revisit days during a week of high meteorologic risk. The first week of April is bound to feature cold rain, lots of mud and dirty, aging snowbanks. How fortunate we are this year!
Still, we have work to do indoors. An all school assembly is the best way for visitors to pick up the exuberant, informal tone that distinguishes the community. Here, Moriah leads fellow algebra in an extra credit exercise: a song with lyrics explaining quadratic equations.
Chris Young and Patrick Donovan announced a new athletic conditioning camp, and introduced a hilarious 4-square push-up exercise that drew volunteers including some gutsy visiting students!
Perhpas the day's most powerful moment was the student panel, at which visiting parents lobbed tough questions at students whose responses were wholly unscripted.
It's funny: decades ago, the notion of "school spirit" was married to a set of cheers and stunts performed at athletic contests. Today, student panels reveal a quality of school spirit grounded in real appreciation and commitment to Proctor's systems and people. the phrase "This is such a special place" was heard again and again....
Again and again, students responded to tough questions with poise and transparent honesty. "How has boarding changed your relationship with your parents?" "How much homework do you get?" "What about sex and drugs?"
Friday's revisits were enhanced by glorious early spring weather. Visitors were swept up by a degree of spontaneous euphoria experienced by current students, who haven't enjoyed this kind of warm sun since October!
The dining room was overcrowded at lunch, so dozens of visitors joined current students at a spontaneous picnic outside!
Visitors blended in seamlessly, meeting new friends, playing hacky-sack and enjoying the day together.
It is not our intention that 100% of those admitted to Proctor choose to attend; rather, we want them to gain a complete and accurate sense of this school's qualities, so that they can make the best decision for everyone. Revisit days are a key part of the process, and on Tuesday we'll do it all again!
