Letter to the editor:

I was intrigued to read Gary Washburn’s “On Basketball” piece on Nate Robinson in Saturday’s Globe (May 29): “Nate described his transition from the Knicks to the Celtics as public school to private school . . . In public school, the standards are lower. Robinson’s behavior and performance were graded on a lower scale. The discipline was flimsy, the expectations were minimal, and Robinson became the face of the Knicks’ indifferent culture . . .” Washburn notes that as frustrating as it was for Coach Doc Rivers to deal with Robinson’s pushing of the boundaries when traded to the Celtics, he also kept telling Nate that he was going to win a game for them. He needed to listen, learn, adapt, and believe.

As much as Washburn suggests the difference in environments is about standards and discipline (and dress code), his piece really demonstrates the importance of relationships. Doc held Nate accountable but he also kept reminding Nate that he believed in him. Nate gradually internalized the Celtic culture. In game six, he hit some great shots, but he also made great passes and played tenacious team defense. The lasting image post game was of Doc hugging his player and speaking into his ear, then telling the press that it was Nate’s work in the past month that had been truly impressive, not his performance in the game.

When they know we care about them, kids (and star athletes, too) want to meet our expectations.  Independent (“private”) schools have the luxury of scale so each student is known and valued by several adults. The students are held accountable and face high expectations, true; but they succeed not because of those externals but because of the relationships that encourage them to care about reaching their potential. That is why a low teacher-student ratio is essential and why independent schools offer such a valuable alternative, particularly when many schools must increase class size in the face of budget cuts.

Sincerely,
Christopher B. Williamson

Head of School

Applewild School

Fitchburg, MA 01420

978-342-6053 x116