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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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?