In loco parentis

By now, you have probably had a chance to view our latest video. You can check it out here if you haven't had a chance to see it yet. The first district wide video we shot a little over a year ago was scripted so we knew going in what the theme would be. This second video was interview style, and while we didn't know what the theme would be, I did have a chance to articulate a vision in the pre-production meeting. 

"Let's focus on academics. I would really like to emphasize and stress our attention to reading instruction in the elementary school and our commitment to career and technical education in the high school."

Imagine my surprise when the video didn't actually do that. Obviously had it been a scripted shoot like the first one we would have had much more control over the final product. We deliberately chose not to do that this time because of the pure fact we wanted something different and less rehearsed. Instead, it took on a life of it's own. And I couldn't be more pleased with the end result. 

We didn't talk about our reading scores. And while there was general excitement about the construction project and growth we are experiencing, that didn't seem to be the most important point the interviewees wanted to share. From our students, they talked about their teachers. 'They really all want what's best for you, and that is nice to see'. The staff, other hand talked about the students. 'When a student that has graduated reaches out to you, that puts a smile on your face [to know] that you've had an impact on them'. It is very apparent then, that the most important point of emphasis isn't in the programming or the bricks and mortar: it's the people. Our school is like a family and many come to view these hallways, classrooms, commons, and gyms as a second home. Hopefully our viewers come to understand, maybe a little bit better how much genuine love their is for the students who attend this school. Indeed it is apparent this feeling is reciprocated by the students who grace our hallways daily!

In loco parentis is the Latin term for 'in the place of a parent'. I first came across that term in graduate school when I was taking a course on school law. I know what you are probably thinking, 'why on earth would you subject yourself to that'. Nevertheless, the connotation refers to the legal responsibility of a person or organization to use discretion and act in the best interests of their students, to partly take on the role and responsibilities of a parent. Indeed during the course of the school day our teachers do act in loco parentis. But they don't do so because of a legal requirement. Truth be told, I'll bet if you asked they wouldn't even be aware of this term. I wasn't until I took that grad course. They do so from a position of love.