Featured Story
What It Means To Be A Dean
From Dean of Students Matt Ward:
Assistant Dean of Students Noel Thomas and I had a great conversation with the 9th grade at the beginning of the year. We asked them what words come to mind when they think of the word "deans." Words like "authority," "discipline," and "intimidating" were thrown out, while phrases like "watching over us" and "keeping us on track" were also mixed in. I opened up the floor for students to ask me any question they wanted. Here is a list of a few with the answers I gave:
Why did you pick that shirt today? Because it wasn't wrinkled.
If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be? Jay-Z
Favorite food? Pizza
How do you know when an orange is ripe? I don't know
If you were stranded on a deserted island, how would you have gotten there? Paddleboard
Favorite hobbies? Basketball, running, theater, sporting events, coffee dates with my wife
The questions went on. The point of this—which they caught on to—was to let them know that we are normal people. Normal people with families, everyday lives, interests, and passions, just like them.
Our goal is to “flip the script” a bit on the perception of what a Dean is and does. Yes, we handle discipline, behavior, and school rules; all in an effort to do what one girl said at the end: "support us and keep us on the right track." We do that through the disciplinary process, and we also do that through our work as teachers, coaches, administrators, etc. We do it through our work with Student Council and developing Student Life curriculum that can help create the best possible experience for each student at St. Luke’s.
It was great to open the discussion with the 9th grade and we plan on continuing to do this with the other grades during this year. Our goal is to develop and embody a new perception of what being a Dean means at St. Luke’s. We look forward to the process.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
