Brief reflections on the Costa Concordia disaster The news has been filled with stories about the Costa Concordia disaster.  With nearly half a billion dollars in damage, it’s probably understandable that the media was focused on the dishonorable actions of Francesco Schettino, the captain of the ship.  However, I think it equally important for us to focus on the ship’s crew and passengers, who exhibited courage during an impossible time. Two quick lessons here – first, the old adages of “the captain goes down with the ship” and “women and children first” seem to be under review.  Second, I find it remarkable…

Hello, everyone,  As winter is upon us, and students’ thoughts turn to exam preparation, let’s take a look back at what was a very busy November. This past month, we’ve (finally) been able to get lockers and coat racks, a mail room, laundry room, and study hall in place in the first floor of the north wing. Work on the tunnel will be complete in time for snowfall. The senior mural has been hung in the student lounge, and the victory bell sits proudly between the gym and our sports fields. We placed some extra exterior lighting in place in time for…

“We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away.  We have learned that we must live as men, not as ostriches, or as dogs in the manger.  We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community.”                                                                            Franklin D. Roosevelt I thought I’d take an opportunity to write about The MacDuffie School and the international perspective.  While Roosevelt was comfortable with America’s place on the world stage many years ago, I humbly submit that the learning suggested above is an ongoing process. There…