09/04/2026
This morning, our fourth and fifth graders continued a Norfolk Collegiate tradition by pledging to uphold the Honor Code.
Before signing their names to the pledge, students reflected with Mrs. Kathy Garris, lower school dean, on the values of honesty, integrity and character. Together, they read "I Promise" by LeBron James, discussed how the Honor Code is a promise to do their own work and put its words into their own voices.
They also talked about something just as important: mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of learning and growing. What matters is taking responsibility, learning from them and having the courage to reset and try again.
Mrs. Garris, a sports fan, offered a fitting metaphor: You have to be more willing to strike out than you are to hit — and that's OK. What matters is learning from the experience, resetting and trying again.
Then came the meaningful moment: students signed their names to a commitment to live out these values each day.
Our third graders watched, knowing their turn to join this tradition comes next year.
Way to go, Oaks! Your signatures are your promises, and we’re proud of the character, courage and integrity you’re building every day.
