Following the departure of Dr. Reid Prichett at the end of the school year, Dr. Reid Cottingham will assume the revised, school-wide role.
Honor & Character
At Pingry, we believe in a commitment to character.
When honorable behavior is more about attitude and spirit than rules and regulations, good things happen. When decent, self-respecting behavior is guided by personal integrity and a genuine concern for others—whether encouraged by the Lower School’s Code of Conduct or the Middle and Upper School’s Honor Code—everybody wins.
At Pingry, we believe in the power of one to influence many.
When students behave in a trustworthy manner, they not only help themselves, but also further the interests of the school, their class, and their clubs and teams.
At Pingry, we believe in leading by example.
When students conduct themselves in a moral and decent manner, they not only benefit themselves but serve as valuable contributors to their school and the larger world. This belief is underscored by our requirement that all students, from the youngest to the college-bound, give back to the community each year through community and civic engagement.
At Pingry, we believe in personal empowerment.
When students take responsibility for themselves as well as for their peers, the community as a whole is strengthened, a belief underscored by our Honor Board.
Just as each student is responsible for upholding the community’s standards, a committee of students and faculty is responsible for ensuring that every student is familiar with and governed by our Honor Code.
The Honor Code
Authored by Pingry students, 1926
Adopted by Pingry faculty, 1949
Revised, 1988
Pingry believes that students should understand and live by standards of honorable behavior, which are essentially a matter of attitude and spirit rather than a system of rules and regulations. Decent, self-respecting behavior must be based on personal integrity and genuine concern for others and on the ethical principles which are the basis of civilized society.
The members of the Pingry community should conduct themselves in a trustworthy manner that will further the best interests of the school, their class, and any teams or clubs to which they belong. They should act as responsible members of the community, working for the common good rather than solely for personal advantage. They should honor the rights of others, conducting themselves at all times in a moral and decent manner while at Pingry and throughout their lives as citizens of and contributors to the larger community of the world.
Lower School Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct was developed as a guideline for young children exemplifying the Honor Code at the Lower School.
Lower School Code of Conduct
My conduct in school, class, teams, and clubs will be a demonstration of my understanding of the Honor Code, including but not limited to the following behaviors:
Personal Integrity
• As a member of the Pingry community, I will conduct myself in a trustworthy manner, which includes being honest in word and action.
• I will keep a positive attitude.
• I will strive to do what is right.
• I will do my best work without assistance unless requested to work in teams.
• I will keep my word.
• I will tell the truth knowing there will be times when that will be difficult.
Respect for the Rights of Others
• I will acknowledge that others are different from me and respect our differences.
• I will respect others by my actions and language.
• I will treat others as I expect to be treated.
• I will strive to be aware of the feelings of others.
• I will use appropriate language.
• I will ask permission before I touch another person’s belongings.
Self-Discipline
• Self-discipline begins when I leave home for school and I arrive prepared and on time for School, classes, and School events.
• I will be in my homeroom by 8:10 a.m.
• I will respect classroom rules and those of the School so that we all may learn in an atmosphere of order.
• I will wait my turn.
• I will use my time effectively.
• I will practice self-control by keeping my hands and feet to myself.
• I will listen when someone is speaking and wait to express my own ideas.
Appreciation of Traditional Values
• I will learn, understand, and obey the Honor Code.
• I will use appropriate table manners, and be polite and caring to others.
• I will dress neatly and follow the Dress Code.
Ability to Work with Others
• I will work for the good of the group rather than for personal advantage.
• I will respect the opinions of others.
• I will cooperate with others and do my share of the task to be completed.
• I will look for opportunities to help others.
• I will cooperate even when my idea is not the one chosen.
Social Responsibility
• I will follow all the guidelines stated in The Pingry School's Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.
• I will cheerfully participate in activities that meet the needs of people who are less fortunate and take part in community and civic engagement projects.
• I will give my talents and skills to help where needed.
• I will take care of School property because it belongs to all of us.
• I will keep the School clean by picking up litter from the floor even if I did not throw it there.
• I will strive to make a contribution in my school, which is my community.
Academic Honor System
The Honor System, which governs the Honor Code, was established in 1926 on the initiative of the Senior Class Council and was approved by the Student Council and accepted and signed by all members of the School. It is one of the most respected traditions of The Pingry School. Under its provisions, all students will uphold their honor by never cheating on any quiz, test, or examination, and by not copying from any book or other student’s paper when doing homework. The Honor Code also applies to research done on the Internet. The purpose is to stimulate the moral growth of the student and to cultivate an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the faculty and student.
At Pingry, honor, character, and service to others aren’t just catchphrases—they’re our culture.
