Co-chairs Arjun Ratan ‘24 and Mahlet Messay ‘24 take the stage and say their usual introduction in a different language, “¡Konnichiwa!” They say as the student body parrots their words. But, their hello seems rather unfamiliar today. With all the days off from school, special schedules and more it seems like there are fewer and fewer morning meetings. Even though I pass by the co-chairs in the halls every day, Morning Meeting feels shorter and overall not as fruitful. This isn’t just a feeling though –the reality is that with snow days and late starts, we have missed more than usual.

Still, even without most of the missed Morning Meetings, I believe the community’s need for them exceeds the number that we have allotted. As a club leader of Model United Nations (MUN), we have experienced our fair share of Morning Meeting triumphs and shortcomings. 

Most recently we attempted to schedule time for March, but sadly were pushed back to April. I am not here to complain, though; I adore the Co-chairs and the tech team, whose job is essential and often unrecognized throughout the school community. Rather, I am here to ask the school to explore the option of more Morning Meeting time and for the community to reflect on their use of this crucial time.

Morning Meeting are one of the most intricate traditions in the Masters community. In an 8-day cycle, there are four Morning Meetings, two 1-1 days, one paired advisory, and one regular advisory. Each of those Morning Meetings is only 30 minutes each. Additionally, for large events such as Holocaust Remembrance day, their speaking time is extended. 

With these factors to consider, I hope it is clear that these are vital times for the community to gather and hear each other on a collective basis. 

Co-Chair Arjun Ratan recognizes how valuable this time is and agrees that there should be some thoughtful solution to the lack of time together.

“ I think we really do need more Morning Meeting time. I think it can be done,” he said. 

Currently, I don’t think adding more Morning Meetings is feasible. Scheduling is an intense process that would require work over the summer. One possible solution is that the amount of advisory time in any form is reduced. However, advisory is valuable to some members of the community, especially students who are transitioning to the new culture of the school. Cutting back on that time might damage people’s experience here, but more damage is being done when we can’t unite as a community.

Furthermore, Rosenfeld identified the current sentiments around these gatherings in the school community. “ A lot of people think Morning Meetings are kind of unnecessary. And I think that actually kind of frustrates me because I think it’s like it’s a cool thing that we do.”

I wholeheartedly agree with this point but this is because we as a community aren’t supplying exciting presentations and speeches. When I think of my favorite experiences in school I recall a vibrant morning with unique Masters activities like senior speeches and laudations followed by engaging and relevant presentations. Additionally, presenters should be responsible and cancel in an amount of time that allows their slot to be filled. Let’s make the most of the morning meetings we have so that the remaining ones are full and lively.