Kindness

 

As we find ourselves in this quieter period of the year—sandwiched between Spring Break and the flurry of events, traditions, and farewells that define our spring months—there is still that family energy that makes Marlborough special—the same spark of community we feel all through the school year. In fact, I feel a piece of that spark every morning as students rush through the front gates and greet their friends. This daily renewal of community as the school day begins offers us countless opportunities to shape our School’s culture. At Marlborough, we take pride in being a place where it is cool to be smart; here students fearlessly share their intellectual passions and celebrate each other’s interests. Now, I want us to take the next step: making kindness just as cool.

 

In today’s world, where social media often breeds self-consciousness and fear of standing out, choosing kindness can feel like swimming upstream. The pressure to maintain a carefully curated image or avoid being seen as “uncool” can make simple acts of connection feel risky. Yet, research consistently shows us that these very connections are vital to our wellbeing. When we take a moment to acknowledge someone in the hallway as we rush to class or share a greeting on Larchmont, we are not just being polite—we are participating in a biochemical exchange that strengthens our community bonds.

 

The decision this year to remove phones from the school day has already opened up new possibilities for connection. Heads that were once bowed and buried in screens are now lifted, creating opportunities for something as simple as eye contact, a smile, and friendly, “Hello!” in the halls. I am continuously buoyed by the increase in chatter I hear outside my door, the thuds of a soccer ball being kicked around the field during lunch, and the spontaneous moments of connection afforded by being untethered from our devices. This shift has been more than a policy change—it is an invitation to rediscover the joy of simple, direct human connection.

 

I can understand the hesitation some students might feel. What if someone doesn’t respond to your greeting? What if your attempt at connection isn’t reciprocated? These are natural concerns, but they should not deter us from reaching out. Remember: being seen and acknowledged feels good, both for the person extending the greeting and for the one receiving it. Each small act of kindness creates ripples that extend far beyond that initial interaction.

 

At Marlborough, I want to be a place that weaves kindness into the fabric of our daily life, helping students develop a sense of a world that is bigger than themselves. Just as we celebrate intellectual curiosity and academic achievement, I want us to nurture an environment where compassion and connection are equally valued. This is not just about being nice—it is about building a stronger, more resilient community where every single person knows that they matter.

 

During this time of year, when academic demands start to pile up and the initial enthusiasm of beginning our second semester might begin to wane, how do we avoid the mid-semester “slump?” The answer lies in our daily interactions. Kindness isn’t seasonal—it’s an evergreen practice that sustains us through the quieter periods of our school year, just as much as during the busiest, most exciting times. Let’s make it cool to be the person who says hello in the hallway, who notices when someone needs support, who takes that small risk to make someone else’s day better. The culture of kindness we are building isn’t separate from our academic excellence—it is an essential complement to it. Intelligence and compassion are not mutually exclusive; they are both crucial elements of the complete education we strive to provide at Marlborough.

 

Let us nurture that sense of possibility and connection through every remaining day of our year together. Together, we can create a community where it is not just cool to be smart, it’s cool to be kind, too.