There is a certain air of discipline and respect cultivated in the halls and classrooms of Veritas Academy. Some may call it antiquated. Many see it as appreciated.
Students rise when the headmaster enters the room. Adults are generally addressed with deference. Fellow students are expected to be treated with courtesy and kindness. Even the uniforms confer an atmosphere of decorum.
That's not to say we don't know how to have fun. On the contrary, traditions at Veritas - from off-the-wall events to friendly house competitions and more - are memorable and sometimes downright wacky. Students and staff can both laugh and learn in this environment that, we hope, breeds utmost respect for peers and authorities alike.
Truly, in both youth and general culture today, the art of simple civility seems to be rapidly eroding. And while great strides have been made in women's and civil rights, and no one wants to retu
rn to rib-crushing corsets and soul-crushing class formalities, there is still much we can glean and reapply from the society expectations of ages past.
Our ninth grade omnibus teacher Mrs. Rhonda Forbes is helping to do just that, through a favorite event hosted in her class each year that helps bring literature to life. In conjunction with their study of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Forbes holds a formal tea party, during which students not only 
learn about the history of tea and its role in society, but also discuss gentility and the (somewhat) lost art of being ladies and gentlemen.
"In Pride and Prejudice, Austen shows the character of a person through their speech and manners," observes Mrs. Forbes. "In many ways, manners are simply the golden rule applied to the small things in life."
It starts even earlier than high school at Veritas. In fact, our Kindergartners also enjoy a tea party, where they get in some good practice on proper etiquette (and look absolutely adorable in the process). And while such occasions are the stuff of dreams for many little girls, it's more than just fun and games. While these kids are enjoying delicious treats and chatting with each other wearing their Sunday best, they're learning basic skills needed to help them make good acquaintances, good impressions, and good relationships in the future.
One needs only to spend a few minutes at a local mall or casual dining establishment to notice the somewhat appalling lack of common courtesy and social graces. General concepts of modesty, even self-care, are disregarded in the name of plunging necklines, rising hemlines, holey sweatpants, and ratty graphic tee-shirts. People swear, shove, demand, and disregard the preferences of those around them. Blame culture, the media, clothing designers, or what have you. But when you catch a glimpse of someone of any age carrying themselves with poise, who has taken time to propery groom, and who speaks and treats others with honor and courtesy, it's truly refreshing.
As a mom of young kids myself, I'm the first to admit to unabashedly wearing my yoga pants and messy bun on many an errand and playdate. It's the unofficial go-to uniform of busy mothers everywhere, and for good reason. But as I observe the downward trends of etiquette everywhere, and as I note with appreciation the standards held by Veritas and how they translate into a respectful and confident student body, I can't help but wish that some of those bygone etiquette protocols would still be revered and adhered to today.
Would you like more resources on manners and civility for our kids today? Click the image below to watch our on-demand webcast!
