As the clock strikes 9:25 a.m. every Tuesday, the Choate community gathers to discuss a plethora of school-related events. It begins with a captivating musical performance, but as the hour progresses, speakers saunter onto the stage one by one, each asking students to scan a different QR code for their club or show them how to dispose of Lanphier Center coffee cups into the compost. These announcements can sometimes last until 10:30 a.m. The moment the final words of the school song are sung, signaling the conclusion of School Meeting, students rush to the exits, eager to leave as soon as possible.
All of these presentations are important as they help our community function and work as a cohesive body. However, a question lingers: should these announcements and QR codes be emailed to the student body instead?
The remaining time could then be used for an extra sleep-in, an early out, or a longer lunch. All of these things would benefit the wellness of Choate students, while all School Meetings do is burden them.
Choate’s policy allows for one hour of homework for 300+ level classes and 45 minutes for 100-200 level classes each night. If you are unlucky enough to have five classes on Monday or Friday, that is up to five hours of homework. If you are taking honors-level classes or a sixth course, the time you have to spend on homework only increases. Time here at Choate is sacred, and an hour of unnecessary talking each week is a waste of a Choate student’s time.
I understand, however, that some of the events at School Meetings are fun. The boar mascot bursting onto the stage and the incredible musical performances are key parts of Choate culture. However, these more unique and boisterous events can just as easily take place each month at a less regular meeting time. The Choate community could instead come together during more frequent Community Conversations, special speaker visits, and spirit days.
Students are already deeply involved in their activities and commitments at Choate. Instead of being required to attend School Meetings, the School should continue encouraging students to connect through sports games, theater and musical productions, and club meetings.
The replacement of weekly School Meetings with a monthly Community Conversation or spirit rally would greatly benefit the students of Choate. It would provide additional free time while still building and strengthening the relationships and bonds within our community. While this would be a significant shift in the Choate schedule, I know that it would be a positive one.
Students and faculty watching a presentation during School Meeting.
