College Preparation

We parents hold our breath as our children enter the teenage years. They face so many temptations. They cope with so much peer pressure. Popular culture bombards them with notions of what is acceptable and what's cool. What's a parent to do? Sometimes it seems as though we are swimming against the tide. A very strong tide.

Regardless of what pressures our teenagers face, our job as responsible parents is to teach our children that there will be consequences for their actions. Some consequences are positive. Others will be negative. For example, when our teenagers learn to drive, they are taught that it is illegal to run a red light. Or to drink and drive. Those consequences seem pretty obvious. Most teenagers, but not all, tend to obey those basic rules. That's the point. We try very hard to teach our teenagers that rules are there for a purpose. You perhaps many not agree with the reason for the rule. You do, however, have to be aware of the rules and obey them.

But what about the consequences our children might face for breaking the rules in a private school? You see, private and public schools are very different when it comes to discipline. The difference between public and private schools becomes even more noticeable when handling big issues such as substance abuse, among other disciplinary matters. Most private schools will have immediate consequences for

Spending a summer abroad sounds exotic and expensive. But it doesn't have to be. Why should you consider spending a summer abroad? I can think of three reasons.

1. See how people in other countries live.

While it's certainly true that our world has shrunk in so many ways and that we have many things in common, you will find Europeans, Asians and even Canadians do things differently. Seeing how people go about their everyday lives is one of the lasting impressions you will receive from your travels outside the U.S.A.

2. Enjoy yourself.

You have worked hard throughout your high school years. You got accepted by your first-choice college. Spending a month exploring England or Germany or another country will be an exciting break from all that heavy-duty academic work.

3. Reinvent Yourself.

Being away from home can be a bitter-sweet experience. In this case, spending a summer abroad will be mostly sweet. Thanks to WhatsApp and Viber, you are never out of touch with your family back home. That's reassuring for both you and them. Having time to think about things on your own helps clarify your thinking. That will help you plan the year ahead. That first year in college will offer plenty of new challenges.

Several private schools offer a whole academic year abroad. Still others offer a summer abroad. These are enrichment programs designed to expose students who participate in them to the culture and customs of the host country. Promoting global understanding

"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a film based on a novel of the same name by James Hilton. It tells the story of a beloved schoolteacher named Mr. Chipping, affectionately known as Mr. Chips. The character of Mr. Chips is a fictional creation and serves as the protagonist of the story.

In the film, Mr. Chips is portrayed by various actors throughout his life, as the story spans several decades. The main actor who portrays him is Robert Donat, who won an Academy Award for his performance. Mr. Chips begins his teaching career at an all-boys boarding school called Brookfield. Initially, he is a rather reserved and strict teacher, not particularly popular among the students.

However, as time goes on, Mr. Chips becomes more compassionate and understanding. He starts to develop personal relationships with his students and gains their respect and admiration. Over the years, Mr. Chips witnesses significant historical events, such as World War I, and experiences personal tragedies and triumphs.

Throughout the film, Mr. Chips's dedication to his students and his profession shines through. He becomes a beloved figure at the school, transforming the lives of countless young boys. Mr. Chips's teaching methods evolve, becoming more engaging and innovative as he realizes the importance of connecting with his students on a personal level.

The title, "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," comes from a recurring farewell phrase used by the students whenever a teacher leaves the school. In the later years of his life, Mr. Chips reflects on his career

Your child has worked very hard at private school. She has covered herself in academic glory, won many honors in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and is ready for the next step: college. Graduation is always a warm, happy occasion as family gathers to bathe in all that reflected glory. Mark this important milestone with a memorable gift. Here are some suggestions with every budget in mind.

A Biking Trip
He'll be back at school studying hard soon enough. So why not treat him (or her) to a biking trip? There are several companies which organize these action-packed trips. Check out Teen Treks and Overland, for example.

A Scooter
A scooter is sustainable transportation especially if she will be going to college in an urban area without much public transporation. The Honda Metropolitan, for example, reminds me of the classic Vespa (only less expensive). It's easy to operate and light on the pocketbook.

A Watch
There are hundreds of makers and thousands of models of watches to choose from as you well know. In every price range too. From Michele to Casio.

A Pen
The bespoke shops call them writing instruments. Whatever you call them, a fine pen is a gift to be cherished. Mont Blanc and Cross have a variety of models from which to choose.

Make your gift memorable or a keepsake or both. Best wishes to you and your family at this happy time.

Uniforms and Dress Codes

More and more private schools are adopting dress codes as opposed to uniforms. You will still find uniforms in religious, parochial, and military schools. Perhaps the most famous school uniform is the one worn by boys at Eton College. While it is still worn every day, the uniforms worn in American schools are a lot less formal if, indeed, a uniform is worn at all.

One of the reasons a dress code is more popular is that it gives some modicum of self-expression while at the same time maintaining a standard of dress. Oversized clothing, all-black outfits, extreme hairstyles, and other symbols of gangs and fringe activities are simply not on.

This dress code from Foxcroft School is typical of the sort of dress code you can expect at a girls' school:

"Foxcroft's dress code is fairly simple – khaki or black pants or skirts with solid-colored, collared blouses which are tucked in. Shoes (which may not be athletic shoes) must have closed toes and backs. Dress code is required during the Academic Day."

McCallie School offers a pretty detailed description of what's acceptable and what's not at that fine all-boys school in a Dress Code Letter:

"Regular school dress requirements/prohibitions are as follows:

1. Students are expected to wear a solid-colored dress shirt with a tie (the tie should be within one inch of the top button on the shirt), long pants with a belt,