On the Same Page
March 2004
Proverbs of Impressions
One of the benefits of my position at Lab is the opportunity to get on a soapbox and expound upon what I believe is important to the overall mission of our schools. Usually my thoughts are focused on teaching, learning, character development, and community building. However, this month my focus is on the Schools� appearance and image, which is, incidentally, one of the Board-approved objectives for improvement this year (II.C. Continue to address the maintenance and cleanliness of the Schools� facilities).
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness"
The origin of the above proverb is said to be from ancient Hebrew writings. I'm uncertain if I heard it first from my parents or at a place of worship, but I do remember interpreting it as a kind of admonition during my childhood. As an adult, I�ve extended that interpretation beyond the personal and into the professional part of my life. Applied to schools where learning is our top priority, there is a responsibility to maintain an environment where learning can occur best.
"Beauty is only skin deep"
I know. I know. The essence of the Laboratory Schools is not how we look, but what happens here. The heart of this school is the magic taking place in the classrooms between teacher and student and student and student. And yes, we would rather be known for program excellence than for grandiose facilities.
Having said that with absolute sincerity, I can also state unequivocally that physical environment does matter. What most people want in a school is a place where security, safety, functionality, and orderliness matter.
- Security — In the last decade, schools have been turned upside down with "Columbine like" tragedies and by the events of September 11, 2001. Security concerns prior to this time were not on our radar screens. Millions of dollars have been spent on securing school campuses and, in some schools, have completely changed the nature of the institution. The locked doors and public safety coordinators who are present in three of Lab's most heavily traveled locations are visual reminders of our lives in the twenty-first century.
- Safety — New schools are built with safety in mind. We have come a long way from the one-room schoolhouse with a potbelly stove and one exit door. Building and municipal codes as well as federal legislation (i.e., Americans with Disabilities Act, sprinkling systems)
have mandated changes to new buildings, and most new buildings clearly have safety advantages. The newest academic building at Lab (the Middle School) was constructed in 1992 when increased standards were required. The Woodlawn Nursery buildings, Blaine Hall, Belfield Hall, and the High School are not modern buildings and, as a result, deserve even greater attention to safety.
- Functionality — I am living proof that human systems function less well as they age. Like humans, buildings experience the same decline. School buildings are particularly vulnerable to premature aging and are subject to incredible wear and tear. Preventive maintenance and planned replacement of operating systems are the only ways to keep buildings fully functional.
The Laboratory Schools' campus of buildings is unique and beloved. There are few N-12 schools in America with as much history and character. However, there is much to be done to the infrastructure in order to preserve this character. It will take a commitment from the University and all who love this place to keep these buildings operational for another century. A "makeover" of some degree is an inevitable part of our next capital campaign.
- Orderliness — "A place for everything and everything in its place" — In a recent conversation with members of the Lab Schools' administration, I shared my concern about overall cleanliness and occasional disorder found in our facilities. I was politely reminded that part of what makes the Lab Schools great is the freedom for children to take an active part in their learning, and sometimes neatness is overlooked in favor of full participation.
I realized I had not stated my case with the right emphasis. Schools are places where children should come and feel comfortable. We should
have places in the classroom and hallways where their work can be displayed and celebrated. We should designate areas where all who walk the halls can see announcements. We should
expect hallways to have adequate trash receptacles. We should
be able to maneuver through the hallways without tripping on personal belongings or makeshift learning stations. In other words, it would be nice to have "a place for everything" and, at the end of the day,
"everything in its place!"
Continuous improvement is the mantra that good organizations should be chanting in order to remain vital in a world characterized by rapid change. From adding two new custodians to installing corkboards in order to organize authorized postings better, the Lab Schools are taking steps to improve our appearance and overall cleanliness. While needed, these and other planned steps will not be enough. Even more important is the need to examine our own behaviors.
"Appearance is an attitude"
If you wish, substitute "image" or "cleanliness" as the first word in this personal proverb.
It all comes down to pride — pride in who we are, what we believe, and how we want to be seen. In my first message written for Lab Directions, I referred to the Laboratory Schools as a jewel. It is definitely that but it needs polishing . . . not just at night and during vacations with contracted help, but every day and with everyone contributing.
David W. Magill
Director
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