To the Editor:

I read with great interest the two winter Dial editorials concerning a proposed re-evaluation of Hackley’s current drug policies. I applaud the editors for their respectful, thoughtful, and well-reasoned analysis of the issue. It is natural and understandable to want to revisit policies and rules that do not always result in outcomes that seem fair given the totality of circumstances.

That said, re-evaluating or changing cultural norms is a delicate process that requires input from many constituencies. As Hackley is now a global member of Round Square, I would like to see more opportunities for student, faculty, and administrators to come together to create a shared vision for the school, especially leveraging the leadership and democracy pillars of the Round Square IDEALS. I believe a number of other member schools have more robust student leadership councils with a greater say in the formulation of school policy as well as a more active role in the disciplinary process. Perhaps the creation of an ad hoc committee with the goal to review Hackley’s current policies with respect to marijuana use, with representation from trustees, faculty, administration, and the student body, would be a step in the right direction. Having been involved in the world of debate over the past five years, I can say with some confidence that the only way to arrive at meaningful change is through shared, respectful dialogue, where all parties all willing to listen to viewpoints with which they may disagree. The Dial editorials were a significant start to this process and I am proud to work at a school where our students have put into practice the notion of “civilized dissent.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick

Director of Debate

Hackley School

To the Editor:

Re “Hackley’s Grading System Is Flawed” (page 2, Mar. 18): I believe that this editorial does a great job addressing the culture that our ultra-competitive high school is a part of, while also discussing how Hackley can enact change. It is indisputable that our grading system has adverse affects on the effort levels of students school-wide, as shown by The Dial poll showing that 60% of students noted a decrease in effort in the third trimester. However, I don’t necessarily think that finals are a solution to the problem. High school is a stressful experience, and adding finals will simply raise the already dangerously high stress levels of Hackley students. Instead, I believe that an interesting alternative would be rewarding students who improve their trimester grades from Trimester II to Trimester III, with some sort of end of year gift. Furthermore, I agree with the editorial’s claims regarding the 11-point grading system. Our grading system is what traps Hackley in the vicious cycle of grade superiority, fluctuating effort, and a lack of emphasis on individual growth and learning. Hopefully Hackley can make structural changes moving forward and improve the educational experience for all of its students and faculty.

Seth Tilliss

Hackley School