Webb School Parent Expectations

The Parent Advisory Committees of both the Middle School and Upper Schools established a statement of common principles to serve as a catalyst for discussions among parents. It presupposes a need for parents to have a consistent network of support for one another in parenting children in a time when the media influences and the pressures associated with peer acceptance are higher than ever before. Although no formal declaration of commitment to these principles is required, it is hoped that parents of all students will agree that they serve the common good of the Webb School community and will abide by them.

Statement Of Common Principles

Evidence indicates that the single most critical factor in the safe and sound development of our children is parental involvement and support, followed closely by community involvement and support. Webb School is a unique environment, drawing its population from a 90-square-mile radius and a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. If we are to have a sense of community here, we must commit to work hard for it. Commonality, shared values, and family networking, as well as true respect and appreciation of our differences, will be our reward. Our agreement to a statement of common principles is a way to begin that process.

• We are concerned about the welfare and development of the children in our family, our school, and our community. We recognize that they are children, not always able to make the best choices, and they require effective parental as well as educational guidance. We reaffirm that our role as parents is to set standards for our children.

• We acknowledge the value of knowing our children’s friends and their parents, thereby providing our children and ourselves a sense of community and security.

• We will be assertive about calling other parents to verify plans and communicate any guidelines for our own children when there are activities where our children will be in the care or supervision of others. We will welcome calls when other children are our responsibility. We acknowledge a responsibility to contact parents when we are aware of noncompliance with these standards of behavior.

• We accept the responsibility to teach our children about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and to discourage the adolescent “rite of passage” that includes the use of illegal substances. We acknowledge that our own behavior sets an example for our children.

• We will neither serve alcohol and other drugs or harmful substances to children nor condone their use by the children of others who are under our supervision or in our care.

• We want to know if our children are engaged in inappropriate social media usage, activities with illegal substances, or any other serious illegal acts. While this information may be disturbing and uncomfortable to hear, we will treat this as an expression of care and concern for our children and our community.