From time to time a child – or two or three – are sent to chat with either Genevieve or me. We have a “Conflict Resolution” plan that all of our teachers use with children that has been extremely effective in helping to resolve most of the day-to-day conflicts that arise when you have children learning to live and work cooperatively with one another. Conflict is normal and healthy when it is leveraged as a tool to help children as they internalize the skills needed to cooperate with, and respect, one another. We know that the better our children are at this, the more successful they will be throughout the rest of their education and lives.

Sometimes there are situations that need adult intervention. And occasionally the incident involves a child who physically hurt another. In these situations their teacher will ask the child/children involved to come and chat with me. Stealing or cheating might also result in a talk with Vicki. Interestingly enough, sometimes I have students come straight to see me when they know they’ve done something wrong. I find these “self-referrals” to be a tribute to the honesty we have in our school community.

Each situation is handled differently, based on what happened, the age of the children involved, and their perception of what happened. For example, repeated behaviors are dealt with differently than “first time offenses”. But always Genevieve or I ask the children involved to tell their parents what happened before I phone them. (They usually aren’t very excited about this part.) Yes, as parents, you always get an e-mail contact from one of us.

We always start by listening to each person as to what happened. Everyone has a unique “perception” and it is often an eye-opener for children to see that their actions or words can often be misinterpreted as hurtful or offensive. Know that your children are wonderfully honest – but again, there can be many different perspectives about the same incident. Because of this reality, we try not to make judgments ourselves. I thank you parents for being careful to suspend certainty when you hear “one of many” perspectives as well.

Often we coach the students to use “I messages” as a way to communicate how they are feeling directly with the other child, and to ask for what they want – i.e. “It hurts when you stomp on my foot and I want you to stop.” Although we will not force an insincere apology, usually apologies are given. Sometimes I write up an “agreement” with a child that includes what happened, and their plan for a change of behavior. The child, their parent, and I might sign it. Sometimes the child writes up his/her own plan for a change of behavior. A younger child may draw a picture of how they will behave. Always we go over several options of “what they might have done differently” – and we might even role-play a “do over” of the whole incident. Occasionally we’ll have a student follow-up by “giving back to the community” since they have “taken away from the community.” This may be in the form of picking up trash, shelving books in the library, etc. And yes, sometimes a child is sent home in order to have a fresh start the next day.

Whenever I chat with other principal colleagues in other schools, I am grateful to be reminded that being a disciplinarian takes up only a small percentage of my work time. In fact, I can go for days without anything being sent my way. People have asked me why I think this is so. I give credit to your fabulous parenting and to our teachers’ amazing teaching. It is difficult for children to misbehave when they are deeply engaged in learning!

From the Autumn 2012 Caller

"My family has been associated with Catlin Gabel for three generations. Each generation has experienced a different school but one that kept faithful to the ideals set forth by Ruth Catlin and Priscilla Gabel.

"We need schools where students learn about honor, community, and an appreciation of working to achieve goals. Such a school will produce the leaders of tomorrow, leaders in all aspects of life.

"Making a legacy gift to Catlin Gabel is one way to continue giving in the future to something you believe in and support." —Nancy Johnsrud Dudley ’59 (left, with husband Stephen Dudley)

The Ruth Catlin and Priscilla Gabel Legacy Society

From the Autumn 2012 Caller

Lark Palma has announced her intention to leave Catlin Gabel at the end of the 2013–14 school year, after 18 years as head of school. Lark has been Catlin Gabel’s longest-serving head, and she will leave a strong and enduring legacy.

Board chair Steve Gordon said, “In providing us ample time for a thorough search, Lark Palma graces Catlin Gabel once again. This will be an inclusive process with involvement from the whole community.” He says that the board will appoint a search committee and hire a search consultancy firm as soon as possible, to begin the nationwide search for a new head of school. The board expects a new head to be in place by the fall of 2014.

From the Autumn 2012 Caller & Annual Report

Imagine More

The Power of Creativity

Foundation endorsement for the Creative Arts Center

Please take a moment to view the 2011-12 donor list.

From the Autumn 2012 Caller

 On October 4–7, Catlin Gabel welcomed alumni of all graduation years back to the Honey Hollow campus for Alumni & Homecoming Weekend. Alumni and their families enjoyed a full slate of activities, including alumni awards presentations, Homecoming soccer games, and class reunion parties. With students and faculty on campus, the weekend provided alumni an opportunity to see the school in action, but most importantly, a time to visit with classmates, former teachers, and friends. 

Lauren Dully ’91, Associate Director of Development

Susie Greenebaum ’05, Alumni Relations Officer

Owen Gabbert ’02, Alumni Board President

From the Autumn 2012 Caller

Every year the alumni association recognizes former Catlin Gabel students for their life work and accomplishments. Through their unique contributions, these alumni embody the school philosophy “in qualities of character, intelligence, responsibility, and purpose.” The 2011–12 honorees were recognized during Alumni Weekend in October.

Philip Hult '88
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

The Catlin Gabel alumni board honored Philip Hult ’88 with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award for his significant accomplishments in business and education. Philip is the co-CEO of EF Education First, a privately held international education organization founded by his father, Bertil Hult.

Philip lives in London with his wife, Britt, and three children.  

Pippa Arend '90
Distinguished Alumni Service Award

The Distinguished Alumni Service Award was presented to Pippa Arend ’90, co-founder and development director of p:ear, a Portland nonprofit dedicated to building positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth for over 10 years.

Michael Mandiberg '96
Distinguished Younger Alumni Award

Joey Day Pope '54 Volunteer Award
Alix Meier Goodman '71

The Joey Day Pope ’54 Volunteer Award was established in 1992 to honor its namesake, an outstanding volunteer. This award is given each year to a Catlin Gabel community member who personifies volunteerism within our community.