A serious consideration of these things and an observation of the growing neglect of youth must excite a painful anxiety for the event, and may well determine those whom their Heavenly Benefactor bath blessed with an ability therefor, to promote and encourage public free schools or academies, for the purpose of instructing youth, not only in the English and Latin grammar, writing, arithmetic, and those sciences wherein they are commonly taught, but more especially to learn them the great end and real business of living.
John Phillips, founder PEA.
Before I left for Boston, I had dream in which Chris Nelson and I did a rousing duet of "I could have danced all night". (I love that song from My fair Lady; sue me.) And then last night, before I knew we would finally say goodbye to F, I had a nightmare that someone was trying to steal him from me.
Before I left for Boston, I had dream in which Chris Nelson and I did a rousing duet of "I could have danced all night". (I love that song from My fair Lady; sue me.) And then last night, before I knew we would finally say goodbye to F, I had a nightmare that someone was trying to steal him from me.
This pretty much sums up my ambivalence towards this whole exercise: Frederick has been invited to a wonderful ball, but it's on the moon.
The registration was quick and quiet with very nervous children. They gave him his key, took his picture, and we moved him into his room which is a delight. But here's the thing: we are not in California anymore. We are in New England, and in New England they do not hug.
The registration was quick and quiet with very nervous children. They gave him his key, took his picture, and we moved him into his room which is a delight. But here's the thing: we are not in California anymore. We are in New England, and in New England they do not hug.
My brother had told me this repeatedly, but I brushed it aside because it sounded like a downer. Indeed however there was no parade, no jumping up and down that we had arrived, just simple handshakes with instructions to floor four.
I was foolish to think it would be fuzzier... Make no mistake, it was polite and people popped their heads in. One offered pie. But there was very little amazement that we had arrived.
F is so anxious to get things started-anxious to see if he can hang with the big guns in the classroom. Funny, but he is less interested in his backhand or little red heads, than he is going mano a mano with the kids from South Korea. I am not exaggerating this. He wants to know who he is; and he thinks he might find out around the Harkness table. Some of you have expressed skepticism over this system (they have it everywhere, it's just a discussion class..etc. ) I could not more strongly disagree. It is a philosophy unique in its pervasiveness to here, and it's genuinely a better mouse trap.
F is so anxious to get things started-anxious to see if he can hang with the big guns in the classroom. Funny, but he is less interested in his backhand or little red heads, than he is going mano a mano with the kids from South Korea. I am not exaggerating this. He wants to know who he is; and he thinks he might find out around the Harkness table. Some of you have expressed skepticism over this system (they have it everywhere, it's just a discussion class..etc. ) I could not more strongly disagree. It is a philosophy unique in its pervasiveness to here, and it's genuinely a better mouse trap.
Below from Harkness when he gave his gift, discussing the idea he stole from Cambridge in 1930.
"You are thinking of improving an existing institution by building on what you have got now. I am thinking of something much more radical than that ...I want to see somebody try teaching - not by recitations in a formal recitation room where the teacher is on a platform raised above the pupils and there is a class of twenty or more boys who recite lessons. That is what I am trying to get rid of.... What I have in mind is teaching boys in sections of about eight in a section, not in a formal recitation room, where there would be ... a raised platform with an instructor behind a desk, but where eight boys could sit around a table with a teacher who would talk with them and instruct them by a sort of tutorial or conference-method, where the average, or below-average boy would feel encouraged to speak up, present his difficulties, and the teacher would know... what his difficulties were."
The only time I cried before I actually said goodbye, was when the minister spoke about the moral lessons learned from simply listening to your fellow student's voice, and honoring your own by using it. You had to be there, but it was good stuff.
"You are thinking of improving an existing institution by building on what you have got now. I am thinking of something much more radical than that ...I want to see somebody try teaching - not by recitations in a formal recitation room where the teacher is on a platform raised above the pupils and there is a class of twenty or more boys who recite lessons. That is what I am trying to get rid of.... What I have in mind is teaching boys in sections of about eight in a section, not in a formal recitation room, where there would be ... a raised platform with an instructor behind a desk, but where eight boys could sit around a table with a teacher who would talk with them and instruct them by a sort of tutorial or conference-method, where the average, or below-average boy would feel encouraged to speak up, present his difficulties, and the teacher would know... what his difficulties were."
The only time I cried before I actually said goodbye, was when the minister spoke about the moral lessons learned from simply listening to your fellow student's voice, and honoring your own by using it. You had to be there, but it was good stuff.
We have said goodbye and it hurt.
But we are now in the presidential suite at the Boston Hyatt Airport, after a marguerita. (who knew they had a presidential suite at the Airport Hyatt?).
So I am better-mostly because of you people. Thank you, all of you for calling and writing and worrying about me. I can't wait to hug you and have Albert lick my face.
xxx
PS because we are now a snooty intellectual blog, I am going to begin "adding addenda" (redundant?) So below is my absolute fav, the Original Deed of Gift from Phillips...adorable droner that he was.
So I am better-mostly because of you people. Thank you, all of you for calling and writing and worrying about me. I can't wait to hug you and have Albert lick my face.
xxx
PS because we are now a snooty intellectual blog, I am going to begin "adding addenda" (redundant?) So below is my absolute fav, the Original Deed of Gift from Phillips...adorable droner that he was.
It is not mandatory reading.
Below that some photos of CAB in 1951. Yacht club and next to a cute girl were the only places I found him. Obviously.
The Original Deed of Gift from John Phillips to Phillips Exeter Academy, Containing the Constitution, May 17, 1781
WHEN we reflect upon the grand design of the great Parent of the Universe in the creation of mankind, and the improvements of which the mind is capable, both in knowledge and virtue, as well as upon the prevalence of ignorance and vice, disorder and wickedness, and upon the direct tendency and certain issue of such a course of things, such reflections must occasion in thoughtful minds an earnest solicitude to find the source of those evils and their remedy; and a small acquaintance with the qualities of young minds, how susceptible and tenacious they are of impressions, evidences that the time of youth is the important period, on the improvement or neglect of which depend the most weighty consequences, to individuals themselves and the community.
A serious consideration of these things and an observation of the growing neglect of youth must excite a painful anxiety for the event, and may well determine those whom their Heavenly Benefactor bath blessed with an ability therefor, to promote and encourage public free schools or academies, for the purpose of instructing youth, not only in the English and Latin grammar, writing, arithmetic, and those sciences wherein they are commonly taught, but more especially to learn them the great end and real business of living.
Earnestly wishing that such institutions may grow and flourish; that the advantages of them may be extensive and lasting; that their usefulness may be so manifest as to lead the way to other establishments on the same principles; and that they may finally prove eminent means of advancing the interest of the Great Redeemer; to His patronage and blessing may all friends to learning and religion most humbly commit them.
To all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting. Whereas, the General Assembly of the State of New Hampshire did by their Act on the third day of April, Anno Domini I 781, incorporate an Academy in the town of Exeter and county of Rockingham, by the name of the Phillips Exeter Academy, for the purpose of promoting piety and virtue; and for the education of Youth as is in said Act directed; and whereas by said Act all the lands, tenements, and personal estate that shall be given to trustees for the use of said Academy are and shall be forever exempted from all taxes whatsoever. Therefore, in consideration of the great importance of the design mentioned, and of the powers, privileges, and immunities in and by said Act granted, and for the sole purpose of promoting piety, virtue, and useful literature, I, John Phillips, of Exeter aforesaid, Esquire, have granted, and with most humble thanks to the Lord and Giver of all things for the opportunity, ability, and disposition by Him given, do, by these presents, most cheerfully grant to the trustees of the said Phillips Exeter Academy nominated and appointed by said Act, and to their successors in that trust, all my right, title, and interest in and unto the real estate described as followeth, viz.: — Two acres of land in said Exeter, being the land through which a road was lately given; and binding, westerly, on Mr. Joseph Lamson’s homeplace.
The Original Deed of Gift from John Phillips to Phillips Exeter Academy, Containing the Constitution, May 17, 1781
WHEN we reflect upon the grand design of the great Parent of the Universe in the creation of mankind, and the improvements of which the mind is capable, both in knowledge and virtue, as well as upon the prevalence of ignorance and vice, disorder and wickedness, and upon the direct tendency and certain issue of such a course of things, such reflections must occasion in thoughtful minds an earnest solicitude to find the source of those evils and their remedy; and a small acquaintance with the qualities of young minds, how susceptible and tenacious they are of impressions, evidences that the time of youth is the important period, on the improvement or neglect of which depend the most weighty consequences, to individuals themselves and the community.
A serious consideration of these things and an observation of the growing neglect of youth must excite a painful anxiety for the event, and may well determine those whom their Heavenly Benefactor bath blessed with an ability therefor, to promote and encourage public free schools or academies, for the purpose of instructing youth, not only in the English and Latin grammar, writing, arithmetic, and those sciences wherein they are commonly taught, but more especially to learn them the great end and real business of living.
Earnestly wishing that such institutions may grow and flourish; that the advantages of them may be extensive and lasting; that their usefulness may be so manifest as to lead the way to other establishments on the same principles; and that they may finally prove eminent means of advancing the interest of the Great Redeemer; to His patronage and blessing may all friends to learning and religion most humbly commit them.
To all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting. Whereas, the General Assembly of the State of New Hampshire did by their Act on the third day of April, Anno Domini I 781, incorporate an Academy in the town of Exeter and county of Rockingham, by the name of the Phillips Exeter Academy, for the purpose of promoting piety and virtue; and for the education of Youth as is in said Act directed; and whereas by said Act all the lands, tenements, and personal estate that shall be given to trustees for the use of said Academy are and shall be forever exempted from all taxes whatsoever. Therefore, in consideration of the great importance of the design mentioned, and of the powers, privileges, and immunities in and by said Act granted, and for the sole purpose of promoting piety, virtue, and useful literature, I, John Phillips, of Exeter aforesaid, Esquire, have granted, and with most humble thanks to the Lord and Giver of all things for the opportunity, ability, and disposition by Him given, do, by these presents, most cheerfully grant to the trustees of the said Phillips Exeter Academy nominated and appointed by said Act, and to their successors in that trust, all my right, title, and interest in and unto the real estate described as followeth, viz.: — Two acres of land in said Exeter, being the land through which a road was lately given; and binding, westerly, on Mr. Joseph Lamson’s homeplace.
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The "Cage: built 1890; about to be replaced by new 34 million dollar indoor track/tennis center.   |
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