High School Update

Upon my arrival at Ursuline Academy this summer, one of my goals was to spend as much time as possible observing and learning the culture of this great school. I think we would all agree that two hundred and eighty one years is certainly quite a testimony to effectiveness. However, I think all of us also recognize that no human institution is perfect. Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I want to discuss areas where I believe improvement at Ursuline needs to happen sooner rather than later.

One of those areas is discipline. After reviewing the current Ursuline discipline process, I am concerned that we could be doing a better job teaching our girls as we help them understand our philosophy of discipline. Two of the major problems with our current system are the lack of awareness of parents and students of when a demerit is received and the infrequency of detention hall. We need to do a more effective job in both of these areas.

Starting with the second semester, a new discipline process will be instituted. Our goal for our discipline system is to improve accountability and the teaching of discipline at the Academy. While I recognize that this new system may seem more harsh than the system currently in place, I firmly believe that it will help us hold students (and teachers) more accountable with the discipline process. We want to teach our girls the importance of developing the habit of discipline so that when they leave us and go out on their own, they will be better prepared to deal with the freedoms they will face.

I will spend the better part of the next six weeks clarifying the specifics of this system so that when we institute the new program in January, we will minimize any confusion that might arise from changes in the program. We will issue an addendum to the handbook in January for all students and parents to sign. Please know that our goal is always to serve our students as best we can. Do not hesitate to contact me about these changes should you have any questions about the changes in discipline discussed in this letter.

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