Home is Where the Start Is!

This past week, we hosted our annual Back to School Night. It’s a time for parents to come and hear overviews, expectations and challenges for the year. No children are present because they have already been introduced to and are participating in the various programs at the Lower School.

We have 177 students enrolled here and I am proud and honored to announce that all but 23 of these children had representation that evening—many of whom had both parents present! (I’ve had reports from those who were absent with understandably legitimate reasons, such as surgery, distance or illness.) Furthermore, out of the 46 students in fourth grade, only 2 were missing—that means 96% of our largest grade had family members here to hear about their children and what the year will hold for them! For the entire Lower School, we had 87% in attendance! This is without any children performing, any raffle or other potential “prize” to entice, or any punishment for not attending.

What these families told their children, without saying a word, was "YOU matter!” We all know what is involved in leaving a household in the evening, but our parents knew it was important that they make arrangements and time to learn about what their young ones would be experiencing this year. 

The byproducts of their attendance were exponential! Immediately, parents learned about curriculum, opportunities, schedules and other aspects of the school year. They also either connected or reconnected with their children’s friends’ parents and realized what a welcoming village we have here to nurture their loved ones. Having “face time” with our faculty gave insight into their personalities and strengths, and will enable these families to have more context in their children’s time away from them. And the reverse is true as well; our faculty members now have a better understanding of parents’ concerns and background, enabling them to better serve their students.

I could continue with a longer list of positive ramifications of the night, but the most indelible and definitely most important, is that our children know they mean enough to their parents that they will sacrifice their time and take the trouble to leave home after a full day of demands, to learn more about their world. I am often asked what makes Darlington different and my answer is always two words:  our parents. 

Recently, I mentioned an exercise here that we practice weekly:  assembly commendations for exemplary respect and behavior. Our parents are to be commended for creating homes of kindness, dedication and responsibility. They are giving their children a solid start by example. Believe me, it does make a difference and it shows!