Beginning on Monday morning, September 14th, I will once again be offering our scholars my customary handshake as they arrive in the Piazza during carline.
There are hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrances to both buildings which we already ask students to utilize as they enter, so, from an epidemiological perspective, they will be able to erase all traces of contact instantly. If you or your child would prefer not to take up this form of salutation quite yet, just say, “no thank you,” and I will instead give a friendly wave.
Why this, why now? An Atonement education—any true education, really—is more than the simple transfer of curricula from teacher to student. True education takes place in the context of a community forged by the pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful. This is especially the case when a student is, as at Atonement, immersed in a liberal arts education, the aim of which can be summed up as “learning to live well.”
Thus, when I greet a scholar with a handshake, eye contact, and a “Good morning, Mr./Miss ______,” I am in that moment affirming our shared mission and celebrating the common life to which it has called us both. Put into words, I am trying to convey something to the effect of—
You are welcome here; you are expected. I am glad you are here.
We are in this together—we are both here to love God, serve others, and seek truth. I may be further along than you (maybe!), but we are really pursuing the same project.
I think it’s going to be a good day, don’t you?
Do your best, have fun, be a leader.
Even as I type this I can’t help but think of Mr. Rogers! But you get the idea. The moments when young people are truly noticed for the right reasons can reverberate for the rest of their lives. At the very least, such moments are certainly a good way to start our school days.
Let us continue to pray for one another. Our Lady of The Atonement—pray for us.