Family Night Letter
November 26, 2002
Dear Families,
In his book Faster, author James Gleick describes the corrosive effects of our hurried culture, where technology and time pressures have converged to create an unprecedented level of stress, and where we are expected to do more and do it faster. I think most of us feel this pressure on a daily basis. Embarrassingly, I’m a prime example. We multi-task, sending email while we talk on the phone as we drive home from work, or read and study while we eat, often with a television on in the background. We buy fast food, channel surf, and use call waiting to hold multiple conversations simultaneously. We do more in less time, and we’ve never felt worse.
The statistics prove our dysfunction. Free time is in decline, work weeks are longer and families spend less time together than ever before. A Harvard University study revealed that the average American works an additional 163 hours per year compared to a generation ago. In addition, we have nearly 50% less free time than we did thirty years ago. No wonder another study found that over 40% of American workers are unhappy with the balance in their lives, feeling that they do not spend enough time with their families. Sociologists have begun to describe our wealthy society as paradoxically stricken with “time poverty.” Because we recognize that the time squeeze includes finding time for schoolwork and innumerable school activities, I am happy to announce a new Forsyth Country Day School initiative intended to provide some relief for our families.
Beginning in January, one Wednesday evening each month will be a designated “Family Night.” This means that there will be no homework assignments, no athletic teams will practice, and no athletic or other co-curricular events will be scheduled after 5:00 p.m. Below are the Family Night dates for Spring 2003:
| Wednesday, January 22 Wednesday, February 26 Wednesday, March 26 Wednesday, April 23 |
(Please note: We were unable to schedule a Family Night in May this year because of AP exams, ERB testing, Upper School and Grade 8 exams and athletic events. However, we will schedule Family Nights for each month next year and in the following years.) |
So slow down, try to relax, and “schedule” at least one unscheduled evening each month! It is our hope that your family will appreciate the valuable time you have together.
Best wishes for a very happy holiday season.
Sincerely yours,
Henry M. Battle, Jr.
Headmaster
P.S. There is a wonderful article written by our Director of Admission, Lu Anne Wood, entitled How Much Is Too Much? that addresses many of the issues related to this topic. You can find that article on the administrative team page of our web site.
