Newsletter:

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Spring 1986

Keynoters Fall Conference 1985 Helping Students Deal with Morals and Ethics Ethical Issues Keynote Address by Barbara E. Jones. Ph.D. ofHealth Care for An iniroduction: "On a clear day you can seeforever'.' Thefall conference held at Deerfield Academy on October II made me ''eel (he reality ofthe above quotation. Teenagers "Barbara Jones, one of the keynote speakers, set the tonefor some moral issues. The text Deerfield Academy of her speechfollows and is included in its Deerfield, MA entirety. — Mary E. Anderson * * * Faculty On the whole, schools have done a good job Dr. Barbara E. Jones Dr. Mimi Murray in facing the problems kids have today: Dr. John W Wideman Bradford Hastings trustees have supplied policy and money; Douglas S. James Dennis Rosen, M.D. teachers havegiven up teaching time and worked in committees and listened to kids; David Connell, M.D. Mary Anderson, R.N. parents havepaid for and brought in programs and community resources; alumni have contributed leadership, funds, trated the whole in an effort to prevent or health care professionals. Let's look at speakers; and administrators haveorches- cure anorexia, bulemia. alcoholism, drug causes; let's talk about how to treat them and use and abuse, chemical dependency. School let's help these kids grow up to live produc communities have had to deal with a new tive, fulfilled, joyful lives. Barbara Jones is a member of the Council range of problems with this generation — for Religion in Independent Schools (CRIS), including increased incidents of pregnancy, The causes are social altitudes, philosophies a nonprofit organization that helps schools abortion and suicide. And while some of the that have worked their way into our assump to initiate, evaluate, and improve their problems that schools are dealing with are tions and those ofour kids — into our teaching of religion and ethics, develop their not as dangerous as those I've listed, they are culture. We must recognize them and under worship life, institute valuesprograms, and part of the same syndrome — lying, stand them. But that's not enough. We must promote a moral and spiritual climate. CRIS cheating, vandalism, borrowing without act on them, reverse them, change them, is independent of any religious bodyand permission, shoplifting, false sign-ins, correct them. Before I detail them, let me does not impose any one point ofview. It bullying, punching, nasty notes. Nothing say clearly that I am discussing morality, a stands within the Judeo-Christian traditions, new, but the increased quantity suggests that word that's not very popular these days. and sees knowledge ofreligion and ethics we are dealing with something qualitatively necessary components of a liberal different. And we are. The programs we The word "morality" makes people nervous. education. have struggled to put in place are not "Whose morals?" they ask. "What's going enough. They are like bandaids applied to to be imposed on me?" Let us define the CRISeducates through conferences and cancer. word: mores comes from the Latin and ethos workshopsfor students,faculties, adminis from Greek meaning ability to discern right/ trators and trustees, and through the If that shocks you, good. Because we have wrong. This discernment enlightens both publication of courses, position papers, and been treating symptoms, not causes, and if acts and attitudes that are beneficial to others its monthlyNewsletter. CRISis 87 years old. anyone knows that that won't work, it's (continued on page 2) {continuedfrom page 1) Thus, dangerous social attitudes have taken need to be right, our desire for easy answers, and therefore good and right and values that root and flourished. our distrust of complexity, our inability to are esthetic, personal, moral. We may dis live with ambiguity and mystery. Mencken agree about the authority for and application First, a disclaimer: I like young people, and 1 says: "For every complex problem, there is a of these values and morals, but that they are trust young people. Simply because I'm solution that is concise, clear, simple and inherent in each individual is clearly a given. going to talk about some negative student wrong." Let's pass that on to kids. They need attitudes does not mean that I think young to see us wrestle with the difficulties of Think about the Ten Commandments. What people are bad. On the contrary. We must not work, life, relationships, with challenges they basically say is mercy, justice, charity. look at the next generation as selfish little unmet and problems unresolved. All civilizations have grappled with the ankle biters or junkies, ruffians, or sexually notion of a power greater than self and the depraved fleshpots. The vast majority are We owe it to youngsters to teach them that very basic human need not to mess up human idealistic, compassionate, exuberant young life is more complex — and interesting — relationships. Act with mercy, justice and sters struggling to become adults. Yes, they than any quick fixes allow because the charity —just what we've been teaching all make mistakes, but they have a record of simple, absolute attitudes won't, in the long along — play fair, be kind, consider others' caring for each other, serving juice and run, work for them. For instance, look at feelings. cookies, erasing blackboards, supporting their view of friendship: They think friend hunger programs, doing community service, ship means warm, fuzzy feelings, and they Let's look at religion as the getting of energy, relieving human misery in natural disasters. have a poster that says "Friends never tell on power, ability, love to act with goodness and They are young persons growing into matu friends." (At the national level, that attitude rightness. Wc have confused this religious rity and wanting to learn how. Because I love is called obstruction of justice.) Thus, some enterprise with specific religious institutions them, 1want to help you help them grow. students feel that cheating is often right and and with particularities and positions. Moral that "narking" is seldom right. ("Narking" decline began in this country when religious Let's start by looking at some statements kids is a word derived from "narcotics officer," a institutions lost influence and morality make in their heads. The first is apt to run law enforcement official who turns in drug became divorced from the power to act like this: "I'm supposed to feel good, and I dealers to benefit the larger society. morally. Hence, we're trying to do good don't. So why not party? Nobody's going to "Narking." in student slang, is a pejorative without an empowering source of love. Left get hurt, and I won't get caught. Besides, term for anyone who manifests group loyalty to my own devices, 1 usually fail myself and what difference does it make?" That state by turning in a fellow student who has acted others just when goodness, rightness, love is ment has many variations: "I'm supposed to improperly. Adults usually call such an act needed most. be getting As and I'm not, so why not cheat? corporate responsibility!) Nobody's going to get hurt, and I won't get Using the model of "Friends don't let friends Human beings are composed ofthree parts caught. Besides, what difference does it drive drunk," a slogan that young people — physical, mental, emotional — uniied by make?" Or: "Steal, trash, litter, get drunk, accept. I've seen students as young as ten the spirit— the psyche, the soul, the self— get high, make love." Or: "I'm supposed to and as old as 18 learn that friends don't let and expressed in our ads and attitudes, our be pretty and popular (or good-looking and friends drive drunk, or get drunk, or lie or moral life. For the last several decades, tough) and I'm not. So somebody's going to cheat or steal, or do anything childish, inap however, we've focused on feelings as if they pay for my pain. I'll write a mean note or propriate. self-destructive; that friends, real were the whole self. We've confused start a vicious rumor or beat up on ole friends, ask friends to be the best they can emotional and moral components of the Charlie. I won't get caught and besides — be. One boy said in a closing conference person, as if cruelty, dishonesty and decep what difference does it make?" Or. the worst summary. "Friends, real friends, are willing tion were behavioral stages of growth rather of all: "I'm supposed to feel good, and I to give up friendship for the sake of the than moral wrongs. don't. So why not end it all. I'm the only one friend." Thus, students can learn that friends it will hurt. Besides, what difference does it help friends grow up, face the consequences; We have let kids get away with things that are make?" that friends look for honor and integrity in bad for them; we have failed to give them the each other and demand responsibility to the structure they need within which to grow; we There are five basic value assumptions in group, and that friends, if necessary, will tell have let them "express themselves" as if that those messages. Interestingly, they all find on friends because they care about their were the best way to adulthood. Now we're their roots in classical philosophy. Perhaps if growth and development as well as the good reaping the whirlwind and wondering what we taught more philosophy, kids would see of the larger whole. Kids see idiocy when went wrong. the loopholes and the failures of these ideas they are challenged by it. Another student to give us the good life. said at a conference, "Why do we make a There is usually a demurral at this point. hero of the guy who does the most drugs? "Well, 1don't want to impose my opinion on First, there is the simplistic absolutism that That's dumb." And the rest applauded him. the children." That's a red herring. We're not offers easy answers. It has its roots in Hegel talking about personal opinions, we're who thought he knew everything and said so: We need to be more explicit with young talking about universal realities. We're not "I have surveyed the field and I know." it is people. We need to spend time on friend talking about personal opinions, we're fed by our fear as we watch old ways and old ship. using all the teaching devices, to help talking about civilization, which hands down values change. We react; we get rigid. We them learn the nature of friendship, the its judgments and experiences from one view with alarm social developments and toughness of love, the difference between generation to the next. We're not talking remember a time when life was more clois liking and loving. We need to help them about impositions, we're talking about tered, rules much stricter, when young grow up, accept responsibility for each other, education. people respected the conventions of society, be the best they can be. We need to turn the when social taboos were clearer. Television emphasis from personal to group — to class, If we don't witness to courage and loyalty adds to simplistic absolutism because it team; from relationships to service. And and responsibility, to decency and honor and shows neat, pat, fast, often violent solutions little kids, from second grade up, are integrity, to justice, mercy and charity — — but always solutions. desperate for popularity. They feel their life they may die out. In fact, I'm afraid they are, is ended if they're not popular. We are not because we haven't spoken in far too long. This view may be the result of our national (continued on page 14) Regarding be." Since shame is "self-conviction" and on the full range of thoughts and feelings. If thus does not operate by the usual laws, one this happens, it can become dearer. Thus, Confidentiality may not be as fair with oneself as society confidentiality takes on a new meaning, that Keynote address by Dr. John W Wideman, wbuld be. Consequently, "the temptation in being to protect one from the public expo University of Massachusetts (Amherst) shame is to hide." to move toward isolation, sure of shame." At the same time, according School of Education Also, one may develop a lack of trust in to Lynd, "facing one's shame leads to one's Reported by Joe Keenan, Counselor, one's own self, in one's own judgment and truest sense of identity." Millbrook School integrity. Another dimension ofconfidentiality dis Dr. John W Wideman, of the University of Dr. Wideman emphasized that it is "not the cussed by Dr. Wideman involves the way that Massachusetts (Amherst) School of Educa meaning ofothers that causes shame; rather, confidential information is handled. As he tion, gave the second keynote address. His it is our own reaction to our mistakes." He said. "Together with the client we decide subject was confidentiality. Beginning with a believes that "shame is more likely in our how we will share, frame or disseminate reference to Adler, Dr. Wideman invited us present permissive society." information." The "management of informa to recall our earliest memories of confiden tion" is particularly important in family tiality — the "1 won't tell if you won't tell" therapy, as well. Within a family, informa experience — commenting that it may be ,VvVv^ tion can become a form of power, where useful for us to remember the context of such facts or feelings, known or withheld, can pacts. He then delineated between the sub SW'S have the power to hurt or manipulate others. jective experiences of guilt and of shame, Often, according to Dr. Wideman, it is infor basing his remarks on Helen Lynd's work On Whereas the parental or societal response to mation deprivation that is at the root of a Shame and the Searchfor Identity. guilt is punishment, the purpose of which is family's problems. In family therapy, there "to redirect my agency," with shame the pur can be no secrets, and in a family where Guilt is a "public" experience in the sense pose of the response should be "to heal a information has been mismanaged, family that there is a punishment to be meted out by wound." However, since it is such a private therapy can be a series of "learning experi society, by means of which one can suffer the feeling, "How does one talk about shame?" ences in the coordinated management of consequences of one's actions, assuage one's Most likely one will do so only in a very power" within the family. guilt and "get on with business." Shame, on "safe" setting. Thus, a primary goal of the other hand, is more a private experience, counseling should be to "create a context Listening to Dr. Wideman discuss confiden where we "fail to measure up to our own safe enough for an exploration of shame, a tiality from these perspectives, one was standards. It's a sudden exposure of oneself sanctuary, a place free from the usual conse reminded again of how crucial this issue is to to oneselfas less than one hopes one will quences, evaluation, disapproval, to reflect successful counseling.

loss or other reasons, a resting pulse rate 5- Workshops 10 beats more than normal. Any athlete in this situation should lower their training Emma Willard School Is Sport Abusive? level. seeks a director of health services Workshop by Dr. Mimi Murray In discussing some of the emotional aspects Reported by David Anderson, Athletic of sport. Dr. Murray focused on why people Trainer, Choate Rosemary Hall rfo/j'f participate in sports and why young people stop participating. A study which The director has responsibility for devel Dr. Murray began her talk with a discussion investigated reasons for nonparticipation in opment and implementation of health on several physical and emotional "abuses" sports showed that 75 percent of respondents policies in coordination with the dean of of sport. The physical side of the presenta don't play because they feel they are not students. The director must supervise a tion dealt mainly with injuries and the fact good enough. Almost 100 percent said it was staffof four registered nurses. Resi that many athletes try to play while injured. more important for everyone to play, as dence on campus in a full apartment She pointed out three major causes of inju opposed to only certain players playing, even adjacent to the Health Center is manda ries in adolescent sports: I) quick and though the team record would be poorer. tory. Boarding school experience is significant bone growth which often causes Another study cited reasons why youngsters preferred and a current RN license is left sports; sports weren't challenging soft tissue injury. The soft tissue doesn't expected. Salary is commensurate with grow as fast as the bones in most cases, enough because of too much control by the experience. Emma Willard is an inde which results in injuries to the soft tissue. coach; there was too much intense competi Examples of these injuriesinclude sprains, tion too soon; sports weren't fun; students pendent college preparatory boarding strains, tendonitis, myositis, etc; 2) fatigue, had no sense of self-esteem; and parents' and and day school for girls, grades 9-12, which makes an athlete much more suscep coaches' attitudes toward losing diminished with current enrollment of 300. tible to injury. On this point. Dr. Murray the pleasure. quoted VinceLombardi. who said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Coaches should Dr. Murray briefly discussed sexism and rac Resumes may be sent to Ms. Judy guard against hard practices the day after ism in American sports. Her talk concluded Bridges, Dean of Students, hard games;3) weightloss, whichis particu with comments on the abuses that are preva Emma Willard School, larly evident in wrestlers and football lent in little league sports and what could be Troy, NY 12180, players. Wrestlersoften feel that they must done to help correct this situation. (518) 274-4440. continue to lose weight throughout the season. Dr. Murray gave as a good indicator The workshop ended with a half-hour movie of athlete over-fatigue, whether from weight on the abuses common to childrens' sports. The Health Center ... A Sanctuary?

Workshop by Bradford Hastings, Dean of seek the core group faculty's review of that cases ofchemical use and overdose. Students, and Dennis Rosen, M.D., School student's status with the help of the student's • The health center policy dictates that Physician, Deerfield Academy faculty advisor. medical care only, both immediate and subsequent, is provided. Health center policy regarding admission • The dean of students is responsible for What is the relationship between the health for excessive use of alcohol and other designing therapeutic counseling and?or a center and the disciplinary process? Pre drugs, or extreme reaction to drug taking disciplinary response suitable to the indi sented at the workshop were three alternative The confidential nature of the care provided vidual's situation. policies and three case studies. by the health center permits, under certain • In case of self-referrals to the health circumstances, admissions for these prob center, it will be the dean of students' Health center policy on chemical overdose lems without notifying the administration. prerogative to consider alternatives to a It is difficult to set a uniform policy for the Admission occurs under confidential circum disciplinary response and to decide treatment of a student who has taken an over stances when: the student comes of his own whether parents should be contacted. dose ofeither drugs or alcohol. Each student accord; the student is brought by another and each case must be treated individually. student; the student is brought under the Case Study #1 The one fact that should be stressed lo the supervision of a member of the security staff The party woi beginning to break up at faculty and students is that there is help without having had contact with a faculty 11:30p.m. The 30juniors and seniors knew available at the health center. member. thay had to get back down to campus by the midnight curfew. For most ofthe boys and A student with a serious overdose initially In all circumstances of confidential admis girls, the parly had been fun and a good will be admitted to the health center for sion, health center policy requires at least change ofpace. No doubt, the highlight of treatment and there will be consideration of two follow-up interviews with a member of the weekend had been the keg of beer hidden community hospital referral. the counseling staff/core group faculty. up on the hill. Parental contact may be made by the counse As Pat and her boyfriend. Lee. started down It is important to note that a student who is lor if deemed critical in terms of the process the hill, they noticed that Linda was drunk. "dead drunk" needs constant observation of counseling. Failure to keep these two one ofthe organizers of the party. Linda while he "sleeps it off." A student could well appointments will be considered a breach of had been ' 'pumped up'' all weekabout the be protecting afriend's life from aspiration the confidentiality and will result in the mat affair. She hot ' 'psyched'' about the party or respiratory arrest by seeking help in such ter being turned over to the dean of students and >vti5 one ofthefirst students to start a situation. If a faculty member finds a stu office for possible disciplinary action. drinking the beer at?p .m. Pat andLee were dent in this condition, it is his or her duty to aware that Linda never left the keg: she bring the student to the health center and Exceptions to the confidentiality admission always offering beer to people and being the then make an appropriate report to the policy include: life of the party while simultaneously drink deans. It is also that faculty member's duty to • the student who upon admission becomes ing more than her share. assist the nurse in any way necessary. The "unmanageable" (that is, disruptive evening and night nur.se are usually alone Pat and Lee tried to help Linda down the hill behavior suggests a threat to self or and may need someone to sit with the student but she had trouble navigating the dense others): woods. Repeatedly, she mumbled that she until other help is available or arrangements • severity of the medical problem necessi can be made to transfer the student to the thought she going to gel sick and tates community hospital admission, for hospital. stopped walking. She oftenfell; her vision which parents' consent must be obtained; and balance were significantly impaired. The health center's purpose is to treat the Only in these instances is the health center When Pat looked at her watch, she realized it student and the condition; it does not act as obliged to report specific facts to the dean of was 11:55 p.m. and she said to Lee: "1 can't an arm of the disciplinary office. A student students office, which will design the neces afford to be late again tonight. Mr. Smith should not fear asking for assistance either sary support program and orchestrate a will kilt me if1 violate curfew once more'.' for himself or a friend. In these i.solatcd and review of the student's status. "Maybe we shouldjust split!' Lee random cases, the student will be referred to suggested. and reminded of the strong support system of Health center policy regarding admission confidential help available through the coun for excessive use ofalcohol and other ' 'But what about Linda?" seling staff/core group faculty. drugs • It is the responsibility of health center ' 7 guess that's herproblem',' Lee said reluc A student who is brought to the health center staff to notify the dean of students in all tantly. "We've got to gel back'.' with a mild overdose will be admitted and cared for at the health center and, if a Pat didn't want to leave Linda although she boarder, will be reported to the dormitory fell it was impossible to get Linda back to the head as ill. However, the nursing staff will dorm withoutboth of themgetting busted. not tolerate repealed episodes of mild over While supply lasts, additional copies And if that happened, maybe everyone in the dose. These students will be required to of this newsletter available at $ 1/ parly would ultimately get caught. obtain counseling. copy. (To defray postage cost, please add 500/total order.) Remit A. Woulda school policy of "sanctuary" The medical staff cannot be expected to check with your request to: facilitate Pat's making a decision? If yes, maintain strict confidence in a case where would that be the right decision for the situation becomes life threatening. The Cari J. McCartan, ISHA Secretary Linda? headmaster and/or a designated school Emma Willard School B. If the health center is "connected" to the authority will be informed. The school Troy, NY 12180 disciplinary process, what can Pat (and authority will notify the student's parents and Lee) do to help Linda? C. Is a policy of "sanctuary" helpful to stu The Realities ofDrug and Alcohol Testing: dents or does it make decision making more difficult? Can students trust such a Confrontation Drug Testing policy? Workshop by Douglas S. James, Sixth Form the urine for alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and D. What type of relationship exists between Boys' Dean, and David B. Connell, M.D., PCP (we use Emit-ST equipment). the health center staff and the faculty in a School Physician, Choate Rosemary Hall school that has a policy of "sanctuary"? The Alcotest requires the student being Since January 1985. Choate Rosemary Hall tested to blow through a tube containing a Case Study #2/#3 has administered drug and alcohol tests to chemical into a plastic balloon that inflates Howard was in his thirdyear at the academy. students. This workshop was designed to when sufficient air has been blown through. He had not worked up to his potential and his describe the equipment, our experiences and A positive test is indicated by a change of reputation nwj well known. Faculty and stu the problem — and to discuss how testing color of the crystals from yellow to green. dents knew that Howard used marijuana and has affected confrontation. The duration of the color change is an he would even openly defend his predilec approximate guide to the quantity of alcohol tion. It seemed to be what Howard did best in About four years ago, Doug James consid consumed. This inexpensive, portable test the high pressure, competitive atmosphere of ered and discussed the use of breatholyzers equipment is used when necessary by the his school. in helping confront students suspected of school form deans. It has been particularly drinking. In 1985, the use ofcocaine by helpful when a student has been discovered Lastyear. (2) the school physician!(3) How Choate Rosemary Hall students became in suspicious circumstances and denies the ard's advisor decided tofind a way to help national news. An editorial in the school use of alcohol. It has been an important ele Howard. He!She had heard about Howard's newspaper (October 1985) demonstrates the ment in the subsequent confrontation and marijuana smoking and hadseen Howardfor change in attitude on campus following the elucidation of the truth. other minor problems. (2) The doctor (3) affair. In the editorial. Senior Mary Leydorf After the breatholyzer had been used a few The advisor was determined to ' 'salvage'' addressed one of the students directly times, one of the students who had a positive Howard. When Howard saw him!her one implicated: Monday morning complaining of a headache test, claimed he had drunk a third of a bottle of Nyquil, a cough mixture which contains a and exhaustion, he!she seized the opportu "You really took us for a ride. Derek. You variety of ingredients for head colds and nity to confront Howardabout his problem. shifted all the blame for your mistakes on the coughs, and, in addition, has a significant 'rich kids' and 'that snobby school.' On After being as.sured ofconfidentiality, How alcohol base. The school physician was national TV you allowed 60 Minutes to show ard spoke candidly about his marijuana use. asked whether he thought the Nyquil could the rust on your car in a desperate attempt to He argued that' 'it vi-a^ no big deal'' and that have caused the positive test result. He said save your innocence and lessen your sen ' 'making it to graduation vt'oj- not going to be he thought this was very unlikely, but tence. Did you want to threaten the a hassle!' He admitted to smoking on a regu couldn't be absolutely certain; so the vice reputation and existence of your school? lar basis. Howard acknowledged that his principal for students elected to test the brother was his ' 'source'' and that he ivai' effect of Nyquil on himself. He consumed "Undeniably, it is perhaps your school more gelling marijuana regularlyfrom him via the half a bottle of Nyquil. The subsequent test than anyone else's. No single person in mail. He refused to connect his mediocre was indeed negative; however, he was very Choate Rosemary Hall's history has done so record to his smoking pot. woozy that evening and found correcting much to change the school; and one event papers nearly impossible. Certainly, this After an hour's discussion. Howard left. has never had that much of an impact. You member of the faculty went more than the Before his departure. (2) the doctor (3) the may not have had it in mind when you extra mile in the implementation of his job. advisor asked Howard to return at the end of maligned us on national TV, but for the most the week to continue to talk. Howard said part the fruits of your failure have been bene The Emit-ST equipment is used to perform ' 'That's cool'' and he reminded him/her of ficial. Youexposed our flaws and gave us an immunoassay test on urine. The immu- their agreement to keep things confidential. something to aim for — change. The attitude noassay uses antibodies that react specif After the session with Howard. (2) the doctor on the campus has changed more than any ically with a substance tested for. Antibodies (3) the advisor ivaj-puzzled: Howard had thing. Drugs have been drained of their are' formed by the body's immune system as revealed much more than anticipated. glamour — of course, as long as people want a defense to prevent future attacks by a spe escape, Choate will never be a drug-free cific disease. Because of the specificity of A. If the school has a policy of "sanctuary" campus. You haven't made people dislike antibodies, the test, according to the manu at the health center, what are the doctor's drugs, but you have forced us to recognize facturer has a 95% accuracy rate. The obligations? What are the advisor's that school is not the place to do drugs or to remaining 5% are false negatives, arising obligations? drink. People who do use illicit substances because the quantity of the drug remaining in B. Could confidentiality be justifiably talk about "partying" over vacation. The the body is too small to be detectable by this broken by the doctor (or the advisor) administration has introduced many new equipment or because a mistake in the testing regardless of the school's policy vis h vis rules, one of which forbids a student from technique has occurred. The length of time the health center's relationship to the dis using drugs at school and at home. Recently, that these substances remain in the body and ciplinary process? a senior on a no-use contract was tested and are detectable by this equipment is as C. How far can the doctor proceed with the expelled." follows: dialogue without contacting anyone else? The advisor? Following the publicity surrounding the use PCP — three days D. In Case Study #2, how would you, as of cocaine at Choate Rosemary Hall, the cocaine — two-seven days, depending on Howard's faculty advisor, react when you school decided to use testing instruments. the individual learned that the school doctor had had There are two basic types of equipment for cananbinoid— one-two days for low and conversations with Howard about regular drug testing; a breatholyzer device for testing moderate users, two-four days for heavy marijuana use? alcohol in the breath (at Choate Rosemary users and up to ten days for very heavy users E. How should Howard's parents be dealt Hall we use a device called "Alcotest") and Alcohol — 12 hours with, if at all? an immunoassy portable machine for testing (continued on page 6) {continuedfrom page 5) result means that either there is no drug behavior and ethics course offerings, a A positive test means that the drug or its present in the sample or the level is so low school-wide task force on drugs and alcohol, metabolites have been detected in the urine that it is undetectable by the test. A positive and outside presentations by such groups as and that this substance must have been result means that the drug is present in the Phoenix House of New York City); to offer ingested at some time. It cannot give any urine sample at a detectable level. It does not peer counseling support as often as possible; information about the quantity or other mean that the individual is intoxicated, since to monitor more carefully the weekend, off- circumstances. there is no definition of intoxication for any campus plans of all students; to intervene in substance except alcohol. extreme cases based on information col To date, 23 students have been tested, six lected in confidence by our own assessment How long after smoking marijuana can drug girls and 17 boys. Five students had positive team (with the possible option of off-campus be delected in the urine? tests (four for marijuana and one for rehabilitation); and to encourage dialogue Studies have shown that marijuana use in cocaine). Some of the students were tested and communication between as many stu typical low and moderate users (1-4joints more than once because they were on a "No- dents and adults as possible concerning the per week) can be detected for 3-5 days after Use Contract." use and abuse of drugs and alcohol. discontinued smoking. Heavy drug users (one joint or more per day) are detectable for Following are some of the frequently asked In pursuit of this last goal in particular, as at least questions as found in the handbook provided 7-10 days. One 4-joint-per-day user stated in our Student Handbook, we make a was consistently positive for 15 days after by the manufacturer of the Emit-ST distinction between counseling and disci discontinuing smoking. The simpler, less machine. pline situations. That distinction is defined as sensitive test, the EMIT ST Cannabinoid follows; "Whenever a faculty member dis How long after taking a drug can ii be Assay, detects drug in the urine of low and covers a student apparently in violation of detected in the urine? moderate users for 1-2 days after discontin school rules, or when our attention has been Drugs vary considerably in how quickly uing smoking and in heavy users for 2-4 directed to a problem by security or by the they pass through the body. This variation days after smoking. Very heavy users may police, we are facing a disciplinary situation. depends both on the drug itself and on the remain positive for at least 10 days after Whenever we approach a student out of con individual. Sometimes drugs can be found in discontinuing smoking. cern which arises from information offered the urine days or even weeks after they have to us by students or faculty of a more general been taken. Depending on the dose taken, If a person gives a negative result one day nature about past behavior, we are acting as most drugs can be detected in the urine for and a positive the next, does it mean that he counselors. Parents will be notified as soon up to three days after they have been taken. has smoked marijuana again? as possible in either instance." Marijuana, methaqualone and phenobarbital. Not necessarily. Marijuana is stored in the however, may be detected for as long as two body, and its breakdown products are The operative school rules, as well as direct to three weeks. Other drugs, such as amphet released in an erratic pattern over a period of reference to the possibility of testing or a amines and secobarbital, pass through the days or weeks. This means that a person unilateral disciplinary or judicial response on body so quickly that a negative result may be could give a negative result several days after the part of the dean's office, arc also clearly obtained from someone who has used the discontinuing smoking, followed the next articulated. Our Major School Rules (beyond drug recently. day by a positive result. Depending on the the Honor Code) grow from the following person's prior frequency of marijuana use, it Are there anyfoods or medications that can statement: "The use ofcontrolled substances may take days or even weeks before test causefalse positive test results? is detrimental to the well-being of the indi results become consistently negative. Medications with very similar chemical vidual and the community and incompatible structures may sometimes produce positive How can a testfor marijuana work when with the purposes and objectives of the results in certain tests. These medications, there are so many different types of school. Rules regarding possession, sale or and the levels at which they will interfere, marijuana? use of these substances are essential to are listed in the product literature accompa Although there are many different types of maintaining a healthy academic and social nying the tests. marijuana, all contain the same active ingre environment. Therefore, the following are dient. detta-9-tetrahydrocannabino! (THC). forbidden and are grounds for major disci Is it necessary' to confirm a positive result? pline. Youshould also be aware that there are It is good scientific practice to confirm a Because all types of marijuana are converted to the same breakdown products, they are all circumstances when the breach of these rules positive result from any test method in cases could result in immediate dismissal. where a person's rights, privileges, treat detectable by our tests. ment or employment is at stake. Even with a Over the past several years Choate Rosemary " I. Possession, sale or use ofcontrolled reliable method such as EMIT, there is Hall has adopted the following overall always a slight chance that specimen drugs, or abuse of any other chemicals approach to major school rules, chemical handlers and test operators may not have and possession or use of drug parapher use, counseling responses, rehabilitation, followed the recommended procedures nalia result in immediate dismissal. testing, and the involvement of parents. precisely. Therefore, confirmation is Since Choate Rosemary Hall aspires to Essentially, our school has moved dramati important. be a drug-free community, if circum cally away from a "second-chance" stances suggest that you have violated In lay terms, how does an EMIT test work? philosophy as to use or possession of all the school rule on drugs, you will be An EMIT test works as follows; A) An drugs, while retaining the option of immedi tested. If the result is positive, you will EMIT test contains antibodies that attach ate dismissal regarding alcohol. In principle, be dismissed whether you used the drug themselves to drug or drug metabolites we desire to be a drug-free community, and on or off campus. (which are products resulting from the therefore have chosen to make "intoxica breakdown of drug by the body) in a person's tion" of any kind our absolute business. "2. We do not condone the use of alcohol. urine sample. B) EMIT test instruments Toward that end we have made testing, as Further, Connecticut law prohibits the measure the sample's light absorbance indicated, one of our several resources, in purchase and use of alcohol by those response, which is related to the amount of part because it docs seem to generate a sub under the age of 21. The school com drug it contains. The more drug present in stantial deterrent value. In addition, we are plies with this law. If there is sufficient the person's urine, the greater the response currently attempting numerous other reason to believe that you have been produced. If there is no drug present in the responses: to sustain an educational facet using alcohol, a breathalyzer test may sample, the response is minimal. A negative within our approach (through our own be administered." Any positive test in a disciplinary situation, the topic or concern here is integrity — of Choate Rosemary Hall to strengthen commu for either drugs or alcohol, obviously bpth the body and mind. The biggest, real nity moral values of justice, mercy and ' requires a major disciplinary response. problem, or obstacle to the truth is denial. understanding. When, on the other hand, a "violation" is Fundamentally, it would seem that our col established within the counseling context, a lective adult spirit cries out for a precise, At the end of the workshop, a school counse No-Use contractual relationship will usually professional approach, one that creates a lor asked, " If a school is serious about drug follow. This differs, at least with regard to clear climate of consequence as well as a and alcohol abuse, should it institute test chemicals other than alcohol, from the gen comprehensive set of alternatives to use or ing?" Our answer is a resounding, "yes." eral Statement of Understanding that all abuse. No longer can we tolerate the assump students sign each school year only in that tion of many of our young people either that Sourcesfor drug testing equipment random, regular urinalysis also attaches. The we know exactly what's going on "out there" Alcotest Breatholyzer No-Use Contract is dear and concise, and or that somehow we tactily approve of exper National Draeger Inc. makes a particular effort to enlist the knowl imentation with drugs. No longer do we wish 101 Technology Drive edge and support of the parents. to hear a student ask (as one did just last Pittsburgh, PA 15230 spring): "I think I know where you stand What does our experience of the last twelve now. Where did you stand three years ago?" (412)787-8383 months suggest? Certainly, that enforcement It's not really a jungle out there. But without $14.50/box of 10 tests — rather than words or anxiety or a batch of clear rules and a precise but humane proce Emit-ST Urine Drug Testing "new" rules — is the essential ingredient in dural approach, it will be. All of us — both Syva Company addressing the issue, or problem, of chemi within and outside of our schools — deserve RO. Box 10058 cal abuse. Nothing can replace the need for better than that. Palo Alto. CA 94303 direct and thorough confrontation. Other (415)493-2200 issues or controversies, such as jurisdiction Adapting a Navy motto to our school, "We Orders —(800) 227-9948 or the invasion of privacy, particularly when aim for the individual student to be drug $5697 (machine and starter chemicals) perceived as part of some unjust witch-hunt free, the class to be drug free and the whole (Though the cost of the Emit-ST equipment oroverreaction, may not really be overriding school community to be drug free." To this appears initially high, it must be realized that concerns at all. The vast majority of our end, our use of drug testing equipment has the cost of an individual test at the local lab students .seemto respect and support our enabled us, in confrontations, to cut through oratory would be in the range of $28 per current approach wholeheartedly. Above all. the fog of denial and lying. This is enabling substance.

W Panel discussion: An Institution's Response to the Issues of Pregnancy and Abortion in the Independent School Setting Panelists: Judy Bridges. Dean of Students, state and county laws with regard to minors urine testing, the first appointment includes Emma Willard School; Dagny St. John. and birth control. Acknowledge in the careful birth control counseling and discus Counselor, Burr and Burton Seminary; school's written policies that teenagers sion of the responsibility involved in a sexual Robin Wallace, M.D., School Physician, St. indulge in sexual activity. The school does relationship. The student is strongly urged to George's School. Moderator; Mary Ander not necessarily condone sexual activity by discuss the step she is about lo take with her son. R.N. establishing a gyn clinic. Students should be mother. The second appointment is for a strongly urged, but not forced, to tell their vaginal examination, pap smear and a thor From the notes of Peggy Brown, Dean of parents. This area of student activity should ough physical. If a school is coed, or if the Students, Albany Academy for Girls not generate a disciplined response. The par male involved in the sexual relationship is The questions posed to the panel were: ents of students should be informed of the readily available, he should be included in • Given that federal and state laws permit school policy with an adequate amount of the firstappointment and be counseled to pay prescription of birth control pills to time to respond in the negative if they do not half the expenses involved. Judy feels this minors, what is your response to the want their daughter to avail herself of the system is a good one. establishment of gyn services and the pre service offered. scribing and dispensing of birth control Judy stated that in cases of pregnancy in methods on your campus? Judy emphasized that for such a clinic to which a student chooses abortion, the school • What is your response when a student work well in a boarding school, the dean's should support the student through the expe approaches you with information that she office and health center must have a good rience. The difficulty of transportation to or her friend has a late period? working relationship and that limits ofcom and from appointments was discussed. It is a • Most students are unable to share this kind munication be well understood by health problem to which there is no satisfactory of problem with their parents. Can you center and school administration. The answer. To ask a member of the faculty to highlight the potential risks that will be administration must have faith in the health drive a student means to break confidential taken by the school administration, center procedures established for any sensi ity, and an R.N. is seldom available to physician, nurse andcounselorwhenthe tive area, and especially for the sensitive area undertake this task. parents are not informed? of sexuality. • If pregnancy is established, how far do Dagny St. John of Burr and Burton Semi you think the institution should or can go The introduction ofa gyn clinic is best done nary gave the counselor's response. She in helpinga studentto resolveher with small groups of students by the health prefaced her comments with a brief allusion dilemma? center staff. At Emma Willard a student to the way abortion and sexuality was han Judy Bridges, Dean of Students at Emma must have two apf>ointments before a supply dled by three different schools. One school Willard School, answered as follows. Before of birth control pills or a device is dispensed. ignored the problem and as a counselor she establishing a gyn clinicon campus, check In addition to blood pressure, weight and (continued on page 8) (coniimiedfrom page 7) abortion becomes simpler to handle. It is The physician will test for pregnancy with was in the position of helping a student with important for a student to be counseled to tell either urine Orblood, examine vaginally to no backing by ihe school adininislration. her parents at some point; such an exchange confirm diagnosis and then work with the "Experience and knowledge has shown me between parent and child cements a student to consider options. Robin cautioned the risks I look." Dagny said. A health serv relationship. that a minor should never be told date of ice that is expectcd lo inform the headmaster delivery. Doing so could result in severe of a pregnancy is not going to be used very Robin Wallace, school phsyician at St. depression on thatdate. Robin recommended often. The school that can be open about a George's School, responded with very prac a periodof counseling to helpthe student gyn clinic and the dissemination of birth tical suggestions. Make sure your student move from one experience to the next and to control information is the ideal. Dagny medical form asks the specific question: assist the student in making responsible emphasized thai encouraging the student to "Does your daughter have your permission decisions regarding any further sexual share her condition with her parents must be to be examined and treated by a gynecolo relationships. the first response of the counselor. R.N. and gist?" Malpractice suits pose no real threat M.D. The role of the counselor is to assume on this issue. Mary Anderson pointed out that when a student can share information with parents, confidentiality and to share the burden of Parents react to their child's sexual assault it is easier to help a young person through the fear and uncertainty with the student. The with fear and anger at first, but they are reas experience of a sexualrelationship and its counselor should establish a relationship sured when they become aware of the possible consequences. with the student then help her proceed to the support given by the school and health serv necessary action in each individual ease. ices. Robin emphasized that the usual professional approach in these Dagny pointed out that a young persons matters is lo maintain confidentiality at a immediate response to sharing the informa patient's request. ISHA now presents certificates of tion with parents is shame. Experience, attendance for participation in full- however, has proved that most parents It is important for the health team to find out respond well and if a student can be per about the extent of a student's sexual activity day conferences. Attach your copy of suaded lo share her plight with parents, and to be very sure that birth control is being the program to the certificate. then the procedure regarding pregnancy or used properly.

About Sol Gordon Dr. Gordon's work has been featured in such ISHA Update Sol Gordon — writer, lecturer and educator magazines as Good Housekeeping, Woman's — is director of The Institute for Family Day, Family Circle and Teen. His writings Future Plans Research and Education, Dr. Gordon include both popular and scholarly works received his Ph.D. from the University of and he has served as a consultant for several Spring Conference at St. George's School. London in 1953. He has served as professor films, filmstrips and audio cassettes. Newport, RI, Friday, April 18, 1986 of child and family studies at Syracuse Uni Topic: Teen-age Sexuality versity, where his popular class on human Some publications:* Keynoters: sexuality had an enrollment of over 400 stu Psychology for You (Sadlier/Oxford, 1978). Sol Gordon. M.D. — "Promoting Self- dents each semester. A high school text. Revised 1983. Esteem with Specific Focus on Facts About Sexfor Today's Youth (Ed-U Sexuality" Located in Syracuse, NY, the Institute for Press, 1983). New edition. Powel Kazanjian, M.D. — "The Newer Family Research and Education was founded Did the Sun Shine Before You WereBorn? Sexually Transmitted Diseases" in 1970 and is dedicated to strengthening the With Judith Gordon (Ed-U Press. 1977). Workshops: American fainily by encouraging honest A sex education primer for children "When Living Hurls — Teenage Suicide," communication between parent and child. aged 3-7. Sol Gordon The Institute has developed two key projects. Girls are Girts and Boys are Boys — so "Current Issues in Sports Medicine," The first involves family life education pro whai's the difference? (Ed-U Press, 1979). David Kroll. director of athletic grams for parents. It trains key leaders in A nonsexist liberating sex education book trainers, St. Paul's School; Edwin community agencies, schools and religious for children aged 6-10. Henrie, M.D., school surgeon and groups to educate parents to assume their The Teenage Survival Book (The New York sports medicine physician. St. George's role as primary sex educators of their own Times Book Co., third edition, 1981). A School: Frances Rotella. school trainer, children. The second consists of programs to graphic tour-de-force designed to commu St. George's School reduce pregnancies among teenagers. The nicate essential life-knowledge and "Teaching Moral Issues to Young Chil principal philosophy of the Institute is that enhance self-acceptance among youth. dren" (kindergarten through grade 9), ignorance, not knowledge, stimulates inap Cited as one of the best young-adult books Nancy Jo Jander, Eaglebrook School; propriate sexual behavior. in 1976 by the American Library Carol Cowles, counselor. Eaglebrook Dr. Gordon has spoken on the subjects of Association. School; John Hawlin, counselor. Tower The New You (Ed-U Press. 1980). A "help- School, Wilmington sexuality education and promoting self- esteem throughout the U.S. and abroad. He each-other" book of poetry, essays and was recognized for his creative work in the slogans on life. BOOK EARLY FOR THIS POPULAR TOPICAL A Better Safe Than Sorry Book — For Sexual field of sex education when he received the CONFERENCE. Keynote address and work Assault Prevention. With Judith Gordon. shops limited to 150 persons. The keynote annual American Association of Sex Educa tors, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) (Ed-U Press, 1985). address only will accommodate up to 400 Award in 1982. In March of 1985 Dr. Gor When Living Hurts (Union of American persons. don was ihe recipient of the Raymond B. Hebrew Congregations, 1985). A suicide Fall Conference at Dana Hall School Bragg Award for Scholarly Contributions prevention book for teenagers. Dale: To be announced and Personal Commitment to Humanism by •Acompleic list of Dr. Gordon"s books is available from Topic: Is YourSchool Community Healthy? the American Humanist Association. Ed-U Press. RO. Box 583. Fayetlcville. NY 13066. Dyslexia — You Can Help ISHA Rosemary F Bowler Nurses and counselors can play a critical role umbrella term of little value in deciding on PUBLICATIONS in students' educational achievement. Be educational plans for students encountering alert to students presenting any ofthese problems in learning to read. Fortunately, behaviors and conditions: that attitude is undergoing a major turn **NEW** around. The October 1985 issue ofNEA Faculty Guidelinesfor Crisis • short attention span and difficulty in Today (the newspaper of the nation's largest Situations and Sample Medical attending teachers' union) devoted a two-page spread Forms $8 • restlessness and/or irritability to dyslexia, its causes, its symptoms and the • poor coordination new hopes for treating it effectively. Working booklet. Contents: • unusual frustration recommended guidelines for safe policy • above-average frequency of migraine, The medical profession, in particular the making. 23 pages. allergic reactions or diseases of the World Federation of Neurology, has used immune system (e.g.. celiac disease, dyslexia as a diagnosis for some lime, defin ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis) ing it as "a disorder manifested by difficulty ♦♦NEW** • familial history of left-handedness, in learning to read despite conventional Audio Cassette Tape $4 delayed speech and/or stuttering. instruction, adequate intelligence and socio- cultural opportunity." Fall '85 Keynote Addresses; Barbara E. These students may be dyslexic. Did you Jones, "Ethical Issues" and John W. know that 30 percent of our population is The seminal work of Geschwind and his Wideman, "Confidentiality." handicapped by severe reading problems, associates al Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Hospital has sparked a new wave according to a recent report of the U.S. gov Health Notes $16 ernment? And, says Jeanne Chall of Harvard of medical and psychological research into University, between a third and a half of dyslexia as an organic condition. Most brain 12 different "letters" (printed 8'/2 x 14). re.searchers now consider dyslexia to be these poor readers have dyslexia. Intended audience: our adolescents. caused by anomalies in the development of Topic: Wide range ofhealth-related the cerebral hemispheres, which in turn, it is For years, reading exf>erts and special concerns. educators tended to dismiss dyslexia as an hypothesized, may result from left-hemi sphere development delay caused by These publications are available by mail; For manyyears a public school teacher ami testosterone. administrator. RosemaiyF. Bowler, Ph.D.. is all prices include postage. School health professionals who observe any currently a consullani on dyslexia and is They will also be on display and for sale retained by The Orion Dyslexia Society to of the signals mentioned above should con during the ISHA spring conference, edit its publications. The society's Annals of sider the possibility of dyslexia and refer the Dyslexia is a scholarlyjournal whose con student for evaluation, particularly if aca April 18. tributors consist oftheforemost researchers demic performance is poor. While dyslexia Please remit payment with your request cannot be "cured," the good news is that, — medical, psychological and educational to: — in thefield. For competent testing in your with proper educational planning and treat C. McCartan area. The Orton Society recommends that ment. the dyslexic — often bright and you contact themfor information: The Orton blessed with special talents — can succeed as ISHA Secretary Society, 725 York Road. Baltimore. MD a student and. more important, as a human Emma Willard School 21204. being. Troy, NY 12180

AIDS Policy for Schools • Are the R.N.s willing to care for a patient with AIDS? place before the question arises of Mary E. Anderson, R.N. • Are the health facilities adequate? Are whether or not to admit or retain a student Emma Willard School isolation facilities available and staffed with AIDS. when needed? • The education of faculty, staff and stu The disease known as AIDS — Acquired • Are local facilities such as hospitals avail Immune Deficiency Syndrome — is cur dents should be an ongoing process so that able and willing to care for a patient with rently on the rise in the United States. all are well informed of current develop AIDS? Sooner or later the independent school will ments in the management and control of • Is the counseling team able to deal with be faced with the dilemma of how to respond the disease. (ISHA strongly feels that the the effect of the AIDS sufferer on student when a student has been diagnosed with this schools are responsible for providing peers and faculty? condition. Should a student with this disease medical facts both to inform and to correct • When a student is diagnosed through be admitted? Should a student who is diag misinformation.) school health services, what is the nosed after admission be retained? administrative policy with regard to (The incubation period is thought to be five The school that decides not to accept or confidentiality as it applies to both parents years.) retain a student with AIDS need proceed no and school administration? How is this further with a policy. The school that decides information regarding confidentiality dis The ISHA council respectfully submits the to accept and/or retain a student with AIDS seminated to parents and student body? following suggestions to help with policy must take into account the following health- making in the area ofhealth care. related issues when making policy. ISHA will make every effort to assist with • We urge all schools to have a policy • Is the physician willing to treat an AIDS policy making and to keep updated informa accepted by the board of trustees and in patient? tion available. The First Seven Years ofISHA

David B. Connell. M.D. Since those early beginnings. ISHA has states and New York but also members in School physician at Choate Rosemary Hall continued to grow, particularly under the California. Colorado. Delaware. Illinois, and past president of ISHA guidance of Mary Anderson. During her Maryland, Michigan. Montana. New two-year tenure as president, she has Jersey, Ohio. Pennsylvania, Virginia and At the end of this academic year. 1985-86. strengthened existing programs and added Washington. DC. Mary Anderson will be stepping down as new ones. president of ISHA. leaving Emma Willard • ISHA has become a busy referral source. Mary and I can leave the shores of the United and retiring to England. By coincidence or Phone calls and letters to the president and Slates feeling that we have helped the Inde synchronicity. 1will be leaving Choate Rose executive secretary have come from not pendent School Health Association grow and mary Hall and returning to England to take only New England but from as far south as prosper. up work in counseling and psychotherapy. Pennsylvania and into the Midwest. This seems a propitious time to look back • Through the observed needs of students. over ISHA's first seven years and see what Mary has taken considerable initiative An Addendum has been accomplished. around the subjects of dieting, nutrition Mary E. Anderson: and general physical and mental health ISHA was born in May 1978, with a meeting appropriate for adolescents. As reiiring president ofISHA. I would like to at Choate Rosemary Hall called "The Ten • The newsletter has grown in size and in acknowledge thefounding andfaithful School Medical Seminary." The meeting was quality. Recent issues have dealt with members ofISHA. In response to an attended by nine counselors, five nurses, subjects ranging from AIDS to the crea observed need, ISHApast presidents Alex four physicians, two psychologists and one tion of a "Crisis Booklet" and good andra Kuhler-Merrill, Sprague W. Hazard psychiatrist. So successful was this first medical forms to fair and just salaries for andDavid B. Connell had the insight to seminar that a second meeting was held at nurses. realize thai the modern problems oftheir Loomis Chaffee School in April 1979. By • Mary has achieved changes in the struc adolescent students were probably not then, the name of the organization had ture of the ISHA Council to reflect unique to their institutions. They recognized become "Independent School Health representation from all the various con that an exchange ofinformation regarding Society" and 20 independent schools were stituencies involved with and having an treaimeni of physical atui mental conditions represented. They were Emma Willard. interest in student health. M'flj necessary and would be invaluable to Dana Hall. Ethel Walker.-Miss Porters. • The financial stability of ISHA has been the independent school communities, and Avon Old Farms. Deerfield Academy. Stone- strengthened. Membership categories acting on this insight ISHA born. leigh Burnham. Choate Rosemary Hall. have been revised to include both school David's article reflects the past seven years; / Hebron Academy, Lawrence Academy, and subscription members. Currently, would like to stress that without thefirstfive Loomis Chaffee. Middlesex. Northfield- membership represents 125 schools. years ofhard work, the last two would not Mt. Hermon. Phillips Academy. Suffield Geographically. ISHA now serves not have been possible. I am proud to have such Academy, Taft. Wilbraham and Monson, only the original cluster of New England a firmfoundation on which to work. Eaglebrook. Milton Academy and Berkshire School. Support structures were discussed. After the second meeting, it was commented: "Though many schools have Richard A. Artessa, Peerless Insurance Company religious courses through which students can 140 Everett Road compare religious doctrines and historical Albany. NY events, very few offer experiential religious opportunities. Despite attempts to provide religious programs for students, many of Letter on Insurance these schools agreed that the atmosphere of the institutions mitigates against experiential Dear Mary: student involvement. Each school's schedule so rigidly adheres to a system of bells that it I am writing to update youand thecouncil as to the progressmadeconcerning inadvertently prevents students from coming ISHA's Student Health Insurance Plan. To date we have four schools officially to grips with their private, individual selves. enrolled for an approximate enrollmentof 500 students. There havebeen The universal prep school motto seems to be informal inquiries made by at least six other schools. (in essence). "Keep them busy." Though this extreme has merit, obviously it has some I would like to remind ISHA member schools and their business managers that disadvantages as well. It seems to promote although this insurance planisendorsed byISHA andenjoys a group-based rate, the value of the American dream. 'The more all policies are issued onan individual school basis. Thedeadline forenrollment you hustle, the better or more successful you was January 1. 1986. However, we would consider any school after that deadline are.' The consensus is that the institutions if it was very interested in committal to the plan. themselves need to look long and hard at the values they are encouraging in their students Thankyou for theopportunity to work withISHA inproviding thismost at the expense of ignoring milch of the 'inner valuable service. We have been able to create a most comprehensive insurance self."" How much progress have schools package and affordable price andto launch theproject from thedrawing board. made over this issue? Certainly, in the last I amassuming that, if wearesuccessful inservicing thechartermembers in this year or two some schools have begun to plan andif the insurance marketplace continues itstrend totighten insurance devote considerable energy to the promotion plans and prices, ourenrollment will increase insubsequent years. 1see that asa of moral and ethical values within their own positive outgrowth foreachschool andISHA. communities.

10 Head Injuries: Evaluation and Management ofConcussions

by Dave Anderson should not be allowed back in a game. It is 2. Can the athlete answer simple questions 'Head Athletic Trainer wise to put the student in the infirmary for such as "What is the score?," "Where are Choate Rosemary Hall at least 24 hours — or at the doctor's dis you playing?," "What happened before cretion. No further athletic activities you were hit?" A concussion is a "clinical syndrome should be permitted for three to five days, 3. The eyes should be checked, bearing in characterized by immediate and transient after which time athletics may be resumed mind that some people have anisocoria impairment of neural function, such as if no headache, nausea or dizziness t">ccur. (unequal pupils) normally. alteration of consciousness, disturbance of • When an athlete suffers a ihird-degrce, or 4. Check for nystagmus by asking the ath vision, equilibrium, etc.. due to mechanical severe, concussion, he or she will remain lete to follow a finger with his or her eyes forces." Athletes are particularly prone to unconscious for a longer period. Symp while keeping the head still. The exam- concussion in the course of practices or toms include mental confusion, lasting iners finger should be approximately 12 games and it is wise to know the symptoms five minutes or more, prolonged memory inches away and should move in all and treatment of choice should a student be loss, severe ringing in the ears, dizziness directions. injured. and unsteadiness. A student suspected of 5. Can the athlete pass the "100 minus suffering a severe concussion should be test"? Ask him or her to subtract 8 from Concussions are usually classified according taken to a hospital or doctor's office for 100, then 8 from the resulting number to the duration of unconsciousness. further evaluation. and so on — as fast as possible. 9. Use the "Romberg Test" as an indicator •Afirsi-degree concussion results in a Before allowing an athlete who has suffered of steadiness. Have the athlete extend his short or momentary state of confusion and a concusion ofany severity to practice or re- or her arms to 90° of forward flexion, and dizziness and sometimes a mild tinnitus. enter a game, an examiner should administer close his/her eyes. Watch for any sway There is normally a quick recovery, usu a series of simple tests. These tests are also ing or loss of balance. Have the athlete ally within a couple of minutes, and little useful in determining the severity of the or no headache and no dizziness, memory extend the arms to 90° of shoulder abduc concussion. loss, unsteadiness, nausea or visual tion and, again with the eyes closed, impairment. It is bestto keep this athlete I. Does the athlete have headaches, dizzy touch the nose with the right and left out of the game for several minutes to spells or nausea? index fingers. insure that there aren't further complica tions. If no unusual signs or symptoms Having administered these tests, the exam are present, the athlete may resume participation. A Request for Input: iner will have a much better idea of the extent of the concussion. If the examiner finds that [n order to be effective, we need your an athlete suspected of having a first-degree •A concussion results in input. If you have issues you would concussion is unable to perform one or more unconsciousness that may last as long as like ISHA to consider, please submit of these tests satisfactorily, the student two to three minutes. Upon regaining them. We invite you to participate in should not be allowed to continue play. Ath consciousness, there will be momentary this publication with letters to the letes sustaining two or more second-degree confusion, retrograde amnesia, moderate editor. Please consider writing to us of concussions in a season should be kept out of tinnitus and dizziness, and unsteadiness a success or failure, a criticism or practice and play for the remainder of the for five to ten minutes. Although the suf question regarding ISHA conferences term. A'hietes who suffer two or three third- ferer may appear totally functional after a — in fact, anything that will generate degree concussions in a career should be few minutes, he or she should be watched interest and learning in our members. closely for recurring symptoms and kept out of contact sports permanently.

Committee Susan Bachrach, PA. ISHA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS Cambridge School

President Day School Chairperson David B. Connell, M.D. Mary E. Anderson, R.N. Suzanne B. Casey, R.N. Choate Rosemary Hall Emma Willard School Bancroft School Mary Conway. R.N. Vice-Presidcnt Health Educator Chairperson St. George's School Charlotte Davidson Susan Winship Choate Rosemary Hall Choate Rosemary Hall Bud Gouveia. A.T.C. Avon Old Farms School Vice-president Elect Nursing Chairperson Joe Keenan David Panek, Ed.D. Lin Bredenfoerder, R.N.C, S.N.F Millbrook School St. Paul's School Berkshire School Admitustraior Chairperson Pre-prep Chairperson Rev. Dick McKelvey Blair Jenkins Nancy Jo Jander Deerfield Academy Dana Hall School Eaglebrook School Marilyn Spencer. R.N. Athletic Trainers Chairperson Publications Editor Loomis Chaffee School David Anderson, A.T.C. Carol L. Cheney Consultants v^Xhoate Rosemary Hall New Haven, CT Ann Bliss. R.N., B.S.N., M.S.W. Yale University School of Medicine Counseling Chairperson Research Consultant Dagny St. John Sprague W. Hazard, M.D. Lewis Flagg, Jr.. R.PT. R.T., A.T.C. Burr and Burton Seminary Leyden, MA Phillips Exeter Academy

II Acute Respiratory Infections in a School Population Vina Patel, M.D.

The recognition, control and management of acute respiratory infection presents the most common and at times formidable problem for the school physician and nurse. The diag How w y&u 72iMr r nosis of upper respiratory infections is MY Nb5e IS ANy^ssrsZ- ^ confusing at times. The clinical syndrome MV 15 for viral and bacterial infection can give rise SOAT^r/My /We.M it's to similar symptoms; hence, one needs to AHP eyes HortI look for clues that point to specific etiology ANOI FhL on clinical grounds and through the use of SOcceK ^eAK m X laboratory tests. oaxi! URIs all have common symptoms and signs. \^ITH A They usually start with varying degrees of nasal congestion, postnasal discharge, sore throat, cough, pharyngeal and tonsillar red dening, fever, exudate and swollen glands. T C4vt Asmrn Symptoms of common cold are febrile, naso- MAAH! -nlRofir Lao}iS tLl For r STid- roBL , pharyngitis. acute respiratory disease, acute Yco W/rfl 5qPP3RT7We /WO OIZZY/ catarrhal tonsillopharyngitis with or without conjunctivitis, usually present in similar mrv fashion. These are viral in origin usually but ^ALT A secondary infection of bacterial origin can OWV ON occur. This condition is self limiting and ape AKO TVe supportive treatment suffices.

In addition to the above symptoms, acute ronsiliiis shows exudate and/or membrane on the throat. When symptoms are accom panied by a temperature, throat culture will reveal the presence of streptococcus of the hemolytic type, which yields a definitive diagnosis of strep throat. (A membrane can be also seen in infectious mononucleosis and Laryngotracheitis with or without bronchitis acute respiratory illness and symptoms that diphtheria, as well as in adenoidal infec that is with productive sputum is a fairly exceed the findings give the clue. A blood tions.) Strep throat should be treated to common infection and is spread easily test with positive cold agglutinin and titer prevent such sequelae as rheumatic fever, because of its viral origin. The throat and confirms the diagnosis. Quite often adventi nephritis, scarlatina, etc. epiglottis often appear normal in this tious sounds are heard in the chest even with instance. The H influenza and parainfluenza a normal X-ray. The presence of vesicles and apthous ulcers viruses can give rise to a similar picture. on tonsils, anterial fauces, palate, and buccal Injhienza-like illness has symptoms of mucous membranes are for the most part of In asihnuiiics, acute bronchiolitis or acute extreme fatigue, muscle pain in the back and viral etiology and present the classic picture bronchitis is often pre.sented as an increase in extremities accompanied by a lack of localiz of herpes simplex orCoxsackie A virus. This wheezing, accompanied by fatigue, loss of ing signs. The cause of this adenoviral can be associated with gingivitis and suppor appetite and coughing particularly at night. disease is para-influenzal, Cocksackie B. tive treatment helps the sufferer. It is advisable to take a throat culture and This disease is self limiting. blood count. Measures should be taken to The symptoms of fever, cough, respiratory alleviate the wheezing, and antibiotics aimed In all these infections the most difficult stridor and beefy red epiglottis are usually at the common culprit of this condition, the question is to treat or not to treat. Hand caused by H Type B influenza, but haemoly- H influenza virus, should be administered. washing, supportive care and mental support tic streptococcus, pneumococcus, staph are the mainstay of therapy irrespective of aureus and other viral agents can be the Infectious mononucleosis always poses a the type of illness, cause of the cpiglotial swelling. These infec challenge and seroconversion does occur in tions respond well to an antibiotic such as 15% of patients. The glands are much larger Indication for antimicrobial therapy is usu tetracycline or ampicillin unless other resist and more extensive; these symptoms with ally determined by clinical course ofthe ant organisms are present. those previously mentioned give a clue to the disease and the results of lab data. diagnostician. An abnormal CBC and liter will verify the diagnosis. Of course — don't forget to call the mother! Dr. Vina Patel, an internist andpracticing physician in Troy, isfrom Bombay, India. For Microplasma infection is very common with the pastfive years, she has been the school the onset of cold weather. Symptoms of physician at Emma Willard School. Her spe ciality is chest and lung disease.

12 the re.spect, confidence and cooperation of Ankle Rehabilitation Going Out the Door the students and faculty, then the staff must L. W. Ragg, Jr., R.RT, R.T., A.T.C., Michael Banes, Headmaster become participants. The goal of every nurse •'Trainer, and The Gunnery School, should be to be known by name, not as "the Dana Weeder, M.D. Washington. CT nurse." Injury Consultant Phillips Exeter Academy When infirmaries become health centers, the The working day of school nurses is full. In emphasis in services evolves from one of addition to dealing with students, doctors, When an ankle injury is sustained, whether curing to one of prevention. Programs in hospitals, parents and faculty they must also mild or severe, time and treatment must be nutrition, human relations and sexuality, keep up with their journals and professional provided for the best possible healing. This peer counseling and drug education emanate meetings. It will be difficult to make time to slow rehabilitation period can be disconcert from the health center and nurses and medi do these extras, but the benefits will be enor ing for the young athlete, who may be able to cal directors deserve credit for developing mous, They'll have a much easier time walk or even run and is anxious to return to these outreach programs and for beginning to getting an advisor to cooperate in a confiden his or her sport. However, injured ligaments change the atmosphere of the health center tial situation with a student if they have must be allowed to heal in a "snug" position from one of passive receptivity to one of established a relationship with that faculty so that scar tissue doesn't form over a active involvement. However, much more member previously. Coaches will respond stretched ligament leaving an unstable joint needs to be done in order to complete the more positively to being handed a "pink vulnerable to repeat injuries. transition from infirmary to health center. slip" if they know the person who signed it — and if that person has shown some interest Following the initial post-injury period of One of the most obvious — and difficult — in the team. rest, taping, cast or splinting, rehabilitation steps is to go oil! the door. Medical person should begin. Daily physical therapy treat nel, feeling the need to be always accessible Forging relationships is a two-way street, of ments. including whirlpools, massage and in a predictable location for emergencies^ are course. If the head sets a tone of respect and exercise, are aimed at regaining full range of effectively prevented from intermingling support for the work of the health center, the motion. The ankle may be stiff at first and with students and faculty in their daily rou faculty will follow his example. Certainly between treatments taping or high-top shoes tines. This separation interferes with the the change will take time but a little public may be helpful. teamwork and mutual respect that would be relations from the health center will go a beneficial in accomplishing the aims of the long way toward making the school constitu The student should be encouraged to engage health center. ency not only aware but also appreciative of in only light exercise: walking— making an that very important human resource; the effort not to limp — and light jogging as the Nurses must get out. They should attend the school nurse. Today's professional health injury continues to heal. Even though the drama productions, games, debates and center staff members have a great deal to ankle may feel fine, rc-injury can mean a recitals. They should stop by the trainer's offer both as individuals and as an organiza ' much longer period ofrecuperation, so room, the faculty room and go to school tion and they must confidently make their students should be warned against playing meetings. They should host open houses for presence felt on the campus. It will certainly frisbcc, tag football or other strenuous infor faculty and students, or help chaperone a make things easier going on the days when mal sports. A regime of daily exercises school trip. Good health care is the first nurses must use their ultimate power— the should be instituted. priority, but if health care centers truly want irrevocable pink slip!

The student should be followed regularly by either the infirmary or the gym trainer and can be returned to sports once certain func tional tests can be performed. Health Education References Nancy Cushman, MS, Ed.S., nificant change in level of knowledge; Ankle strengthening exercises — to be Counselor, Emma Willard School however, most educators have found little done morning and night. significant difference in cognitive learning. The following exercises should be recom Interest in the article "Health Education in mended for strengthening and increasing the Curriculum," a review of the required There is some evidence that games can help mobility of the ankle. Each should be done health course at Emma Willard which change students' attitudes and clarify their twice daily, appeared in the last ISHA newsletter, has values. Less able students perform as well in 1. Sitting, flex and extend foot pressing hard been encouraging. The following is a review games as brighter students: however, the lat in each direction for a count of three. of two books which have proved to be partic ter learn more as measured on a final exam. 1 Repeat 50 times. ularly valuable resources for this course and have found that some exercises can be used 2. Rotate foot in each direction 50 times. a list of other resources that specifically as supplements to class discussion while oth 3. Put a bath towel on floor, place bare foot address women's health issues. ers are complete in themselves. on towel; with toes gather towel under foot. Repeat several times. Both of these books use educational games Health Games Students Play, by R. Engs, 4. Stand against wall, two feet away, place and strategies to promote education that is S. E. Barnes and M. Wantz (Kendall/Hunt hands on wall, walk backwards keeping enactive rather than reactive and student Publishing Co.: Iowa, 1975), provides a heels down, stretching Achilles tendon. rather than teacher centered. Educational combination of structured experiences, sim Repeat several times. games were introduced to the business com ulation games and experimental exercises. 5. Stand on bottom step, balance yourself munity in the mid 1960s. Since then, they Structured experiences are activities directed lightly with railing. Foot should be half have found their way into the classroom at all by the teacher in which students play them ^ on step. Lift body, count three and lower. levels ofeducation. It has been found that the selves in a classroom. The experiences Repeat 30-50 times. use of these games and strategies promotes presented last five to ten minutes and can be 6. Throughout day while sitting, studying, greater student involvement, motivation and used to stimulate discussion or introduce a etc., "write the alphabet" with foot. interest. A few studies have indicated a sig (continued on page 14)

13 (continuedfrom page 13) (continuedfrom page 2) integrity; that stealing ideas is worse than new concept. During a simulation game, teaching them how to be a friend: our society stealing money; that we need to grow participants usually play a designated role in stresses having a friend. We are, in fact, intellectually on our own; that principles a make-believe world that is similar to the over-emphasizing friendship, the warm are more important than grades; that real world. Most games in this book can be fuzzies. cheating a little is the same kind of act as completed in one class session and are used cheating a lot. to clarify values, examine attitudes or intro The second troubling attitude is pragmatism, duce factual material. Experiential exercises a gift from the English philosophers. Its Pragmatism also underlies the lying young take students into the real world to make present distorted form says that if it works, sters sometimes do to get out of trouble. We observations and gain knowledge through it's good, that anything is okay as long as you need to do more to help them accept the experience. Categories include mental don't get caught. Our national obsession consequences of their acts, which is, of health, substance use, human sexuality, with efficiency has fed into pragmatism, the course, the definition of true freedom. death, aging, personal health, nutrition, dis efficiency that has led to payoffs, kickbacks, For instance: eases, consumer health, first aid and ecology bribes, the "practical" way to get things and the environment. Many of the activities done. Part of our educational process is and 1. Teach the necessity of suffering and show can be easily adapted to other topics and to must be intensely practical with objective them that they have the courage to endure your specific textbook. If only one book is standards of measurement. Yet the attitude it. Tell that sometimes we have to stand used, I recommend this one. can lead to an emphasis on product over and hurt a little. process, on grades over learning, on college Student-CenteredHealth Instruction: admissions over the educated heart. 2. Talk more about will rather than feelings, A Humanistic Approach, by Jerrold S. of doing things we don't want to do. Greenberg (Addeson-Wesley Publishing Co.: Pragmatism, of course, underlies cheating in 1978), opens with a thoughtful presentation schools, (Highwire magazine says 80 3. Help them sort out of two kinds of hurt. comparing the student- and teacher-centered percent of our students cheat. Hierarchy of No one wants to be hurt but we need to classroom as it relates to teaching health values: exams, tests, copying homework.) help them see that all humans can and education. The author believes that students Thus, we have the student attitude that says sometimes must endure pain, which is must first learn human relation skills in order it's all right to cheat if you get a higher preferable to damage to the integrity. to benefit fully from the student-centered grade, which is the same as saying that it's educational process and to function effec all right to steal as long as you get rich! We 4. Tell them it's okay to stand there like tively as a group. Consequently, the opening can counter this attitude in three ways: idiots and say. "Yeah, I did that. I can't exercises are designed to teach these skills. believe it. I really did that. Wow!" Tell The goals of many of the activities are value 1. Clarify, explicitly and frequently, at a them to take responsibility for their goof clarification and the solicitation of opinions school-wide level, what the school means ups and to stop asking their parents to lie and positions from students. Content activi by "cheating." Splitting assignments, for them. ties include mental health, drug education, homework shared, looking over a friend's human sexuality, nutrition, physical health, paper for ideas are cheating just as plagi Pragmatism also underlies "borrowing environmental health and emerging health arism and exam crib notes are cheating. without permission." In order to create a concerns. Many of the activities can be Explain why both the giver and receiver climate of expectation, we need to say adapted to other topics and your text. are guilty, why stealing ideas is wrong. frequently, "We do not borrow without Let's communicate our assumptions. permission." And because notebooks Women's Health Care References belonging to better students often disappear Boston Women's Health Collective. Our before exams, we need to help all students 2. We must diminish our emphasis on nega Bodies/Ourselves, Simon & Schuster: keep better notes. (Today we call them tive competitive values. We are making it New York. 1985. orderly storage and retrieval systems.) Leavitt, Judith Walzer, ed. Women and so risky for them to fail that they cheat and we're making failure a disgrace. We Health in America, University of Wiscon A third troubling attitude is relativism, sin Press: Madison, Wisconsin, 1984. need assemblies on the glory of goof ups, which we hear reflected in such statements as on the need to practice, on the excitement Marieskind, Helen. Women in the Health "Everyone's opinion is as good as anyone of ideas. We need to insist that work is System. Mosley; 1980. else's," "Right and wrong are up to the indi not pressure but intellectual adventure, vidual," or "That's just your opinion!" and if we're serious about rewarding independent thought, we have to make it Such statements, of course, are nonsense. safe for them to mess up. We need posters There are absolute rights and wrongs, invis Letter to the Editor in all classes that say "Success isn't final ible, objective realities, universals. We and failure isn't fatal." Or, "Ifyou can't discover them, we do not invent them. Dear Ms. Anderson: be right, be wrong — at the top of your Morality is not up to the individual; moral The fall '85 special issue newsletter was voice!" We need to talk about excellence rather than success. Or are we saying that action is. There is a difference between indi most impressive. There was relevant, current vidual conviction acting on the truth and smarter is better? information on issues we are dealing with individual subjectivism as the norm of truth. daily. This altitude may be the result of our recent 3. Let's counter their arguments head-on: Please find my membership subscription "Everybodydoes it," "It doesn't hurt emphasis on individualism and our failure to teach the moral realities because of our fear enclosed. anyone," "What's wrong if I don't get of the moral specifics. Keep up the good work. caught?" We need to be explicitthat not everybody cheats; thattwowrongs don't Sincerely, makea right; thai cheatingis a form of Jim Craig, of Northfield Mount Hermon, Janet Smith peerpressure; thatthepointis notwhat says that in relativism Kierkegaard's The College Preparatory School weget awaywithbut the wrongthat we chickens have come home to roost, and I say Fairfield University do that damages our moral fibre, our that we have to move out ofthe hen house.

14 Kids today are drowning in relativistic moral civilization's most corporate invention — sis, is one of a search for self-worth: jobs as trash. They think that God is their personal music — that which was created by the means to self-fulfillment at a loss of the vir ^feelings and that morality iswhatever they community for the community. Our appeals tues of thrift, productivity, sacrifice, hard feel as individuals. to community and to corporate action and work, loyalty, and perseverance that led to an fellowship are not understood — even if they abundant and expanding economy. Sociolo Relativism underlies the idea that it's all right are heard.) gist Amitai Etzioni, in An ImmodestAgenda. to steal from the supermarket or phone goes further: he says that the search for self- company but not from friends. Stage debates The real and most dangerous symptom of fulfillment is crippling the family and is the to counter that view with one position being privatism is the increasing susceptibility of cause of divorce and laxity toward authority. that stealing is stealing. youngsters to peer pressure, which works because of insecurity. Then the pressers start Hedonism underlies students' lack of com Relativism underlies the breaking of all laws. "fronting" (putting on an act) and "frying" mitment. their tendency to change activities ("I can run a red light," "I can handle liquor (putting others down). The pressees start when something better comes along. When at 14," or "Because pot laws are unfair, it's "covering" (smarting off, acting tough or pleasure is the highest value, then sex is not okay for mc to break them.") In this view, blase and looking grungy). Both end up giv an expression of love but a substitute for it. right is up to the individual. Teach some ing in, doing things they don't want to do. When pleasure is the highest value, then stu thing about anarchy — its sources, going along to get along, feeling more dents tend to separate the work week from problems, results. Draw also on the fact that inadequate. the weekend, to see work as pressure, a sports require rules as do communities. chore to be gotten through. They talk of the We can counter peer pressure by requiring need to relax, to blow off steam, to get away To counter relativism, we have to teach the students to participate in some activity in from it all. Hence the national increase in reality of universals by teaching religion, which they can build confidence, such as marijuana and cocaine and alcohol use, in philosophy, ethics with its classical modes of arts, crafts, interest groups, sports or the underage drinking, in "field parties." thought. We need to watch our own language wide range of volunteer service in school or and avoid the false humility that says, "It beyond in the larger community. We need to Wecan help them to findjoy in work, to live with stress, to see tension as a healthy stim seems to me — or "I don't know all the build the adviser-advisee structure because answers, but— We must say what is right the easy. open, listening, caring adult-stu ulus rather than a negative to be overcome. and what is wrong. And we must counter the dent relationship is the best antidote to peer We need to watch our own language and not illogic in relativism. For it boils down to pressure. say things such as "Thank goodness, it's meaning that everyone is right — bullies, Friday." "It's Monday and we're all tired bigots, rapists, In this view, even Hitler was I have seen remarkable results when time is from our heavy weekend," and "1 know right because he thought he was right. set aside to discuss peer pressure: no one we're looking forward to the weekend." Let's likes it; all want out. Ask for three things that not make the weekend real life. Expect /We must say. over and over, that some things students can do to resist negative peer pres weekend work, expect discipline, expect are wrong even if everybody does them and sure. The act of talking makes it acceptable competence. some things are right even if nobody does to say "No," and peer pressure diminishes them, that always and everywhere, selfish immediately, for at least a week. Upper We can challenge them to commitment; we can insist that happiness is the result of serv ness and deceit and bullying are wrong; that schoolers need more time to identify and rec always and everywhere, fairness and kind ognize the more subtle kinds of peer pressure ice. We can stand against their desire to "do what they want as long as no one is hurt" and ness and consideration are right; that a with which they deal. wrong action is not made right simply insist that they do what is right even if it does hurt. We can stand with them as they learn because we do it for our comfort or The final troubling student attitude is about frustration, inconvenience, not getting convenience. hedonism, the idea that pleasure is the greatestgood, a contributionof Epicurusand their own way. Kids want, need and deserve Relativism means that right is what each John Stuart Mill. But pleasure is simply the some straight talk. Kids want expectations person approves of, acts on, so no one is ever name we give to some feelings. And feelings clarified and enforced. In Grant Simpson's wrong. Youcan't say, "You're wrong," are internal, with little reference beyond words; "They not only need discipline; they because right is simply what I choose to do. themselves. Ideas and judgments refer to seek it." So whenever we say. "Do what you "It's right for me." Yetstudents say. "I knew something beyond: I have an idea ofsome think best," We are saying, in effect, "There it was wrong, but I did it anyway." thing. Hedonism tends, therefore, to exclude are no standards" or "I don't know the stan the higher faculties of intelligence and imag dards" or "I don't care about the standards" Relativism means that we cannot appeal to ination; feelings alone are simply not a valid or "I don't care about you. kid." any commonly understood standards as we guide to the good life. Generally, then — do when we say. "That's not fair." Relativism spills over quickly into privatism, our fourth Hedonism makes the good life animal sensa • Don't be afraid to say no and stick to it. troubling attitude, and I suspect that is tions; it stresses experience rather than the Don't chicken out: Faith. Hope. Mary- Bishop Berkeley's gift to us. significance of experience. And, of course, Ellen. feeling is no measure of value, yet we are • Keep promises or don't make them. Privatism is the intense isolation of the indi making emotions, pleasure, self-gratification • If you're going to threaten, keep the vidual; it is individualism run amok. In the norms. (I am disturbed when I ask some threats rea.sonable and carry them out. privatism. selves are unconnected, disen one what they think and the response is. "I • Teach, witness to. insist on self-disci- gaged. Like the state of privation, they are feel —" or "I'm not comfortable with that pline, that inner organization that trains deprived, destitute, solitary selves who don't —.") In this view, goodness is what makes us our psyches. lick up the trash because they didn't drop it. feel good. • Deal with moral issues concretely in t is the confusion of saying, "It's not my courses and programs. fault" as if that meant "It's not my responsi Yankelovich. in New Rules, says that we've • Help kids develop a sense of occasion and bility." (Its symptom, I suspect, is the gotten so we think we have to do what we a hierarchy of events. Walkman: solitary people listening alone to want to do. Our national ethic, in his analy (continued on page 16)

15 (continuedfrom page 15) Give them respect, real responsibility. Give discern right from wrong. It is a word which • When they say. "What difference does it them praise and a pat and. when they need it, is not accepted comfortably by many people make?." realize that that's a real question. a hug. Give them what you want them to be; as it is identifiable with organized religion, They want lo know, at some profound confident, truthful, diligent, fair, patient, and that is not a safe area. The word ethics is level, what difference liiey make in this humane persons. Our students will be wor a far better choice and becomes more widely insane world. Tell them and show them thy adults, independent and principled acceptable. Her advice was to teach moral. that they make a difference — not their human beings whose lives will bless those principles both by example and by speaking acts or accomplishments. They matter. around them, people at home in the universe, the words, for the words have to be heard and if we speak our ethical expectations with repeated. The refusal to speak on moral atti Should we teach by example? Of course. But authority, clarity and charity. tudes has engendered dangerous social students don't see us in the crunches of life, attitudes. so we also have to speak the words. The They are worth it. aren't they? moral structure must be visible and explicit, One of these attitudes facilitates drug use consistent and reiterated. Kids need to hear A response to the keynote with the supposition: "I'm supposed to feel words like duty, loyalty and courage. 1often good so 1can do . . . (alcohol, drugs, etc.)." think that education is largely a matter of address: Dr. Jones then went on to expand on the building appropriate vocabularies, and the value assumptions contained in this message; moral vocabulary of students needs enrich Suzanne Casey. R.N.. Bancroft School, i.e.. simplistic absolutism, pragmatism, rel ment. too. Let's also reward good citizenship Worcester, MA ativism, privatism and hedonism. regularly and make it acceptable and desirable. Refreshing, thought provoking, scintillating The final statements of the address presented ... at last, ideas being shared without the audience with challenge for future Help students see that living takes practice, embarrassment or excuses. These were some action. It is important to impose our views and that mercy, justice and charity will lead of the thoughts racing through my mind as on students, for if we do not pass on civiliza them to the good life. Give them places to Barbara Jones opened the ISHA Fall Confer tion's moral truths, they will not be known, act out the good in tutoring, work details, ence. 1was afraid to blink; I might miss It is important for students to know that it is community service programs. Students something. Her delivery was executed with okay lo feel guilty, lo fail, to suffer. It is deserve support for the heroic, the coura the precision of a drill sergeant, with the important to keep promises, not to be afraid geous, the courteous. Students deserve to be staccato effect of a rapid-fire weapon. to say no and to teach self-discipline. The held accountable for their own acts and those most important factor, however, is to do all of their friends. Dr, Jones defined morality as the ability to with authority, clarity and charity.

ISHA Non-Profit Independent School Health Association Organization Emma Willard School U.S. Postage 285 Pawling Avenue PAID Troy, NY 12180 Permit No. 164 Albany, New York

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