5 Leadership Experiences Your Student Needs
One school that uniquely prepares students for college and beyond is Hyde School, with boarding campuses in Woodstock, Connecticut and Bath, Maine. They offer five experiences through their character and leadership-building curriculum specifically designed to strengthen each student’s self-confidence and emotional maturity, setting them up for success in life beyond the gates.
1. Introductions
Character education begins at Hyde on day #1, with an exercise called “Introductions.” The entire student body assembles in the Student Union, and each student takes a turn on stage in front of the entire school, vocalizing a simple 5-part introduction. For some, this is an easy task. For others, it’s agonizing. However, a bond develops within the student body. Learn More
2. Auditions
This Hyde School tradition might be considered Advanced Introductions. Every student and every faculty member at the school sings a solo – unaccompanied by instrumentation – in front of the entire student body. This always proves to be one of the more electrifying times of the year. Why do this? Learn More
3. Ropes Course
Hyde’s Bath and Woodstock campuses each have a ropes course on campus. Both parents and students get their turns high above the ground. Usually one is up on the ropes, and the other down below holding the belay. This creates an immediate need for trust, and for encouragement. Learn More about Bath or Learn More about Woodstock
4. Action/Reflection Cycle
A former Hyde School board member once defined Hyde as “A socially embodied moral argument that works on an action-reflection cycle.”As the name suggests, students act and then think about it. This offers values forming experiences, challenges that summon the personal character of the students. Students then reflect upon these experiences both privately and among their peers in what are called “Discovery Groups.” Learn More
5. Graduation Speech
At all Hyde Commencement Exercises, every graduating senior gives a speech. They reflect on what they have learned and talk about their hopes for the future. The parents and other family members stand in the audience while their son or daughter addresses the community. Learn More
Navigating the tough choices teens face in everyday life is no easy task. As a parent, you want to equip your teen with the skills that will help them make the right decisions. Character, grit, and resiliency are skills that, when honed, instill confidence, integrity, and leadership in your teen.