A new Upper School Social Contract was ratified Thursday after each advisory sent a delegate to a constitutional convention to negotiate terms.

Prior to the convention, each advisory spent time building consensus around social norms - rules we should all abide to exist in relative harmony. Then each advisory sent their representative to share these norms with other advisories' representatives. Small groups built consensus around three to five norms and then each of the representatives voted for the three that resonated most. After more discussion and consensus building, the following agreements were ratified by the august group:

1. Bring an open mind and positive attitude to every situation.

2. Be well-intentioned in your actions and expect the same from others.

3. Respect and celebrate diverse backgrounds.

4. Take care of yourself and each other; communicate your needs.

I am grateful for all of the students' thoughtful and earnest engagement in this process. I am also grateful to have such a comprehensive and robust social contract for the upper school.