Student Handbook - The Taft School

STUDENT SERVICES
SPIRITUAL LIFE
The school recognizes the diversity of its student body and affirms the unique religious and spiritual
journey of each individual, while also remaining focused on the ways in which a strong sense of
communal identity can be nurtured. Grounded in Taft’s mission to educate the whole person, the
school provides many opportunities on campus—both formal and informal—to nurture spiritual
life. The Taft School Chaplain’s Office supports an interdenominational and interfaith ministry
composed of faculty, students, and staff. Robert Ganung, the school chaplain, lives on campus and
is available to meet with students on a regular basis. The chaplain, working in conjunction with the
Spiritual Life Committee, seeks to provide opportunities for members of the school community to
enrich the knowledge of their own faith traditions, celebrate the Divine in a way which is familiar,
gain an awareness of the spiritual and religious dimensions of their own lives, and to deepen their
quest for meaning and purpose in life.
In addition to the special services held periodically throughout the year, the following opportunities
are offered at Taft: monthly Shabbat Dinner for Jewish students and faculty, a weekly Bible
Study, a weekly Zen Buddhist meditation program and a monthly interfaith vespers service with
readings, reflection, and music followed by a discussion with refreshments. In the fall of 2009 we
will begin a Muslim Fellowship. The Spiritual Life Committee also sponsors events that are not
specifically religious in nature, such as the Coffee House held each term and the Cultural Festival
in the spring. Attendance at these school-sponsored activities is voluntary, although students are
encouraged to attend.
There are a number of opportunities available within walking distance of the school. Transportation
to churches and synagogues not within walking distance, as well as transportation to a Muslim mosque
in Hartford, is also provided. Students are urged to consult with the chaplain concerning particular
religious services. More detailed information on worship services can be found at www.TaftSchool.
org/students/spiritlife.aspx
Students interested in receiving confirmation while at Taft need to speak with the school chaplain
and the leader of the local worship community.
TAFT WRITING CENTER
The Taft Writing Center promotes excellence in writing across the curriculum by providing resources
to students and teachers. Designed to complement the instruction offered in the classroom, the Center
is a place where all writers in the Taft community have the opportunity to receive close personal
attention as they develop their writing skills. By working in conference with faculty and peer tutors,
writers can both seek counsel on papers in progress and address specific problems that their teachers
or other critical observers have identified in their work. Moreover, academically proficient, talented
writers, as well as those who are working on extra-curricular or personal writing projects, profit from
the feedback of Writing Center tutors. In addition, the Center provides an on-line site with a variety
of resources. More information is at www.TaftSchool.org/students/writingcenter/default.aspx.
60 The Taft School