MTS 8th Grade Students Say "Don't Change"

BY ANDREW DAVIS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Don't Change

Andrew Davis reflects on his experience leading a group of eighth graders on an annual Outdoor Education Trip this fall in Yosemite National Park.

I spent last week backpacking in the Hetch Hetchy of Yosemite National Park with our 8th graders. While I have several hundred nights of backcountry camping experience, the trip was still a learning experience for me. And, what I learned was more than how to use “Hey, chat” and other Gen Alpha vernacular. “Trust,” I learned plenty of that, too. “No cap.”

My favorite learning experience came at the end of a twenty-minute “solo” hike, where students hiked alone, spaced out from their peers along the trail. I had asked each student to reflect on what they hoped would never change about Mount Tamalpais School. This is what they had to say.

“We still respect teachers, but it feels more personal.”

Several students spoke about the value of calling teachers by their first names. “It makes us feel more like equals.” They described a friendly rapport that allows students to be comfortable in the classroom and, therefore, learn better.

“Keep it, but keep it chill. Don’t make it like Catholic school.”

The Class of 2026 also likes our uniform. There was shared appreciation for how easy it is to figure out what to wear each morning. They like that there is a uniform, but flexibility within it.

“It’s been nice to be phone-free.”

Another universal point of agreement was our technology guidelines, both at school and at home. They see friends at other schools struggling with phones and screens and appreciate the boundaries we provide at MTS.

“It’s a defining thing—a great way to build community.”

One student, widely known for his athleticism, did not want the 4th and 5th grade play to change. When a few students looked askance at him, he doubled down, clarifying that he—and others—would never have been in a musical or known their classmates as well had it not been for the play. Widespread nods of agreement followed.

“It’s not just do something bad, then punishment. It’s learn how to do it better.”

At one point, a student chimed in: “We don’t have detention, do we? I like that.” Heads nodded as students explained that discipline at MTS is about getting better. Children make mistakes. At MTS, they learn from them.

“There’s more privacy when you’re older.”

While one 8th grader likes the Wash Hall for the younger students, she expressed a desire for more privacy as you get older. I reassured the group that our newly constructed building has individual bathrooms. Privacy for older students—check!

“It just makes MTS what it is.”

Finally, the Class of 2026 does not want MTS to change the size of each graduating class. They like that it’s big enough to have a broad group of friends and small enough to really know everyone. Furthermore, our size allows for “more one-on-one time with the teachers.”

Standing in a circle at the edge of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, I could not have been more aligned with the Class of 2026. We share the MTS mission and values. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, we share the same list of what should remain unchanged in the years to come.

So, yeah—turns out the eighth graders have it figured out. MTS? Solid. Mission? Locked. Values? Still hitting. As they’d say, “It’s giving timeless.” And me? I’m just out here trying to keep up—learning the slang, hiking the miles, and making sure MTS stays “OG.” How’d I do 8th graders? Does that sound right?!

TGIAM is the blog of Andrew Davis, Head of School. TGIAM = Thank Goodness It's Almost Monday.