The new year often symbolizes new beginnings, but that spirit shouldn’t be limited to a list of resolutions. As 2026 opens a new chapter for the Baldwin community, we see this moment as an opportunity to rethink, reshape, and reinvigorate the traditions we have long taken for granted.
We often hear that certain traditions persist because “that’s how it’s always been.” However, that doesn’t mean they are always what is best for our community. There needs to be a balance between Baldwin’s commitment to tradition and students’ calls for change. For example, Baldwin’s longstanding shorts rule was finally revised last year to allow students to wear shorts on dress-down days, as administration found no valid reason to prohibit them. This decision serves as a reminder that no matter how established a tradition is, it can be modified to best reflect our community’s needs. It’s time to question what we keep — and why.
This issue, our articles focus heavily on the interests and concerns of Baldwin students. From the increasing popularity of iPads as learning tools to the impact of language on preserving and appreciating culture, we hope that these stories serve as inspiration for change.
For example, instead of holding Baldwin’s Building Bridges day just once a year, what if we made it a quarterly event, bolstering our commitment to supporting every aspect of students’ identities? Take this new year as an opportunity to consider how your passions can drive such changes. By using your hobbies and skills to catalyze change, you can make Baldwin the best place for you. We encourage you to think about how you might personalize your Baldwin experience and leave an impact, taking advantage of this school year’s theme, “Designed For Her.”
If you are interested in making a change, here are the next steps:
- Go to the 25-26 US Student Life and Leadership Canvas Page.
- Under the “Feedback on Students’ Life at Baldwin,” click on the “Suggestions and Comments” form.
- Fill out the form with your ideas for improving Upper School student life.
- Baldwin administration will review your suggestion and contact you with further details!
In our drive to create change, it’s also important to acknowledge that the end of the year can often bring a sense of burnout. We hope that our interpretation of “new beginnings” offers a breath of fresh air, restoring our communal energy rather than draining it. As we step into 2026, the Hourglass staff holds high hopes, ready to welcome change, report on it thoughtfully, and embrace its boundless potential to shape Baldwin’s future.
