Culture of Courtesy

How Campbell Hall constantly develops and maintains an environment of kindness and respect on campus.

Campbell Hall teaches kindness. From smiles and waves to each other in the halls to thanking teachers after class, at Campbell Hall, we know what it means to be kind. Teachers’ empathy goes far beyond the classroom; they care about us as students and people. When students are struggling in a class, our selfless teachers do not hesitate to sacrifice their personal time before or after school or even during their 40-minute lunch breaks to meet and help their students to succeed. Faculty encourages students to reach for the stars because, at the very least, we’ll fall and hit the cloud of numerous faculty members helping us to get back up and try again until we achieve our goals. Teachers never encourage students to compete but rather to work together by relieving stress with group work and even group tests when things get particularly difficult. Faculty members work to create authentic connections with students, providing book recommendations and introducing students to the world of relatable literature that can open doors to realities more fun than their own. They join clubs created by students to see people’s hobbies and personalities beyond how quickly a student solves a complicated math problem. Campbell Hall becomes a close-knit community starting with the impenetrable relationships between faculty and students.

As a whole, Campbell Hall is an interwoven community of close-knit students who become friends through their classes, lunches, X- blocks, and even chapel. Chapel time provides a quiet, safe haven for stressed students filled with poems and community as a reminder that we are not alone in all the projects and tests- we go through the stress together. Chapel illustrates the beauty of our close community as students link arms and sway to the music while collectively stomping during the alma mater. Campbell Hall defines a community beautifully, from personal relationships with teachers that show us that we are cared for to the genuine efforts made to speak to and get to know other faculty. Outside the classroom, students in our community attend more sports games each year as the need for a more vital spirit has been addressed. Students cheer on their peers and fill up the seats at the field, court, singing performances, dances, theater productions, and during chapel presentations. It is clear that on campus, none of the students are competing for academic validation or success, but rather it is more collaborative. Groups of students come together to study before tests and quizzes and aim to meet each other with the same goal. Each Campbell Hall student is committed to mutual respect and the constant pursuit of enhancing relationships with teachers and administration. Students wave to their teachers and smile at the maintenance staff who keep the Campbell Hall campus so beautiful. We appreciate those around us who work to make our middle and high school experiences enjoyable.

Student leaders and school administration are adaptable to change and are always willing to review policies and issues that the students bring to them. The elected student council members work hard to be representatives for their grades and to better everyone’s Campbell Hall experience. The administration hears and truly listens to the suggestions of students and people of different ages and backgrounds who care about each other. Before the pandemic, the entire high school came together in the Garver Gym for “town halls.” In these events, anyone in the community had the opportunity to step up to the microphone and tell various administrations about any problems on campus or areas of improvement. Our busy head of school makes time to have lunch with seniors as we prepare to leave Campbell Hall in our pasts and embark upon our bright futures.

Community and connection are central to Campbell Hall’s existence. Students share a feeling of belonging and make sure all community members feel connected. The senior class formulated a group chat to stay in touch and update each other, which united the entire grade. As the years of high school slowly progressed, the class of 2023 grew much closer due to the sudden realization that our tight-knit community would change the next year. The senior patio has also been a place where the whole grade shares laughs, memories, donuts, and all kinds of experiences. The tradition that perfectly encapsulates the interconnection of Campbell Hall students is the 13-year student and kindergartner partnership. Seniors who have been at the school for 13 years interact with the kindergartners and provide them with advice and comfort for the journey through elementary, middle school, and high school. School retreats also offer class bonding beyond what you can achieve in the classroom. Students from all different groups are put together in “trail groups” and get to know each other on a deeper level, tell stories, and step out of their comfort zone surrounded by different people than usual.

Community is what Campbell Hall is all about. Let’s keep it that way by showing up for each other, taking care of each other and our campus, and being grateful for what we are a part of.