--- title: Montrose School Blog | Barbara Whitlock, Director of the Upper School --- - [About](https://www.montroseschool.org/about) - [What Sets Us Apart](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/what-sets-us-apart) - [Meet the Head of School](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/meet-the-head-of-school) - [Montrose at a Glance](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/montrose-at-a-glance) - [Mission and Philosophy](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/mission-and-philosophy) - [Board of Trustees](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/board-of-trustees) - [Contact Us](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/contact-us) - [Employment](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/employment) - [Publications](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/publications) - [Academics](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics) - [Learning at Montrose](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/learning-at-montrose) - [Departments and Courses](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/departments-and-courses) - [Middle School](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/upper-school) - [Our Faculty and Staff](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/our-faculty-and-staff) - [College Guidance](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/college-guidance) - [Study Abroad](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/study-abroad) - [Admission](https://www.montroseschool.org/admission) - [Why Montrose](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/why-montrose) - [All Girls](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/all-girls) - [FAQs](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/faqs) - [How to Apply](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/how-to-apply) - [Affording Montrose](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/affording-montrose) - [Buses](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/buses) - [Internationals](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/internationals) - [Visit](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/visit) - [Character](https://www.montroseschool.org/character) - [Overview](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/overview) - [Mentoring](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/mentoring) - [Character and Leadership Discussions](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/character-and-leadership-discussions) - [Speaker Series](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/speaker-series) - [Enrichment](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/enrichment) - [Parent Enrichment](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/parent-enrichment) - [Athletics](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics) - [Great Sports](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/great-sports) - [Athletic Success](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/athletic-success) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [Arts](https://www.montroseschool.org/arts) - [Offerings](https://www.montroseschool.org/arts/offerings) - [Faith](https://www.montroseschool.org/faith) - [Giving](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving) - [Why Give?](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/why-give) - [Ways to Give](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/ways-to-give) - 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[Student Publications](http://lookingglass.montroseschool.org/) [Login](http://mainsite-montroseschool.onmessagestaging.com/app) - [Life Compass](https://www.montroseschool.org/lci) - [Montrose Podcast](https://www.montroseschool.org/montrose-podcast) - [Blog](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog) - Quick Links - [Contact Us](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/contact-us) - Calendar - [Quick Facts](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/at-a-glance) - [School News](https://www.montroseschool.org/quick-links/school-news) - [Directions](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/contact-us) - [Give](https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E300087&id=2) - [myMontrose](https://montroseschool.myschoolapp.com/app/) [![Montrose School](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/MontroseSchool_Jully2017/Images/WhiteLogo.png "Montrose School")](http://mainsite-montroseschool.onmessagestaging.com/page#about-us) - [ABOUT](https://www.montroseschool.org/about) - [What Sets Us Apart](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/what-sets-us-apart) - [Meet the Head](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/meet-the-head) - [At a Glance](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/at-a-glance) - [Mission](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/mission) - [Trustees](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/trustees) - [Contact Us](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/contact-us) - [Employment](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/employment) - [Publications](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/publications) - [ACADEMICS](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics) - [Learning at Montrose](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/learning-at-montrose) - [Departments and Courses](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/departments-and-courses) - [Middle School](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/upper-school) - [Our Faculty and Staff](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/our-faculty-and-staff) - [College Guidance](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/college-guidance) - [Study Abroad](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/study-abroad) - [ADMISSION](https://www.montroseschool.org/admission) - [Why Montrose](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/why-montrose) - [All Girls](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/all-girls) - [FAQs](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/faqs) - [How to Apply](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/how-to-apply) - [Affording Montrose](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/affording-montrose) - [Buses](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/buses) - [Internationals](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/internationals) - [Visit](https://www.montroseschool.org/admissions/visit) - [CHARACTER](https://www.montroseschool.org/character) - [Overview](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/overview) - [Mentoring](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/mentoring) - [Character and Leadership Discussions](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/character-and-leadership-discussions) - [Speaker Series](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/speaker-series) - [Enrichment](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/enrichment) - [Parent Enrichment](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/parent-enrichment) - [ATHLETICS](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics) - [Great Sports](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/great-sports) - [Athletic Success](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/athletic-success) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [ARTS](https://www.montroseschool.org/arts) - [Offerings](https://www.montroseschool.org/arts/offerings) - [FAITH](https://www.montroseschool.org/faith) - [GIVING](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving) - [Give Now](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/give-now) - [Why Give](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/why-give) - [The Annual Fund](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/the-annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/planned-giving) - [Matching Gifts](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/matching-gifts) - [Givings FAQs](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/giving-faqs) - [STUDENT LIFE](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life) - [Beyond the Classroom](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/beyond-the-classroom) - [MavNation](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/mavnation) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Girls Aspire Leadership Summit](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/girls-aspire-leadership-summit) - [School Store](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/school-store) - [Montrose Traditions](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/montrose-traditions) - [Student Publications](http://lookingglass.montroseschool.org/) # [LifeCompass Blog](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog) ## Barbara Whitlock, Director of the Upper School Find me on: ### Recent Posts ## [Reframing your Learning: why comments tell us more than grades.](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/reframing-your-learning-why-comments-tell-us-more-than-grades) Posted by [Barbara Whitlock, Director of the Upper School](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/author/barbara-whitlock-director-of-the-upper-school) on Feb 25, 2025 2:54:05 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/female%20high%20school%20student%20reading%20report%20card.jpeg)](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/reframing-your-learning-why-comments-tell-us-more-than-grades)   When you look at semester grade reports -- do you think about the **grades** *more* than the comments? When you get back assessments, papers or projects -- do you think about the **percentage or letter** at the top *more* than the written feedback? When you think about your homework -- do you focus on the **tasks you need to complete** rather than what habits and training that work helps you develop? Of course, those points of focus are reasonable, **but there’s a hidden danger too**. If you focus only on your work as *what you produce* and your measure of success only by *your grades* -- this can limit your perspective, undermine your confidence, and diminish your dignity. **You are so much more** than a completed paper or project -- so much more than a percentage grade or a GPA.   [Read More](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/reframing-your-learning-why-comments-tell-us-more-than-grades) ## [Why Mavericks do Research](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/why-mavericks-do-research) Posted by [Barbara Whitlock, Director of the Upper School](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/author/barbara-whitlock-director-of-the-upper-school) on Jan 25, 2024 5:44:43 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/Headline%20Post%20(2).png)](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/why-mavericks-do-research) Last month, I received a Christmas gift from the managing editor of *The Journal of Moral Education* – a pile of reprints of my article “Mentorship Programs in Schools: Bridging the Character Education Gap” following the [December online publication](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2023.2280757?src=exp-la).  I was giddy with joy. The publication of that article represents a fragment of three years of study and research – including over 200 curated references, my analysis of five major works of Aristotle along with countless contemporary studies, and my own action-research findings. The work was dog-hard and the end results are delightful. That’s true of all quality scholarship: **the work is hard and the end results are deeply satisfying**. [Read More](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/why-mavericks-do-research) ## [Let's talk about talking](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/lets-talk-about-talking) Posted by [Barbara Whitlock, Director of the Upper School](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/author/barbara-whitlock-director-of-the-upper-school) on Jan 23, 2023 11:15:53 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/MontroseFirstDay_Richins_090622_074704_10mb_9690-2.jpg)](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/lets-talk-about-talking) *Upper School Director Barbara Whitlock sends a monthly message to upper school students. In her January message, she coaches students to think about how the way they communicate.* What’s the best thing about returning to school after a break? Reconnecting with others. And how do we connect? Through talking. Aristotle says that what most distinguishes humans is our ability to communicate. The fact that we can talk in complex ways is unique to humans, and communication is the foundation of community. Note that these words share the Latin root word *cum* or *with*. Talking is how we connect *with* others. Connecting with many people in a shared context -- such as at school -- is the way we weave the fabric of community. [Read More](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/lets-talk-about-talking) ## [How to become a warrior, not a worrier](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/how-to-become-a-warrior-not-a-worrier) Posted by [Barbara Whitlock, Director of the Upper School](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/author/barbara-whitlock-director-of-the-upper-school) on Nov 2, 2022 11:44:44 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/Montrose_Classes_Richins_100322_110622_10mb_6696.jpg)](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/how-to-become-a-warrior-not-a-worrier) If someone asks you -- how are you doing -- where does your mind tend to go first? - To your worries about what you need to get done? I have so much work to do… - Stress surrounding upcoming tests or other deadlines? That test is going to be so hard…I’ll never get that paper done… - Some slight you perceived from a friend? Do you know that our brains are wired to go to the negative first -- that we have a [negativity bias](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dq8v4cLJIRp42bb_d6py56Aeu6_Wl703Qaf5JeUpZD4fluGqCStNVtQKEmhoz059lzx2kJl6SlDgwX7Wd94hAIyV6uxRJduuABZPpxn7TNV_T5Kvz0-jRHXUOUOZ4_u3NYweNoDG26GK-immmMy-P8LD7Kp4ee8toKjyqEBBy2L9kifq6RVmnob1F5RRiavv&c=YuQjA0D9H8KgP6NCN8CzjNuewFDqfk_aUWQYgbYWlKum3TZxbAxkrA==&ch=dOpKdtbuU75NYFONEAohxbY_s7WDpqcX3lmRX0rlbtSLeEasyGictg==)? [Read More](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/how-to-become-a-warrior-not-a-worrier) [All posts](https://info.montroseschool.org/blog/all) ## **Welcome to the *Life*Compass Blog** --- # **![Compass 10.7.16](https://info.montroseschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Compass%2010.7.16.jpg?width=288&name=Compass%2010.7.16.jpg)** ##### **Practical wisdom for today's parents and educators.** ###### [**ABOUT THE LIFECOMPASS INSTITUTE **](https://www.montroseschool.org/lci) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Most Read Posts Copyright © 2020 LifeCompass Institute for Character & Leadership. All rights reserved.   [![Montrose School](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/MontroseSchool_Jully2017/Images/WhiteLogo.png "Montrose School")](http://mainsite-montroseschool.onmessagestaging.com/page#about-us) ## Montrose School [29 North Street, Medfield, MA 02052](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/29+North+Street+Medfield+MA+02052) P: [508-359-2423](tel:508-359-2423) - [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/MontroseSchool_Jully2017/Images/large_link904992_77746.png)](https://www.facebook.com/MontroseSchoolMedfieldMA/) - [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/MontroseSchool_Jully2017/Images/large_link904993_77747.png)](https://twitter.com/montrosians?lang=en) - [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/MontroseSchool_Jully2017/Images/large_link904997_77748.png)](https://www.instagram.com/montrose_mavericks/) - [![](https://info.montroseschool.org/hubfs/MontroseSchool_Jully2017/Images/large_link904998_77749.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/10111063/?pathWildcard=10111063) An independent school for girls in grades 6-12 *Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church* - News & Calendar - [Giving](http://mainsite-montroseschool.onmessagestaging.com/page/giving) - Quick Links Open Sitemap - [ABOUT](https://www.montroseschool.org/about) - [What Sets Us Apart](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/what-sets-us-apart) - [Meet the Head](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/meet-the-head) - [At a Glance](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/at-a-glance) - [Mission](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/mission) - [Trustees](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/trustees) - [Contact Us](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/contact-us) - [Employment](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/employment) - [Publications](https://www.montroseschool.org/about/publications) - [ACADEMICS](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics) - [Learning at Montrose](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/learning-at-montrose) - [Departments and Courses](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/departments-and-courses) - [Middle School](https://www.montroseschool.org/academics/middle-school) - 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[Mentoring](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/mentoring) - [Character and Leadership Discussions](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/character-and-leadership-discussions) - [Speaker Series](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/speaker-series) - [Enrichment](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/enrichment) - [Parent Enrichment](https://www.montroseschool.org/character/parent-enrichment) - [ATHLETICS](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics) - [Great Sports](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/great-sports) - [Athletic Success](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/athletic-success) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.montroseschool.org/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [ARTS](https://www.montroseschool.org/arts) - [Offerings](https://www.montroseschool.org/arts/offerings) - [FAITH](https://www.montroseschool.org/faith) - [GIVING](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving) - [Give Now](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/give-now) - [Why Give](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/why-give) - [The Annual Fund](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/the-annual-fund) - [Planned Giving](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/planned-giving) - [Matching Gifts](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/matching-gifts) - [Givings FAQs](https://www.montroseschool.org/giving/giving-faqs) - [STUDENT LIFE](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life) - [Beyond the Classroom](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/beyond-the-classroom) - [MavNation](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/mavnation) - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities) - [Girls Aspire Leadership Summit](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/girls-aspire-leadership-summit) - [School Store](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/school-store) - [Montrose Traditions](https://www.montroseschool.org/student-life/montrose-traditions) - [Student Publications](http://lookingglass.montroseschool.org/)