Sunday, April 27, 2008 | In many ways, I’m amazed at the story of “The Webster Way,” how an elementary school turned itself around by teaching the children manners and civil behavior. Why are we surprised?
At the risk of sounding like an old fart, “when I was in school…” please and thank you were expected. Eye contact and general manners were not an option. Since most students came from homes where that behavior was taught, there was no need for teachers to repeat the lessons. But the nuns made sure that we (students) never forgot!
This story is a shocking reminder that common courtesy has become passe. And that’s a shame.