Outside of the Upper School office, three of the six tables often referred to as the “sophomore tables” were removed recently, sparking conversation among students about cleanliness, responsibility, and the shared spaces of our school. The decision to remove the tables was made by Upper School Dean of Student Life Joe Bruno because of repeated issues with maintaining the area as a clean Upper School space.
“What led to me removing the tables was this space being left, day after day, a complete mess,” Bruno said. “I’m not talking about a wrapper or a bottle of water. I’m talking about chairs being tipped upside down, food embedded into the carpets, and personal belongings left everywhere.” Bruno reiterated that the removal of these tables was in order to create a clear message about respect and accountability in the Upper School. “The removal of the tables is meant to be an inconvenience. And as a result, the last five days, the space has been left impeccably clean. So, it clearly works.”
Sophomore Evan O’Connor, like many of his classmates, was disappointed by the removal of these tables. “All my friends and I sit there during our free periods and lunch. It’s a space for us all to socialize and hang out. It has made lunch periods a little less enjoyable due to the ability to eat there being taken away,” he said.
O’Connor acknowledged that the decision of taking the tables away was reasonable. “I do understand the decision of the benches being taken away, as us sophomores have not done the best job of cleaning up. A lot of us have tried to keep it clean so that we can keep the space, but overall, I do understand.”
Senior Sam Simon has a broader perspective on the situation. “I think that each grade finds their spot early in their high school career and sticks with it. I think that the sophomores have done a fine job with the loss of the tables,” he said.
Bruno believes that the tables will come back to where they were if the sophomores demonstrate responsibility. “I told them, if they can leave the bench area clean for one full cycle, I will return the three tables. They have done an incredible job so far. It’s about respect, respecting the school where we all go,” he said.
The challenge, though, will be maintaining this standard of cleanliness at the tables once they return. “They’ve proven they can make it happen. But if they don’t, I have no problem removing all six tables,” Bruno said, encouraging students to keep up the work they’ve done since the tables have been gone.
The removal of the tables has shown the difference between privilege and responsibility in the Upper School, especially in the schools shared spaces, showing how easy privileges can be taken for granted. As Bruno explained, “sitting in the Upper School is a privilege, not a right. It’s about respecting the space and the people around you.”
