All members of the school community should feel comfortable with these statements and behave accordingly:

Agreement 1: I want to be here and will participate willingly in the Wellsprings community. I understand that Wellsprings Friends School is a learning community with few but very meaningful traditions and expectations. School traditions include such things as Morning Circle, Community Meeting, and Silent Meeting. Expectations include performing chores, respecting all persons, and respecting the property of others. I agree to try to live up to the basic ideals of the school and to take part in community activities with a good will.

Agreement 2: I am here to learn. The mission of Wellsprings Friends School is education, which wholistically includes intellectual, emotional and behavioral growth. While learning occurs all the time during the school day, class time is especially focused on content and processes that are important for my growth as a mature human being. I agree to attend all or most of my classes all or most of the time. I also agree not to be disruptive to others during class time. I agree to take responsibility, in consultation with my advisor and other staff, for my education in general, and for meeting the specific requirements for graduation.

Agreement 3: I will try to help create a safe emotional climate for everyone. I understand that one aspect of Wellsprings Friends School that is extremely important to students and staff is the creation of a warm and supportive emotional environment. Many students now here have had negative experiences at other schools with verbal abuse or physical bullying, and therefore rely on having a safe and comfortable environment at Wellsprings. I agree to avoid hurtful or insulting language and actions towards others, as well as any physical threats. I will try to act in a respectful manner towards everyone at the school, including visitors, even though I may not like some individuals as friends.

Agreement 4: I will resolve conflicts nonviolently and in a problem-solving spirit. Conflict is a normal part of life, and so are strong emotions. When conflict and emotion result in violence, however, personal and community safety is threatened, and relationships are damaged. At Wellsprings, fighting or violent arguing are not appropriate. The Wellsprings way is dialogue and problem-solving, by means of mediation or other non-violent, healing approaches to establishing fair and just results that both parties can accept. I agree to be willing to seek resolution of any conflict I have with others through non-violent, positive means.

Agreement 5: I will refrain from using drugs or alcohol at school or at any school activity. The use of drugs and alcohol is illegal, impedes learning, endangers health and safety, and degrades the reputation of the school. Furthermore, some students are recovering from addictive use in the past, and to encourage this recovery a drug-free school environment is very important. I agree never to use or bring drugs or alcohol to school or any school activities such as dances, camping, or field trips.

 

Our Only Rule: The Rule of Decency

Expected behavior at Wellsprings is based on being decent to one another, or "the rule of decency" (our only rule). We do not wish to spell out all the "do's" and "don'ts" that might occur in daily interactions, so we rely on each person developing and acting from an internal sense of responsibility. Our commitment to a safe emotional climate means that playfighting, rude talk even between friends, excessive shouting or running around, and similar behaviors are inappropriate. Aggressive play such as water fights should happen only with willing participants, with sensitivity to bystanders, and an agreement to respect anyone's request to "Stop," or any "No."

Wellsprings students and staff constantly demonstrate sincere caring and understanding towards others, in comforting people who are having a tough day, giving people space when they ask for it (verbally or non-verbally), and just being a lot of fun to hang out with and learn from each day. No place, no person, is perfect, but here at Wellsprings we are proud of our community and proud of our wholistic approach to education.

Problem-Solving in the Community

At Wellsprings, we do not believe in punishments, blaming, or labeling. Developing an internal sense of responsibility, rather than relying on externally imposed controls, is our goal for every individual in the community.

Any issue or conflict that arises at Wellsprings will be dealt with in a problem-solving fashion. Typically, the person(s) involved will first meet with one staff member, the school Head, and one or more students when appropriate. At times, a parent, a Trustee, or a professional or other member of the larger community may be asked to join the process. Causes will be examined and solutions explored. The members of a problem-solving committee, and the number and nature of meetings and follow-up required, will be determined on a case-by-case basis.