Madden Albert’25
The relationship between students and their house parents at The Frederick Gunn School is one of the biggest things that shapes the culture here at FGS. Every night during study hall, there is a different house parent on duty in each house. Many students choose to do their homework in their rooms, but they also have the choice to work in various study spots on campus. When students return for final check-in at 10 PM, many choose to converse with the house parents and inform them about the day.
For many students here at FGS, having that 15-minute conversation with their house parent helps them to feel more comfortable and feel that they have an adult they can go to when they are in need. At the Frederick Gunn School, “Trusted Adult” is often used. A trusted adult is someone on campus that students can trust enough to go to and seek help or advice when needed. Many house parents are student’s trusted adults on campus. Van Sindren’s house parent, Leah Peluchiwski, added, “It is similar to why I like boarding school in general, especially since I teach underclassmen. It is very special to get to spend time with and now the senior girls.” Many students in the study hall hang out with Ms. P and her cat, Elliot. Senior Ruby Lesson adds, “Being able to be welcomed into one’s home is an honor, and being able to think of the cat as a house cat is very special.” Having a house pet is very special to many students as it makes them feel at home, and they can feel like they have a connection with the house parent by going to see the pet. Study hall is from 8-10 pm, Sunday through Thursday, for each house on campus. There are various other study spots on campus, like The Library, TPACC, and The Lizzie. These have become the main spots on campus where students go with friends to get work done but also for a quieter study environment. To come back from a long night of homework to a cat or dog greeting a student at the door makes them feel loved and like they belong.
Mrs. McMann will sometimes bring her dog, Oalie, when on duty. Bringing Oalie allows many students to take a break from their grueling homework and relieves them of certain stress they may have. Whether it’s conversing with a house parent after check-in or sitting and playing with their pets, students always appreciate the fact that their “doors” are always open.
