--- title: "Proctor Community: The Art of Listening" description: We asked some of our students to share their experiences as a student of color at Proctor. The opportunity we have as a community is to unpack our own experiences and beliefs in relation to the experiences lived by our students of color. To celebrate the voice they have the confidence to share. image: https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/41137238365_93fdc1302c_o.jpg --- [![Proctor](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222761375-png/Images/INTlogo.png "Proctor")](http://www.proctoracademy.org) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Proctor%20Community%3A%20The%20Art%20of%20Listening) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ## Proctor Community: The Art of Listening Posted by [Scott Allenby](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/scott-allenby) 01/16/2019 Bryan Stevenson, founder of the [Equal Justice Initiative](https://eji.org/), implores students to get [proximate to their own learning](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/the-power-of-proximity); to come face to face with the issues they are studying in order to understand the complexity of the world around us. The foundation of any community rests in an appreciation and understanding of each other. Conversely, we undermine the communities in which we live the moment we allow our own limited experiences to inform our understanding of others. We must actively listen to each other's stories as we work to shape our own narrative.  ![IMG_4440](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4440.jpg?width=3264&name=IMG_4440.jpg) The photo (above) was shared by [Mountain Classroom](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/mountain-classroom-big-bend-2019) at the Mexico/United States border in El Paso, Texas this week reminded us of the powerful proximate learning opportunities Proctor’s educational model affords. No other school shatters world views at the same rate as Proctor. Thanks to our five term-long off-campus programs,  90 (a quarter of our student body) students study abroad each year. They travel the globe living and learning alongside each other immersed in other cultures and face-to-face with challenging issues. This opportunity for proximity is not limited to our off-campus programs, however. Sometimes, the most powerful moments are right in front of us on campus, and we simply must open the door to uncomfortable conversations in order to fully understand the depth of experiences of those with whom we share meals three times a day in the dining hall. ![SOC](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SOC.jpg?width=6720&name=SOC.jpg) On Saturday night, Proctor is scheduled to host a dance for students of color from Proctor and other Lakes Region Schools (it now looks like a major winter storm will postpone the event). Holderness School hosted a similar event this fall (photo below) that was met with considerable enthusiasm by all in attendance - a place for students of color to feel free to be themselves without the constructs of a predominantly white boarding school implicitly telling them who to be or how to act. Held two days before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this dance has sparked valuable conversations among students wondering why Proctor would host an event for an exclusive group of students. Shouldn’t we be stressing similarities rather than differences? Shouldn’t we be having conversations around race and culture all together rather than in separate groups?  ![Holderness Dance](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Holderness%20Dance.jpg?width=4032&name=Holderness%20Dance.jpg) We say with sincerity and confidence Proctor is a welcoming place where individuals are truly seen as individuals, not as a member of racial, ethnic, or religious group. But, the reality is less than 10% of Proctor’s student body self-identify as non-Caucasian. Through conversations in English classes (all ninth graders are reading [The Hate You Give](https://www.amazon.com/Hate-U-Give-Angie-Thomas/dp/0062498533)by Angie Thomas), and through assembly discussions with multi-cultural coordinator Fiona Mills and faculty member Junior de la Hoz, the rationale for providing space on campus for affinity groups to meet is well understood. Affinity groups for students of color are just one of the many affinity groups schools must work to support. Every student benefits from having a safe space to share their experiences regardless of who they are. We encourage you to read more about affinity groups in independent schools [HERE](https://5a07ac3d-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/sgsprofessionaloutreach/Responses_Affinity_Group_Resistance.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7cpfrF59A_dLTs5tWGHQlxOszFE2u0kTdVHjIkI94p8CdaHXSI-1LVzOuzEtvXTeRe2Eeg64HJ685E5QmmXIymPYnN97v3Idgafcj57vzsr3dsfbz7c05VKtli7E0CIzakgGkXTzLudpLXRZczTX-JVIBkIQVN45K1wtDYBlHNiLXfzZa4qOtBooSM3dNYjLp_f_b0L6WWmMeTE3dYqrrWVE21iVUP_C9xdih1fgx0XVtaSQXe6P3DbnbJzVF1KYqjHF0IFH&attredirects=1). As Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee of Seattle Girls School shares, “Affinity groups offer a space where marginalized groups can experience welcome and affirmation. Sadly, for many, this is a unique space, so it is especially helpful to have affinity groups for marginalized identities.” As we seek to build community and to wholly understand the experiences of those around us, sometimes we simply need to pause and practice the simple art of listening. ![SOC2](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SOC2.jpg?width=6720&name=SOC2.jpg) We asked some of our students to share their experiences as a student of color at Proctor. Their responses are below. The opportunity we have as a community is to unpack our own experiences and beliefs in relation to the experiences lived by students of color at Proctor; to celebrate and learn from the voice they have the confidence to share.  *------------------* *I love Proctor and the people here so much. There are challenges associated with being a student of color at a school that is mostly white, but those challenges aren’t because of stereotypes or racism, they are simply because people don’t fully understand me or my background. It’s not intentional or malicious, it’s just a reality.* *------------------* *My middle school was very similar to Proctor, actually probably “worse” in terms of diversity, so it was not a shock to step foot on Proctor’s campus. I knew what I was stepping into, and Proctor’s community has been so much better than other school communities I’ve been a part of in terms of accepting me for who I am. But that doesn’t mean it still isn’t hard to be a student of color at a school that is predominantly white.* *------------------* *I was scared to come to Proctor in general, a new place, away from home, but when I got here I struggled to relate to anybody about being black until half way through fall term of my first year. I didn’t play the same sports as some of the other black kids, and I don’t necessarily come from the same type of background, so I was afraid what other students of color were going to think of me, and struggled to find my identity here at Proctor during those first few months. I didn’t seem to fit with any group of kids. I feel completely plugged in now, but it was definitely a process.* *------------------* *It’s the little things, I guess, that most of the people here at Proctor don’t understand. Like where can I go to get my hair done in Andover, New Hampshire? When Kyle Tremblay so generously sends out a note before prom that she is available to help do girls’ hair for them, I’m like, “Not my hair!”* *------------------* *Yea, it is the little things. I was the only black kid in my freshman class last year, and in my dorm. Kids would ask why I wear a dew rag to bed and make fun of me. Not in a mean way, but just in a giving me crap kind of way. It’s that feeling of having to explain something because I am different that gets exhausting.* *------------------* *The little things, yes! Like spices and seasonings in the food. I guess we all grow up with a certain type of food and seasoning and you miss that when you don’t have it day in and day out. Also, like she said, hair! People don’t understand, and are often afraid to ask, why I would want to wear a head scarf and or need to get my hair done.* *------------------* *I know this might sound stupid, but one of the little things that drives me crazy is kids pulling out their phones to record one of us dancing at a dance as if it is a show or something. It makes you think twice about just being yourself. It makes you self-conscious, and I know all teenagers get self-conscious, but when it has to do with how you act even though what you are doing would be totally normal at home, it doesn’t feel right.* *------------------* *When I speak my mind regarding this dance coming up or another issue that impacts people of color directly, people treat me like I’m different or lumped into a group as that “crazy black girl”. I’ve felt this a lot in the last couple days. People don’t understand that students of color should be able to have something for ourselves, a place where we can relate to each other without the close eye of others watching us or judging us, where we don’t have to prepare ourselves for the backlash we are going to get for simply being “us”.* *------------------* *No one is trying to push our friends who are white out of something, we are just trying to have a space where we can play our music, dance the way we want to dance without feeling different or watched.* *------------------* *The one area of support I feel Proctor could use is having more faculty of color, or just diverse faculty in general, on campus. Having an adult I could go to with questions, problems, uncomfortable situations, advice on my hair, just little things like that would be so valuable. I love my advisor, my dorm parent, all the adults here at Proctor, but there’s something to having someone to talk to who ‘gets you’ that is missing for all of us students of color at Proctor.* *------------------* *YES! More diversity in our faculty. I think we all want someone to be our advocate on issues related to our ethnicity or background, and having an advocate who is living the same experience as I am would be so valuable. Plus, we would have an example to follow, to look up to, that I think we all would like to have.* *------------------* *![41137238365_93fdc1302c_o](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/41137238365_93fdc1302c_o.jpg?width=5044&name=41137238365_93fdc1302c_o.jpg)* Hearing these honest words from our students isn't easy. They can make us feel as though we've failed a group of our students. So often the first response of those in the majority is one of defensiveness, of wanting to reply, "I'm sure that situation was an anomaly, you must not really feel that way." But we cannot discount or contextualize the experiences of others. It's not about tolerance, it's about listening. It's about respecting the voices of each individual in the community and providing opportunities for all of us to share who we are and what we believe without judgement. Are there opportunities for Proctor to better support students of color? Absolutely. But these words shared by our students are not a sign of failure for our community, they are indication that we are open to conversation, open to hear the other and to embrace the diversity that makes us, us.  *[![Click to see Proctor's community in action!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/ca3e859d-3433-476b-9246-ec7f619e3b25.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/ca3e859d-3433-476b-9246-ec7f619e3b25)* [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Proctor%20Community%3A%20The%20Art%20of%20Listening) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Fproctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Read and Subscribe to The Buzz!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/interactive-142506864155.png)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJnzd4x15HKCyYe5sgrEaTckQKg2mh%2F%2FAoqwb8wrWRjQQ3byYq4fY3B05IijkLucyXCq0i2jUMKr5Hz7fIto7zIld5Mxa6v%2FjOiEfFHY5%2B7M5%2BdYXfxbjMizS2LjrjO56S1tKuE0FTUjTcdsLPP9nn2CDjzGRNj86wcIeqbuav27Jykc9HglnjAr4yBsDrJli7ULIfX%2FX4rrfM%3D&webInteractiveContentId=142506864155&portalId=408790) ### Posts by Topic - [Off-Campus Programs (522)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/off-campus-programs) - [Experiential Learning (517)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/experiential-learning) - [Community (438)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community) - [Student Work (416)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-work) - [Academics (265)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academics) - [Athletics (255)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/athletics) - [School Culture (231)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/school-culture) - [Arts (216)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/arts) - [Mike's Notes (182)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike-s-notes) - [Educational Model (172)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/educational-model) - [Student Life (165)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-life) - [Relationships (149)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/relationships) - [Boarding School (147)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boarding-school) - [European Art Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/european-art-classroom) - [Mountain Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mountain-classroom) - [Study Abroad (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/study-abroad) - [Proctor en Segovia (115)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-en-segovia) - [Alumni (109)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/alumni) - [World Languages (104)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/world-languages) - [Ocean Classroom (100)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/ocean-classroom) - [Faculty (86)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/faculty) - [Performing Arts (51)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/performing-arts) - [Environmental Stewardship (49)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/environmental-stewardship) - [Admissions (45)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/admissions) - [The Journey (39)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/the-journey) - [COVID (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/covid) - [Residential Life (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/residential-life) - [Team Spotlight (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/team-spotlight) - [Health and Wellness (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/health-and-wellness) - [Summer Months (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-months) - [Academic Support (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-support) - [Proctor Woodlands (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-woodlands) - [Professional Development (32)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/professional-development) - [Core Values (31)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/core-values) - [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) - [Skiing (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/skiing) - [Staff (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/staff) - [Parents (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/parents) - [Diversity (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity) - [Proctor in Costa Rica (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-costa-rica) - [Family Weekend (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/family-weekend) - [Wilderness Orientation (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/wilderness-orientation) - [Community Service (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community-service) - [Winter (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/winter) - [College (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college) - [Graduation (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/graduation) - [Leadership (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/leadership) - [Head of School (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/head-of-school) - [History (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/history) - [Technology (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/technology) - [Board of Trustees (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/board-of-trustees) - [Brian's Blogs (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/brians-blogs) - [Campaign for Proctor (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campaign-for-proctor) - [Proctor Ski Area (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-ski-area) - [Afternoon Activities (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/afternoon-activities) - [Advisor (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/advisor) - [Facilities (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/facilities) - [Self-Advocacy (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/self-advocacy) - [English (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/english) - [Proctor on Snow (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-on-snow) - [Project Period (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/project-period) - [Euro (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/euro) - [Giving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/giving) - [Learning Skills (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/learning-skills) - [Thanksgiving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanksgiving) - [Native American Connection (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/native-american-connection) - [Senior Project (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/senior-project) - [Academic Concentrations (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-concentrations) - [College Counseling (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college-counseling) - [Rigor and Support (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/rigor-and-support) - [Proctor Fund (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-fund) - [Day Students (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/day-students) - [Dining and Nutrition (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dining-and-nutrition) - [EdTech (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/edtech) - [Summer Service Trips (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-service-trips) - [Thought Leadership (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thought-leadership) - [Campus (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campus) - [Equity and Inclusion (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/equity-and-inclusion) - [Innovation (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/innovation) - [Maintenance Team (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/maintenance-team) - [Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/science) - [Social Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/social-science) - [Strategic Planning (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/strategic-planning) - [Weekend Activities (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/weekend-activities) - [Remote Learning (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/remote-learning) - [Andover (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/andover) - [Art Exhibits (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/art-exhibits) - [Assembly (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/assembly) - [Development (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/development) - [Holderness Day (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/holderness-day) - [Accepted Students (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/accepted-students) - [Hays Speaking Prize (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/hays-speaking-prize) - [Math (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/math) - [Special Olympics (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/special-olympics) - [Buy Proctor (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/buy-proctor) - [Prep School (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/prep-school) - [Proctor in China (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-china) - [Sustainability (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/sustainability) - [Boat Building (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boat-building) - [Dorms (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dorms) - [Entrepreneurship (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/entrepreneurship) - [In Memory (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/in-memory) - [Mike (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike) - [Proctor Pond (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-pond) - [Summer Literacy (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-literacy) - [Thanks (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanks) - [freshman seminar (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/freshman-seminar) see all ### Blog Archives - [May 2023 (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/05) - [April 2023 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/04) - [March 2023 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/03) - [February 2023 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/02) - [January 2023 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/01) - [December 2022 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/12) - [November 2022 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/11) - [October 2022 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/10) - [September 2022 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/09) - [August 2022 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/08) - [July 2022 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/07) - [June 2022 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/06) - [May 2022 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/05) - [April 2022 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/04) - [March 2022 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/03) - [February 2022 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/02) - [January 2022 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/01) - [December 2021 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/12) - [November 2021 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/11) - [October 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/10) - [September 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/09) - [August 2021 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/08) - [July 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/07) - [June 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/06) - [May 2021 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/05) - [April 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/04) - [March 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/03) - [February 2021 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/02) - [January 2021 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/01) - [December 2020 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/12) - [November 2020 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/11) - [October 2020 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/10) - [September 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/09) - [August 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/08) - [July 2020 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/07) - [June 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/06) - [May 2020 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/05) - [April 2020 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/04) - [March 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/03) - [February 2020 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/02) - [January 2020 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/01) - [December 2019 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/12) - [November 2019 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/11) - [October 2019 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/10) - [September 2019 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/09) - [August 2019 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/08) - [July 2019 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/07) - [June 2019 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/06) - [May 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/05) - [April 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/04) - [March 2019 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/03) - [February 2019 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/02) - [January 2019 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/01) - [December 2018 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/12) - [November 2018 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/11) - [October 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/10) - [September 2018 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/09) - [August 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/08) - [July 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/07) - [June 2018 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/06) - [May 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/05) - [April 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/04) - [March 2018 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/03) - [February 2018 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/02) - [January 2018 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/01) - [December 2017 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/12) - [November 2017 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/11) - [October 2017 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/10) - [September 2017 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/09) - [August 2017 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/08) - [July 2017 (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/07) - [June 2017 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/06) - [May 2017 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/05) - [April 2017 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/04) - [March 2017 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/03) - [February 2017 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/02) - [January 2017 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/01) - [December 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/12) - [November 2016 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/11) - [October 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/10) - [September 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/09) - [August 2016 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/08) - [July 2016 (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/07) - [June 2016 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/06) - [May 2016 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/05) - [April 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/04) - [March 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/03) - [February 2016 (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/02) - [January 2016 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/01) - [December 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/12) - [November 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/11) - [October 2015 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/10) - [September 2015 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/09) - [August 2015 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/08) - [July 2015 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/07) - [June 2015 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/06) - [May 2015 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/05) - [April 2015 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/04) - [March 2015 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/03) - [February 2015 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/02) - [January 2015 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/01) - [December 2014 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/12) - [November 2014 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/11) - [October 2014 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/10) - [September 2014 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/09) - [August 2014 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/08) see all ### Recent Stories ### Telling the Proctor story [READ CHUCK'S CORNER AND ACADEMIC LENS BLOG ARCHIVES HERE](http://chuckscorner.proctoracademy.org/chucks_corner/index.html). [![Speak with someone in Admissions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents) - [Proctor Academy](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy?ref=hl) - [Proctor Alumni](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy) - [Proctor Parents](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents) - [Proctor Athletics](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proctor-Academy-Athletics/140880952609576) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy) - [Proctor Main](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy) - [Proctor Community](https://twitter.com/PA_Community) - [Proctor Athletics](https://twitter.com/PA_Athletics) - [![Instagram](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462312-png/Layout/large_link350423_29017.png)](http://instagram.com/proctoracademy) - [![LinkedIn](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222678679-png/Layout/large_link324706_26576.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3110) - [![YouTube](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462307-png/Layout/large_link324705_26577.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVG9mnN7RsqaXa9VSWiPXQ/featured) - [![Flickr](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072945-png/Layout/large_link324707_26575.png)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/proctoracademy/) Located in  Andover, NH,  Proctor Academy is a private coeducational day and boarding school for grades 9–12. Students benefit from a rigorous academic program, experiential off-campus programs, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities. [![](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072925-png/Images/logoFoot.png)](https://www.proctoracademy.org/) 204 Main Street  .  PO Box 500  .  Andover, NH 03216 (603) 735-6000 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Scott Allenby", "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/scott-allenby" }, "dateModified" : "2019-01-17T17:56:20.585Z", "datePublished" : "2019-01-17T02:44:17.000Z", "headline" : "Proctor Community: The Art of Listening", "image" : [ "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/41137238365_93fdc1302c_o.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/proctor-community-the-art-listening-to-each-other", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hub/408790/file-1356544276.jpg" }, "name" : "Proctor Academy" } } ```