While Scattergood encourages its students to do the best that they can in any endeavor, we foster an environment that downplays competition. Whether in academic, social, or athletic areas, we believe that a focus on comparisons between people diminishes individual accomplishments and stains the community. Rather, we focus on developing relationships of mutual respect. This mutual respect can be seen in our meetings when everyone has a chance to voice his/her opinion or as we struggle to find consensus among the group. It can even be seen in the day to day interactions among community members from classes to crews.

Collection

At Scattergood, collection is a time in the morning for the entire community to gather together for a few quiet minutes and reflect on the day ahead. Some use their time for personal meditation, personal worship towards God or another higher being, or simply a chance to relax in silence before the school day begins. No matter an individual's beliefs towards religion, collection can be a very important tool for all involved in getting them focused and centered for the tasks of the day to come.

Conflict Resolution

Life sometimes presents us with conflicts, no matter where we are. Scattergood is no exception. Especially in a small community like ours, when conflicts between people arise the affects can be far-reaching. That's why it is important for us to have a good system in place to handle conflicts as they happen.

Our Peer Mediation program is based on a process of using peace-building circles originally taught to us by the Iowa Peace Institute. Our aim each year is to have a group of students and staff members who have been trained in this process, ready to jump into action when mediation is needed.