Mrs. Thoburn’s Etiquette Rules

High schoolers finish a meal at Michie Tavern during their visit to the University of Virginia.

Mrs. Thoburn's Etiquette Rules are in our Handbook for Parents and Students. Revisiting them from time to time helps us practice the courtesy and decorum we value throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to review these rules with younger children. Good manners learned in childhood become lifelong habits, opening doors and building the respect and relationships that lead to success well beyond the classroom.

Yes, Ma’am, No, Sir

● When addressing adults, students should always say, “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir” and make eye contact with the adult. Anything less is considered disrespectful.

● You should learn all the names of your teachers and staff in the school and greet them by name. For example, “Good morning, Mrs. Thoburn.” This rule does not apply while in a line.

Please, Thank You and Excuse Me

● Always say “please” and “thank you” to both adults and students.

● Always say “excuse me” when you bump into someone, or they bump into you, even if you do not think it is your fault.

Congratulations and Praise

● When a student does something well, the appropriate response from others should be positive and affirming. Anger and sarcasm are not tolerated.

● Bragging when you do well is also rude.

Be Grateful

● Don’t roll eyes, make faces, complain or make disparaging remarks when unhappy, upset or angry. Teachers are looking out for your best interests when

they discipline or correct you. Always have a grateful heart.

Tell the Teacher

● If another student is bothering you, tell the teacher. Teachers can’t fix what they don’t know about.

Be Organized

● Always have your homework done and turned in on time.

● Always have your books and supplies out and ready when classes begin.

● Always follow along when other students are reading and be ready when called upon by your teacher.

● The area around your desk must be clean and neat at all times. Pick up trash even if it is not yours.

● Come to school prepared and ready to start the day.

● Sleeping in class is not acceptable.

Never Cheat

● Always follow the Honor Code.

● Always tell the truth, even if you did something wrong. The punishment will always be less. Lying can turn a small infraction into a big one.

Raise Your Hand

● Do not get out of your seat without permission.

● Do not speak unless called on, especially while the teacher is speaking.

● Ignore other students who speak to you in class without permission.

Walking in Line

● There is no talking while walking in line.

● You should remain two or three feet behind the person in front of you.

● You should face forward with your hands at your side at all times.

● You should never “cut” in line. If someone “cuts” in front of you, you should ignore it.

Stairs, Halls and Doors

● Always walk single file on the right–hand side of stairways and hallways. Hold on to the handrail when on the stairs.

● Always hold the door for those behind you.

Speak English

● Always converse in English while at school, on the bus, or at school activities. It is rude to speak in a different language when others may not understand you. In addition, it is similar to whispering, which is also considered rude.

Eating Lunch

● You should sit at the table with both feet on the floor and your napkin in your lap.

● Never place your elbows on the table.

● Use one hand to eat.

● Do not lick your fingers.

● Do not smack your lips, slurp, make noise while eating or chew with your mouth open.

● Do not talk while eating.

● Do not play with your food.

● Never share food. High school students are permitted to share food that comes from our caterer, not food from home.

● If something is caught in your teeth, get permission from the teacher to go to the restroom and remove it.

● Clean up after yourself. Do not leave food or debris on the table or floor. Do not throw away your food until your teacher has given you permission.

No Gum

● No gum, ever. It is not tolerated during any school–related activity, on any school–owned facility, or in any school–owned vehicle. It’s tacky.

Riding the Bus

● Always sit in your seat facing forward with your seatbelt on.

● Never talk loudly, get out of your seat or do anything that can distract the bus driver.

● Never stick anything out the window.

● No eating or drinking on the bus.

● Always thank the bus driver when exiting the bus.

● Do not leave trash on the bus, even if it is not yours.

Field Trips and Assemblies

● When attending a field trip or an assembly, there should be no talking, not even a whisper, unless you are being asked to speak by an adult.

● Be good hosts to guest lecturers at assemblies.

● If you have the opportunity, you should always thank the person making the presentation.

● You should never eat or drink during a presentation.

Personal Hygiene

● When you must sneeze, cough or burp, you should cover your mouth with your elbow. Then you should also say “excuse me” (except during class).

● When using the restroom, always flush the toilet and wash your hands, and always throw your paper towel in the trash can. You should try to wash your hands before and after eating.

● Make sure your uniform is regularly laundered and that you maintain a clean and neat appearance.

Communication

● Never have your phone, iPad or computer at the table when you are eating with others.

● Never call, text, or email friends or faculty after 9:00 pm.

● Respect your friends’ parents or guardians who set “downtime” hours for their family. Do not call, text or email them during these hours.

● Never post anything on social media you don’t want your grandmother to read.