The Boys Lab

Ted Wachtel, International Institute for Restorative Practices 

“Human beings are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them.”
 

Welcome to the Boys Lab, where boys are at the center of all that we do at FCDS. We understand that every interaction with our boys is an opportunity to listen, understand, collaborate, coach, trust and connect with one another.  

The research on best practices for educating the whole boy in all of its diversity and complexity is extensive and continues to expand.  We are acutely aware of the data and trends for both challenges and opportunities that our boys will encounter on their journey to becoming men.

Through professional development, parent education opportunities and innovative programming, we are committed to being at the forefront of modeling how these research- based best practices are embedded throughout our FCDS community.   

Our team of specialists will be assessing, reflecting, and evaluating our programs and systems throughout the School– in collaboration with the voices and experiences of our teachers and boys– to ensure our programs are aligned with our mission. We are excited to share what we do and how we do it as we continue to move forward as a leader in advocating for boys' education.  

List of 4 items.

  • Social Emotional Learning

    Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator
    Marie Mitchell P'22, marie.mitchell@fairfieldcountryday.org

    At FCDS, we recognize that the journey to adulthood is marked not only by intellectual growth but also by the development of emotional resilience, empathy, and interpersonal skills. It is with this thought in mind that we have taken on a whole community approach to social-emotional learning (SEL). Our mission extends beyond the confines of the classroom, instilling in our students a profound understanding of themselves and others, enabling them to communicate effectively, manage conflicts, and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth. As we equip boys with the tools to succeed academically, we also nurture their capacity to lead with empathy, collaborate with integrity, and contribute positively to a world that beckons for compassionate and well-rounded individuals. Whether it be in the classroom, on the playing fields, in a science lab, on stage, or beyond the walls of FCDS, our goal is to intentionally weave social-emotional lessons throughout the day based on these five SEL competencies:
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  • Student Learning Executive Skills

    “Find what works for you.” - Mrs. Cartwright

    Learning is a joyful process filled with innovative thinking and problem solving, creativity and exploration. It is also a complex process and there are many factors that can present challenges and obstacles for students. Projects or assignments that can be exciting and intellectually stimulating can also prove to be incredibly difficult as a result of the executive skills required to execute the task at hand.  While these skills come easily to some students, many boys require explicit instruction, scaffolding and practice. At FCDS, it is important to us that students begin to understand their own learning process and find the tools and strategies that work best for them in carrying out tasks effectively to achieve their goals.
     
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  • Inclusive Excellence

    Director of Inclusive Excellence: 
    Shabi Vereen P;23, '27, shabiroon.vereen@fairfieldcountryday.org 

    At FCDS, we strive to achieve Inclusive Excellence through a deliberate approach grounded in community building. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where every member of our community feels respected, supported and valued–regardless of their background, abilities, or identities. We believe that our commitment to inclusive excellence goes beyond merely having a diverse community; it places belonging at the core of our School's mission and vision. Belonging asserts that by strengthening our diverse experiences through meaningful connections, we will actively embrace each other's differences and empower students to thrive academically and socio-emotionally. We commit to Meet The Moment by:
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  • Innovative Programs

    EDUCATOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
    Shadow and Share Program
    A faculty member shadows an FCDS student to gain a deeper understanding of what that boy’s day looks and feels like. The student and teacher will have an opportunity to connect and debrief on their shared experience and observations.  Not only will respectful relationships develop in this process, but students will witness that teachers themselves are always learning to improve their craft. Teachers benefit from walking away with a new perspective that may enhance and provide ideas to modify their own teaching practices. This program is an excellent opportunity for new faculty, and each participant’s insights will prove to be invaluable in strengthening our learning community.
     
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Speaker Series

List of 2 items.

  • Jennifer Wallace - February 21, 2024 @7PM

    Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestselling book, "Never Enough: When achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic - and What We Can Do About It.".
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  • Max Stossel - October 18, 2023

    Max Stossel is an award-winning  artist, the Founder of Social Awakening; an organization dedicated to helping young people survive and thrive in the modern world, and the Youth & Education Advisor for the Center for Humane Technology, a group working to realign technology with humanity (as featured in The Social Dilemma). Before working in this field, Max was a media strategist with an extensive background in social media. He ran social media for multinational brands, and later worked for a social media company where he designed some of the notification structures to distract people that he now raises awareness about. He has spent the past seven years speaking with 100,000+ students, parents, and educators around the world about social media's impact on our lives, and creating resources to help manage that impact. Max provides a unique and much-needed perspective on the role of technology in our homes, schools, and in our society.
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Ellen Cartwright
Director of The Boys Lab
ellen.cartwright@fairfieldcountryday.org
Fairfield Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, all-boys day school in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Founded in 1936 by Laurence W. Gregory, the school has admitted only boys since its inception. As per our mission: Fairfield Country Day School provides an educational community dedicated to the development of impactful young leaders of character and purpose; ready to face the everyday challenges and pivotal turning points of their lifetime with confidence, courage and compassion. Its balanced and challenging program is designed to help each student expand his desire and ability to acquire knowledge, capture his imagination, stimulate his curiosity and creativity, and enhance his self-esteem and respect for others. Each boy’s individual growth is encouraged in an environment that anticipates the future while appreciating the past.

FCDS admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

FCDS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.