Core Values Committee: New Student Leadership Group
The Core Values Committee, led by Ms. Kuiper, promotes fairness and equity within our community. Starting next year, this newly-created leadership role will be open to rising 11th and 12th graders, with 5 to 6 students serving on the committee. This marks a transformative change in how student voices shape discipline at WA, as only the Head Monitor and Second Monitor could share their perspectives during disciplinary hearings. By amplifying student voices, the Committee will play a key role in improving WA’s disciplinary and restorative practices. Their work will include reviewing the current WA handbook, identifying gaps within school guidelines, and proposing meaningful changes to ensure our policies reflect the values of our student body.
You may be wondering why this opportunity is limited to rising 11th and 12th graders, rather than including underclassmen. The decisions made by the Core Values Committee require a high level of maturity, thoughtfulness, and the ability to navigate difficult situations with fairness and care. At times, these students may have to recommend whether a peer is still able to serve and grow within our community, or if WA is no longer the right fit for them. This kind of responsibility demands students who can set aside personal bias, and approach each situation with objectivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of our school’s values.
Additionally, the Core Values Committee is seeking students who are truly passionate about fairness, equity, and justice: students who not only want to uphold these principles but also care deeply about supporting their peers. The purpose of this Committee is not to judge or punish, but rather to guide students through their mistakes by helping them learn, grow, and ultimately become better members of our community. By embracing this restorative mindset, the Committee will have the opportunity to make Worcester Academy a stronger, more compassionate place for all.
The Committee will meet weekly, starting next year, with these regular meetings focused heavily on training and preparation. Members will closely look at Worcester Academy’s existing policies and school handbook, gaining a deeper understanding of the disciplinary and restorative processes already in place. Training sessions will cover essential topics such as maintaining confidentiality, recognizing and addressing personal bias, and understanding the balance of serving on a committee where decisions may directly impact their peers; peers they see every day in class, in the dining hall, and on sports teams.
These meetings will also help students navigate the social complexities that come with this responsibility, teaching them how to uphold their role with integrity while maintaining respectful and supportive relationships within the community. Through this process, Committee members won’t just learn how to handle difficult conversations, but will grow into leaders who embody WA’s Core Values when it matters the most. Ultimately, the work of the Core Values Committee is more than reviewing policies or sitting in hearings; it’s about shaping a culture where fairness, accountability, and empathy define what it means to be a Worcester Academy student now and for years to come.