Physical contact expressing care and support of a student is important for a student’s development and is generally suitable in the school setting. However, this physical contact must be age-appropriate and should not give even the appearance of wrongdoing or exceed appropriate educator-student boundaries. The behavior of School faculty and staff must foster trust at all times—personal conduct in student interactions and relationships must be above reproach. Toward this end, the School has implemented a physical contact policy that will promote a positive, nurturing environment while protecting our students and employees.
The following rules are to be carefully followed by anyone working in School programs:
- Examples of acceptable physical contact include handshakes, high-fives, side hugs and pats on the back.
- Physical contact should only be given when in the presence of other children or adults.
- Inappropriate touching or displays of affection are forbidden. Any inappropriate touching or inappropriate display of affection should be immediately reported to the headmaster, division head or the HOS.
- Do not force any physical contact, touch or affection upon a reluctant child. A child’s preference not to be touched must be respected.
It is important that employees be self-aware of how students may interpret their behavior. Innocent behaviors like intruding into a student’s personal space or a platonic or accidental touch may be highly uncomfortable and easily misinterpreted especially by adolescents. Faculty are responsible for insuring that their behavior does not make students uncomfortable.