/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_pscahh45wceub3mb4jrabuid_8cb43d9e-aad4-40f9-979c-38c0897e4536_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 22 May 2013 21:32:20 GMT 15 By Nicole Vega
Hugging one another in school is distinguished as PDA (Public Display of Affection), which is against the school policy. “Hugs are a sign of friendship,” says sophomore Macie Otten. Hugs are also characterized as a greeting or a comforting gesture. However, it is considered PDA to hug in school, and PDA goes against Barat Academy’s school policy. Mr. Atkins, the speech teacher at Barat, believes “as a school we are trying to set an atmosphere of professionalism, and [hugging] creates an informal setting.” Mr. Atkins gives the example of students seeing their teachers hugging to help the student picture how a teacher finds it awkward seeing their students hugging. However, hugging is not the only form of PDA that occurs in school. “Hugging, scratching each other’s backs, massaging, kissing and intertwining body parts in any way are all classified as PDA,” says art teacher, Mrs. Weiss. This does not mean Barat as a school community does not encourage close relationships with one another. In fact, Macie Otten admires Barat for its close-knit society due to its small classes. There are other ways students can express their emotions for each other. Instead of hugging one another, we can verbally express our emotions. By verbally acting on your emotions, you can show your love for another student without going against the school policy. We can do this by simply saying, “Good to see you!” when we greet another student, or “Hello how are you?” Or a simple touch on the arm or shoulder. Friendly interactions with one another are a crucial part to building Barat as a school community. ]]> Sun, 12 Dec 2010 22:39:49 GMT