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STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
By Ann Lamoureux
When I was younger, I was reminded to "respect my elders." This meant
holding doors and not talking back.
Now, my definition of respect has broadened. I now see that respect is
definitely a two-way thing, or that it should be. I realize everyone
deserves to be respected, even my fellow classmates.
Students deserve to be respected by their teachers, and for the most part
they are. I have found that if you show decent effort and work hard,
your teachers will respect you for that. You can't expect to slack off in
class and still receive full respect.
Respect between teachers and students is good here at Marian, in fact it
is probably as good if not better than any other high school. I feel that
in general most students feel they are respected by their teachers. I'm
not saying that it's perfect, there are some teachers who could learn a
thing or two from their peers (so could a lot of the students). Those
teachers need to learn that they have to respect all of their students,
not just their "favorites." And that we are 14-18 years old, not little
kids, and that we deserve to be treated accordingly.
Students also should take note that teachers like to be treated with
respect, too. Rather than talking for 10 minutes after the bell rings, be
quiet and see how your teacher reacts,- I bet that they will appreciate
not having to yell at you to be quiet, and it will also show that you
respect them.
Respect goes both ways. In order to receive respect, you have to show
some.
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TEACHER PERSPECTIVE
By Mrs.Mary Kassmeier
Marian's diverse student body, faculty and staff share a core philosophy
which defines us and ensures our continued success. Respect.
The word respect has a multitude of connotations. Ask five different
people and you will not get the same definition twice.
That's okay. In fact, that's more than okay. Why? Because I see respect
in its various forms every day at school. Students' smiles, small
gestures of friendships, encouraging words and genuine concern for each
other is something I have come to take for granted.
It is not unusual for a group of students to be laughing, talking, sharing
pictures, and if I look closely, for there to be a teacher among them.
Stress, exams, work, and extra activities sometimes cause all of us to not
be at our best. In fact, I have run over many a slow freshman on late
lunch days, but an apology, a reassuring glance and even the Roh godS
eyes, will again put us back on track. Student reaction to
discipline is usually tempered with respect.
Where else can a man with a whistle elicit as many "thank you's!?"
In 24 years here, I have seen only the level of openness between the
students and teachers increase. The respect has always remained the same.
I like the people at Marian. I like their openness, honesty, and respect
for themselves and others.
So what is the definition of respect?
Don't go to the dictionary, walk the halls of Marian.
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