La Pietra's Expectations

To ensure a comfortable and respectful community at La Pietra, there are certain behavior expectations for every girl. We are speaking now not of the requirements for daily attendance or the school uniform, although we hope these details are clear. Our concern is with higher expectations, one that apply both to us an individuals and to our life as a school; expectations that mark a young person’s transition from adolescence to adulthood; expectations that every school, in different ways, has for its young people. We see each girl’s success in this area as an integral part of her preparation for college and her adult life, and we want each girl to take these expectations as seriously as she will the course requirements for Chemistry, British Literature, or French IV. Many girls already have a very mature approach to their relationships and life at school.

For others, what may begin as our standard for them must become their standard for excellence. We are concerned about the ease with which some young people brush aside commitments with “I don’t have time” or “I can’t make it today.” Teachers find it more difficult to work with the young woman who treats basic classroom rules and assignments as negotiable items. The habits we encourage (or tolerate) now will have a significant influence on a girl’s future, and we hope each girl will share the following values.

Respect

Our school community is founded on RESPECT: for ourselves, for another person’s ideas, and for personal property. Because we want our girls to graduate with a strong sense of self-understanding, it is vital that our community be one in which a girl feels free to express herself in a setting that is tolerant and supportive. Each girl contributes to this ambiance with the respect and courtesy for our lovely campus, our own personal possessions, and respect for others’ belongings is paramount. Misuse, abuse, or the taking of another’s property is a serious disciplinary matter.

Manners

The decline of MANNERS has been noted with sadness by many a social commentator. We depend heavily on parent support to address the gaps in basic politeness with which we are sometimes confronted. If a student makes an appointment with a teacher, she is expected to keep it. Essential courtesies to classmates, office staff, and others ­ “please,” “thank you,” “may I help you with that?” ­ should be everyday behavior, not saved for special occasions. We have been very proud of girls who have taken the time to greet a visitor to campus, pay a compliment to one of our maintenance workers or thank the school secretary for a message delivered during the lunch hour.

Honesty

We count on every student for HONESTY in her relationships and in her academic work. While we generally encourage cooperative learning, girls must appreciate the difference between a paper or answer that copies another person’s thoughts and one that represents original work. Cheating and academic dishonesty will be a matter for serious discipline with penalties ranging from a “0” on the assignment to suspension or expulsion. Outside the classroom, we value direct, responsible communication between all members of the school community.

Responsibility, Commitment, and Perseverance

Girls are given daily opportunities to show RESPONSIBILITY and COMMITMENT, many of which they complete in an excellent fashion. Our small size allows us to work with those who initially exhibit an “If at first you don’t succeed, quit” attitude. Still, learning is hard work, and we hope that girls will show PERSEVERANCE. Girls who are team captains and hold other positions of leadership must exhibit the leadership qualities for which they were chosen, setting an example for younger girls. Team members and participants, regardless of skill, position, or experience, should see their active involvement as essential to the group’s success. We hope that girls will also seek out ways to do something extra, whether for themselves, a teacher, or a friend.

Cooperation

Our school has always defined education as a “pleasurable struggle,” a combination of fun and challenge. In the struggle, there are inevitable moments when we would rather be doing something other than what is required at the moment. We expect COOPERATION and a cheerful compliance with school rules. We welcome thoughtful problem solving and suggestions that will improve our lives at school.

Independence and Teamwork

We value equally INDEPENDENCE and TEAMWORK, two qualities essential for a happy, productive life. We hope each girl will be excited about exercising for own skills and judgment and taking the initiative, as well as be enthusiastic about projects that require working in teams or pairs.

Service To Others

La Pietra has a long tradition of SERVICE TO OTHERS. Along these lines, we are sometimes accused of overusing Sir Winston Churchill’s statement that “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” We know that each girl in school has something to share with her friends, classmates and teachers. Beyond the boundaries of campus are countless opportunities to help those less fortunate, and we hope that every girl will discover the satisfaction of giving time and aloha to causes bigger than herself.


La Pietra Graduates...

are lifelong learners who

- manifest academic readiness for collegiate success
- demonstrate critical thinking skills, including logical analysis and
  creative problem solving
- use effective communication skills
- are able to do meaningful research
- are familiar with emerging technology
- value intellectual challenges
- acknowledge a legacy of wisdom and experience

are ethical and moral individuals who

- have a clear sense of right and wrong
- make choices that reflect personal integrity and honesty
- accept responsibility for their words, actions, and choices
- view life with open, tolerant minds
- show compassion for others

are self-confident women who

- possess a strong sense of identity and self-worth
- are self-motivated and self-directed
- recognize and nurture their talents and potential
- respond with creativity, curiosity, and an appreciation of beauty
- transcend gender barriers in their pursuit of personal and professional
  fulfillment
- take pleasure in their own success and in the success of others
- model and promote healthy living
- demonstrate both positive leadership and skill in collaborative efforts

are responsible, global citizens who

- respect diversity
- exhibit empathy for others and are willing to help those in need
- contribute actively and positively to their school and communities
- protect and support the natural environment