Fornits

Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => Hyde Schools => Topic started by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 05:12:00 AM

Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 05:12:00 AM
I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.

After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.

The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.

Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.

When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.

In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.

But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.

What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.

After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.

It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.

To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.

Frederick W. Burnside
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 05:37:00 AM
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?to ... forum=43&6 (http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?topic=14629&forum=43&6)
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 07:26:00 AM
Whew..I remember that school meeting in '74.  That was pretty intense.  As far as the Mansion fire, it was in the summer of '75 and it was set by a couple of kids that thought if they burned the school down, summer school would be cancelled.  I don't think they had time enough "to feel the pressure"....when you make comments like that you really are sending a false message to people who read this with little Hyde background.  Your angst after 30 years still seems to be playing a role in your life, I hope you're seeking professional help!
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 07:29:00 AM
PS Freddy...if you're going to attach a name to such comments...put your real name there!
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 07:47:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 02:12:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.



After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.



The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.



Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.



When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.



In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.



But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.



What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.



After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.



It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.



To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.



Frederick W. Burnside

"


Fred,

 "Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting"

If Joe was well adjusted there would be no hyde.  Normal people don't think they need to change the world.  I am not excusing him as I was the butt of at least one of his irrational rants.  I have a couple of Van Gogh prints.  I like his art. I would not have him over for dinner though, if you follow what I am driving at.

"The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted"

That term was not used in the 70's

"we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way"

I wish I had studied sociology, but I am an engineer.  I think it works like this:

you create a seperate community

you give the community an identity that have an opposition to the outside world with a mission to help the outside world.  

If that in and of it self is bad then the apostle Paul was evil.

"In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries. "

It was 1975 during summer school so if you were a student in 74 you were not there. The Student union was built prior to that (in 73 or 74 ?) so meals were not served in the mansion at that time.  

"But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member "

Hyde as a community is prone to suffer from the human condition.  On a more macro level what you are calling attention to not unlike the Stalin purges, McCarthyism or more to the point the Cultural revolution which I believe this incident was hydes own cultural purge of "old school to new school"  Ed was a craft operator.

Could say more but I got to get back to work.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 08:15:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 02:12:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.



After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.



The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.



Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.



When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.



In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.



But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.



What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.



After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.



It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.



To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.



Frederick W. Burnside

"


I'm really glad you've added your historical perspective.  Our family has only been involved with Hyde for a couple of years.  Unfortunately we didn't have the benefit of opinions like yours when we looked at schools.  We made a terrible mistake when we enrolled our kid at Hyde.  We were sold a bill of goods and didn't really understand all of the harm being inflicted by Hyde until late in the fall.  By then it was too late.  We've limped through the experience gritting our teeth.  Fortunately we've met a bunch of other parents who feel the same way we do and who are just trying to cope until they're out of the Gauld grasp (and trying to fend off the Hyde groupies).

What's so sad is that your words about what Hyde was like 30 years ago could be written today.  It sounds like so little has changed, except for the fact that these internet discussions are letting tons of parents know to stay away from Hyde.  Before this, Hyde got away with secrecy and very slow word of mouth.

Reading your comments convinces me that Hyde is very entrenched and isn't likely to respond to criticism.  It's like a cult that refuses to believe that the outside world makes any sense.  The only thing Hyde will respond to is a drop in applications and enrollments.  Our family has been called by a bunch of people who know of our connection with the school and who've asked about sending their kid there.  We don't hesitate to say, absolutely not, do NOT send your kid to Hyde.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 10:00:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 05:15:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-03-28 02:12:00, Anonymous wrote:


"I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.





After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.





The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.





Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.





When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.





In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.





But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.





What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.





After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.





It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.





To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.





Frederick W. Burnside


"




I'm really glad you've added your historical perspective.  Our family has only been involved with Hyde for a couple of years.  Unfortunately we didn't have the benefit of opinions like yours when we looked at schools.  We made a terrible mistake when we enrolled our kid at Hyde.  We were sold a bill of goods and didn't really understand all of the harm being inflicted by Hyde until late in the fall.  By then it was too late.  We've limped through the experience gritting our teeth.  Fortunately we've met a bunch of other parents who feel the same way we do and who are just trying to cope until they're out of the Gauld grasp (and trying to fend off the Hyde groupies).



What's so sad is that your words about what Hyde was like 30 years ago could be written today.  It sounds like so little has changed, except for the fact that these internet discussions are letting tons of parents know to stay away from Hyde.  Before this, Hyde got away with secrecy and very slow word of mouth.



Reading your comments convinces me that Hyde is very entrenched and isn't likely to respond to criticism.  It's like a cult that refuses to believe that the outside world makes any sense.  The only thing Hyde will respond to is a drop in applications and enrollments.  Our family has been called by a bunch of people who know of our connection with the school and who've asked about sending their kid there.  We don't hesitate to say, absolutely not, do NOT send your kid to Hyde.  "


 I really doubt you have "bunches" of people calling you about Hyde and you have created a little sub rosa Hyde parents resistance movement. Freds post is full of factual mistakes so I doubt he (she or it) was there over the span he claims.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 11:12:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 04:29:00, Anonymous wrote:

"PS Freddy...if you're going to attach a name to such comments...put your real name there!"


 I support the use of pseudonyms on this board.

Sumner Hawley
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 11:26:00 AM
Point taken and apologies: I made a mistake on the date of the fire. However, I do believe it was a reaction to the environment.

FWB
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 11:53:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 08:26:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Point taken and apologies: I made a mistake on the date of the fire. However, I do believe it was a reaction to the environment.



FWB"


 Mmm no.

 It was the only fire that was set there, so I would say individual choice vs enviroment driven.  If your point were taken then no one should send kids to colubine.
 Many of the things that are pointed out as faults of Hyde are problems that are endemic to the human condition.  Every so often you draw an arsonist from the deck.  
People that drive change are egotists for the most part. Ever rose has it's thorns. Every silver lining has a touch of grey. Joe chews tennis balls.

Sue Doenym
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 12:35:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 07:00:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-03-28 05:15:00, Anonymous wrote:


"
Quote


On 2006-03-28 02:12:00, Anonymous wrote:



"I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.







After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.







The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.







Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.







When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.







In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.







But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.







What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.







After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.







It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.







To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.







Frederick W. Burnside



"







I'm really glad you've added your historical perspective.  Our family has only been involved with Hyde for a couple of years.  Unfortunately we didn't have the benefit of opinions like yours when we looked at schools.  We made a terrible mistake when we enrolled our kid at Hyde.  We were sold a bill of goods and didn't really understand all of the harm being inflicted by Hyde until late in the fall.  By then it was too late.  We've limped through the experience gritting our teeth.  Fortunately we've met a bunch of other parents who feel the same way we do and who are just trying to cope until they're out of the Gauld grasp (and trying to fend off the Hyde groupies).





What's so sad is that your words about what Hyde was like 30 years ago could be written today.  It sounds like so little has changed, except for the fact that these internet discussions are letting tons of parents know to stay away from Hyde.  Before this, Hyde got away with secrecy and very slow word of mouth.





Reading your comments convinces me that Hyde is very entrenched and isn't likely to respond to criticism.  It's like a cult that refuses to believe that the outside world makes any sense.  The only thing Hyde will respond to is a drop in applications and enrollments.  Our family has been called by a bunch of people who know of our connection with the school and who've asked about sending their kid there.  We don't hesitate to say, absolutely not, do NOT send your kid to Hyde.  "




 I really doubt you have "bunches" of people calling you about Hyde and you have created a little sub rosa Hyde parents resistance movement. Freds post is full of factual mistakes so I doubt he (she or it) was there over the span he claims."


Au contraire. A very conservative estimate is that we've been contacted by at least 15 people who want to know what we think of Hyde and are eager to hear about our experience thus far.  It's probably closer to 20, but I'll only claim 15 to be on the safe side.  According to my dictionary, that qualifies as a "bunch."  In each instance we've provided very detailed summaries of our concerns and encouraged these people to find another school rather than send their child to Hyde.  Of course, these folks are free to reject our advice and look for other sources of info about Hyde.  Most of these folks have already talked to others about Hyde and report that our negative comments pretty much confirm what they've heard elsewhere.  Some report that they've talked to people who like Hyde, but most don't.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 01:01:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 09:35:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-03-28 07:00:00, Anonymous wrote:


"
Quote


On 2006-03-28 05:15:00, Anonymous wrote:



"
Quote



On 2006-03-28 02:12:00, Anonymous wrote:




"I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.









After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.









The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.









Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.









When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.









In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.









But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.









What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.









After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.









It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.









To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.









Frederick W. Burnside




"










I'm really glad you've added your historical perspective.  Our family has only been involved with Hyde for a couple of years.  Unfortunately we didn't have the benefit of opinions like yours when we looked at schools.  We made a terrible mistake when we enrolled our kid at Hyde.  We were sold a bill of goods and didn't really understand all of the harm being inflicted by Hyde until late in the fall.  By then it was too late.  We've limped through the experience gritting our teeth.  Fortunately we've met a bunch of other parents who feel the same way we do and who are just trying to cope until they're out of the Gauld grasp (and trying to fend off the Hyde groupies).







What's so sad is that your words about what Hyde was like 30 years ago could be written today.  It sounds like so little has changed, except for the fact that these internet discussions are letting tons of parents know to stay away from Hyde.  Before this, Hyde got away with secrecy and very slow word of mouth.







Reading your comments convinces me that Hyde is very entrenched and isn't likely to respond to criticism.  It's like a cult that refuses to believe that the outside world makes any sense.  The only thing Hyde will respond to is a drop in applications and enrollments.  Our family has been called by a bunch of people who know of our connection with the school and who've asked about sending their kid there.  We don't hesitate to say, absolutely not, do NOT send your kid to Hyde.  "







 I really doubt you have "bunches" of people calling you about Hyde and you have created a little sub rosa Hyde parents resistance movement. Freds post is full of factual mistakes so I doubt he (she or it) was there over the span he claims."




Au contraire. A very conservative estimate is that we've been contacted by at least 15 people who want to know what we think of Hyde and are eager to hear about our experience thus far.  It's probably closer to 20, but I'll only claim 15 to be on the safe side.  According to my dictionary, that qualifies as a "bunch."  In each instance we've provided very detailed summaries of our concerns and encouraged these people to find another school rather than send their child to Hyde.  Of course, these folks are free to reject our advice and look for other sources of info about Hyde.  Most of these folks have already talked to others about Hyde and report that our negative comments pretty much confirm what they've heard elsewhere.  Some report that they've talked to people who like Hyde, but most don't."


How did they get your number? Are you advertising? do you have a famously disfunctional child? Can I have your number?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 01:15:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 10:01:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-03-28 09:35:00, Anonymous wrote:


"
Quote


On 2006-03-28 07:00:00, Anonymous wrote:



"
Quote



On 2006-03-28 05:15:00, Anonymous wrote:




"
Quote




On 2006-03-28 02:12:00, Anonymous wrote:





"I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.











After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.











The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.











Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.











When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.











In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.











But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.











What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.











After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.











It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.











To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.











Frederick W. Burnside





"













I'm really glad you've added your historical perspective.  Our family has only been involved with Hyde for a couple of years.  Unfortunately we didn't have the benefit of opinions like yours when we looked at schools.  We made a terrible mistake when we enrolled our kid at Hyde.  We were sold a bill of goods and didn't really understand all of the harm being inflicted by Hyde until late in the fall.  By then it was too late.  We've limped through the experience gritting our teeth.  Fortunately we've met a bunch of other parents who feel the same way we do and who are just trying to cope until they're out of the Gauld grasp (and trying to fend off the Hyde groupies).









What's so sad is that your words about what Hyde was like 30 years ago could be written today.  It sounds like so little has changed, except for the fact that these internet discussions are letting tons of parents know to stay away from Hyde.  Before this, Hyde got away with secrecy and very slow word of mouth.









Reading your comments convinces me that Hyde is very entrenched and isn't likely to respond to criticism.  It's like a cult that refuses to believe that the outside world makes any sense.  The only thing Hyde will respond to is a drop in applications and enrollments.  Our family has been called by a bunch of people who know of our connection with the school and who've asked about sending their kid there.  We don't hesitate to say, absolutely not, do NOT send your kid to Hyde.  "










 I really doubt you have "bunches" of people calling you about Hyde and you have created a little sub rosa Hyde parents resistance movement. Freds post is full of factual mistakes so I doubt he (she or it) was there over the span he claims."







Au contraire. A very conservative estimate is that we've been contacted by at least 15 people who want to know what we think of Hyde and are eager to hear about our experience thus far.  It's probably closer to 20, but I'll only claim 15 to be on the safe side.  According to my dictionary, that qualifies as a "bunch."  In each instance we've provided very detailed summaries of our concerns and encouraged these people to find another school rather than send their child to Hyde.  Of course, these folks are free to reject our advice and look for other sources of info about Hyde.  Most of these folks have already talked to others about Hyde and report that our negative comments pretty much confirm what they've heard elsewhere.  Some report that they've talked to people who like Hyde, but most don't."




How did they get your number? Are you advertising? do you have a famously disfunctional child? Can I have your number?"


Nope, no advertising.  We're active in a group of parents whose kids are struggling and/or face developmental challenges.  Many of the kids are teens.  Word spreads fast when parents enroll their child in a program; parents really value other parents' opinions.  This is all word of mouth.  We've received phone calls and email messages from people all over the U.S.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 02:27:00 PM
So why did you leave your son at hyde for two years if it so bad?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 08:28:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 11:27:00, Anonymous wrote:

"So why did you leave your son at hyde for two years if it so bad?"


Once all of us realized how bad Hyde is we were well into the academic year.  We told our kid that we were prepared to lose the money we paid Hyde and switch to another school.  Our child decided that another transition in the middle of the year didn't make sense; she decided to stick it out, which we really admired.  We spent the rest of the year looking for another school.  Our kid is now doing SO much better in a school that puts Hyde to shame.  Hyde was a terrible environment for all of us.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 28, 2006, 08:40:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 17:28:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-03-28 11:27:00, Anonymous wrote:


"So why did you leave your son at hyde for two years if it so bad?"




Once all of us realized how bad Hyde is we were well into the academic year.  We told our kid that we were prepared to lose the money we paid Hyde and switch to another school.  Our child decided that another transition in the middle of the year didn't make sense; she decided to stick it out, which we really admired.  We spent the rest of the year looking for another school.  Our kid is now doing SO much better in a school that puts Hyde to shame.  Hyde was a terrible environment for all of us."


where is she going now?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 29, 2006, 12:26:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-03-28 02:12:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I also went to Hyde School 30 years ago and am somewhat amazed to come across this forum. I can?t think of a more disingenuous and destructive place for an adolescent. While the basic premises of character building and tough love seem worthy, and may even work for some who went to Hyde,  the overall environment that was created was unhealthy, not to say bizarre.



After 1972 the school became increasingly strident and hysterical. Joe Gauld threw the most outrageous tantrums, shrieking and ranting accompanied by a Hitleresque  waving of arms, which in any sane place would have been viewed as unacceptable and aberrant. At Hyde these were perceived as justified and that the recipient must have provoked them by a lack of willingness to accept some deep truth about themselves. I have since learned such behavior is always a cheap, manipulative power play.



The over-emotionalism at Hyde was particularly unhealthy. Manufactured crises, whether of individuals or over the school?s direction, was always accompanied by wailing and crying as people confessed their supposed shortcomings and confronted others. There was an incredible lack of privacy, with every aspect of a student?s life scrutinized by both faculty and peers. The term ?brother?s keeper? was twisted to mean betrayal and students were acclaimed for confronting and making public others? ?negative attitudes,? which really meant maintaining a capacity for independent and critical thinking.



Seminars, now evidently called discovery groups, started out as helpful and supportive, but evolved into a hysterical feeding frenzy as students were confronted over anything from poor athletic performances, which necessarily demonstrated a lack of commitment to themselves, or an inability to ?give? and open up their true feelings. After 1972, these frequently degenerated into screaming and wailing sessions.



When you are involved in this environment on a daily basis, one?s own sense of reality becomes perverted. Because we were basically isolated on campus with parents coerced into supporting the Hyde Way, hysteria and tantrums became normal, even commendable. There was an illusion created that had no basis in reality. This reality was to be perpetuated by students who were willing to make a lifetime commitment to Hyde. Some of these are evidently still there today.



In 1976, one student who couldn?t handle the pressure tried to burn down the Mansion in the middle of the night. As this was the main building at the time, which served as a dormitory, dining area and housed all classrooms, it was a highly dangerous act. While there was considerable damage, there were no injuries.



But perhaps the sickest incident I witnessed occurred in the winter of 1974 and involved the confrontation of a faculty member who will remain nameless. This teacher was a definite Poindexter type, socially challenged but a perfectly decent individual. Evidently he proved unable or unwilling to truly ?give? of himself in the faculty seminar (discovery group). Early one afternoon, then headmaster Ed Legg announced an emergency school meeting and this teacher was hauled in front of students, faculty and staff and confronted.



What followed was a scene right out of Lord of the Flies. Ed Legg set the tone, offering up a damning appraisal of the teacher?s character and deep-seated problem connecting with the school. He then opened the floor to other students and faculty and  240 people set upon the teacher, screaming and crying for two hours, confronting him with how he was not only betraying himself, but the entire school. ?I can?t feel anything you?re saying,? screamed one student. ?I?m so disappointed in you, how could you let us down like this,? sobbed another.



After this incredible emotional purging he was given an opportunity to ?give? something of himself. Obviously in a state of considerable distress, he admitted to an affair he had during the Vietnam War with his best friend?s wife. ?And the damn woman seduced me,? he admitted, choking back tears. This was deemed by faculty and students to be insufficiently giving  and the teacher was judged to not truly be in touch with his feelings. Joe Gauld then closed the meeting saying, ?But the person I feel most bad for is your son.? The teacher had a two-month old baby.



It was all very hysterical, tawdry and pathetic. I remember being shocked and frightened at the time by the emotional intensity of it all. It was a manipulated mob run amuck. As with all of Hyde, the experience had no positive educational value. The only lesson learned was that frightened people in a group feed off each other, and are to be avoided.



To those who feel that people critical of Hyde need to toughen up, my response is there is a difference between toughness and manipulated hysteria and false truth. I had a great deal of unlearning to do as a consequence of my experience at Hyde, which took a number of years. After time past, my parents felt deeply guilty about sending me there. The fact that the same philosophy still exists at the school, and some of the same people, or their offspring, remain in charge is disturbing.  To those considering Hyde as an educational alternative, take note of some of the more sober posts in this forum and consider other alternatives.



Frederick W. Burnside

"

Thank you very much for your honest assesment of Hyde.  I say honest because I experienced the same things 8 years ago. Hyde obviously has always been like this and I thank you for sharing your experience.  I honestly don't know how they get away with what they do, but then again look how many lives our President taken in this war and some people still support him, ha!!
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 29, 2006, 12:22:00 PM
I love Hyde
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 29, 2006, 01:13:00 PM
hyde rocks

hyde is way ahead in the poll.  I guess the "many" families here can't figure out how to get a yahoo ID.  Maybe that is way they did not get Hyde, too dumb.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on March 29, 2006, 01:25:00 PM
:rofl:  :tup:
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 06, 2006, 11:19:00 AM
The fire was set in the mansion by two students during summer school in the mid-70's. It is my understanding that they thought if they burned down the school, they would get to go home. In fact, there were students and perhaps a faculty member (Tom McCaffrey, maybe?) asleep on the 2nd floor at the time. All got out safely. The parents put the kids into some type of mental health setting so they wouldn't have to go to jail. This is to the best of my recollection. After this, major restoration work was done in the mansion.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 06, 2006, 11:35:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-06 08:19:00, Anonymous wrote:

"The fire was set in the mansion by two students during summer school in the mid-70's. It is my understanding that they thought if they burned down the school, they would get to go home. In fact, there were students and perhaps a faculty member (Tom McCaffrey, maybe?) asleep on the 2nd floor at the time. All got out safely. The parents put the kids into some type of mental health setting so they wouldn't have to go to jail. This is to the best of my recollection. After this, major restoration work was done in the mansion."


Yup tom was in the mansion IIRC.  Summer of 75. They went back up stairs to thier dorm rooms after they lit it.  I remember them. I recall one of names...  P.B.  He was a crazy motherf...... .

ann onymus
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 06, 2006, 07:32:00 PM
Many of the staff at Hyde are deeply dedicated to what they are doing there. In many cases, they have dedicated their lives to what they believe is a higher purpose, to help kids, families, and the educational system in this country. Many Hyde administrators came to Hyde as idealistic teachers. Many also came as part of the Gauld extended family and the Hyde web of alumni, another form of extended family for many staff.

 My struggle is how to reconcile the staff's view of itself with its actions, which in my own experience were damaging.  What does one do when people do harm when they believe they are doing good?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 06, 2006, 09:19:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-06 16:32:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Many of the staff at Hyde are deeply dedicated to what they are doing there. In many cases, they have dedicated their lives to what they believe is a higher purpose, to help kids, families, and the educational system in this country. Many Hyde administrators came to Hyde as idealistic teachers. Many also came as part of the Gauld extended family and the Hyde web of alumni, another form of extended family for many staff.



 My struggle is how to reconcile the staff's view of itself with its actions, which in my own experience were damaging.  What does one do when people do harm when they believe they are doing good? "

Jim Jones also thought he was dedicated to his followers and had a higher purpose in life.  Bigamists think that they are devoted to their many wives.  A child abuser believes he is teaching his child right from wrong by putting his hand in scalding water when he is bad.

There is no way to reconcile the staff's view of themselves or their actions when they are harming others
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 07, 2006, 06:58:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-06 18:19:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-06 16:32:00, Anonymous wrote:


"Many of the staff at Hyde are deeply dedicated to what they are doing there. In many cases, they have dedicated their lives to what they believe is a higher purpose, to help kids, families, and the educational system in this country. Many Hyde administrators came to Hyde as idealistic teachers. Many also came as part of the Gauld extended family and the Hyde web of alumni, another form of extended family for many staff.





 My struggle is how to reconcile the staff's view of itself with its actions, which in my own experience were damaging.  What does one do when people do harm when they believe they are doing good? "


Jim Jones also thought he was dedicated to his followers and had a higher purpose in life.  Bigamists think that they are devoted to their many wives.  A child abuser believes he is teaching his child right from wrong by putting his hand in scalding water when he is bad.



There is no way to reconcile the staff's view of themselves or their actions when they are harming others"


 One of the things I truely like about Joe is that he is totally sincere and believes in his cause.  Belief is very powerful. The fact that the folks around Joe buy in and believe is very powerful and is a key in hydes success.  The spanish inquisition while foder for a great Monty Python skit was a horrific persicution of Jews at the hand of Catholic true believers. How does Hyde keep the karma from running over the dogma?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 07, 2006, 11:54:00 AM
I'm kinda getting alittle sick and tired of the Jim Jones analogy.
No one is drinking kool-aid.
You can leave if you want.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 08, 2006, 07:29:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-07 08:54:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I'm kinda getting alittle sick and tired of the Jim Jones analogy.

No one is drinking kool-aid.

You can leave if you want."


I agree the Jim Jones and AH analogies are over the top.  I like the Ken Kesey analogy some one posted.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 08, 2006, 04:22:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-06 16:32:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Many of the staff at Hyde are deeply dedicated to what they are doing there. In many cases, they have dedicated their lives to what they believe is a higher purpose, to help kids, families, and the educational system in this country. Many Hyde administrators came to Hyde as idealistic teachers. Many also came as part of the Gauld extended family and the Hyde web of alumni, another form of extended family for many staff.



 My struggle is how to reconcile the staff's view of itself with its actions, which in my own experience were damaging.  What does one do when people do harm when they believe they are doing good? "


A major part of Hyde's problem is that there's so much organizational incest.  I agree that some of the staff have dedicated their lives to helping struggling kids.  Part of the problem is that Hyde staff are part of such a closed "system" that they've managed to convince each other of the wisdom of their ways, in spite of all that evidence that some of what they do (not all) is awfully damaging to the students and their parents.  The people who are "married" to Hyde (and sometimes to each other) are like people who live in a commune and have limited contact with the outside world.  You see evidence of this all over the place at Hyde. Lots of the staff seem to seek comfort in Hyde because they've struggled in their own lives and Hyde gives them the structure and purpose they need.  Those who can't hack the incest tend to leave, it seems.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 08, 2006, 07:08:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-08 13:22:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-06 16:32:00, Anonymous wrote:


"Many of the staff at Hyde are deeply dedicated to what they are doing there. In many cases, they have dedicated their lives to what they believe is a higher purpose, to help kids, families, and the educational system in this country. Many Hyde administrators came to Hyde as idealistic teachers. Many also came as part of the Gauld extended family and the Hyde web of alumni, another form of extended family for many staff.





 My struggle is how to reconcile the staff's view of itself with its actions, which in my own experience were damaging.  What does one do when people do harm when they believe they are doing good? "




A major part of Hyde's problem is that there's so much organizational incest.  I agree that some of the staff have dedicated their lives to helping struggling kids.  Part of the problem is that Hyde staff are part of such a closed "system" that they've managed to convince each other of the wisdom of their ways, in spite of all that evidence that some of what they do (not all) is awfully damaging to the students and their parents.  The people who are "married" to Hyde (and sometimes to each other) are like people who live in a commune and have limited contact with the outside world.  You see evidence of this all over the place at Hyde. Lots of the staff seem to seek comfort in Hyde because they've struggled in their own lives and Hyde gives them the structure and purpose they need.  Those who can't hack the incest tend to leave, it seems.  "


I would disagree.  One the keys to hyde working when it works is the fact it is closed and insular.  The problem is the lack objective metrics and codes of conduct for those acting in that system.  

Another problem I see it question of moral authority raised in other posts. From whence does this authority come?  Are there sevices at Hyde in a chapel? Prayer groups? Bible study?  Who decides what is correct in this code.  Is there a code?  Is the code christian, islamic etc?  Any of the hyde staffers who patrol this list care to weigh in?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 09, 2006, 07:30:00 PM
I would like to see a list of staff who have "devoted their lives" to the kids?  I would like to see some of these names other than the close knit family and extended family of Joe Gauld who are in it for the money and the fact that they can't succeed in anything else.  Give us some names of some morally correct and emotionally stable staff at Hyde who have been there for years.  PLEASE!!
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 09, 2006, 08:54:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-09 16:30:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I would like to see a list of staff who have "devoted their lives" to the kids?  I would like to see some of these names other than the close knit family and extended family of Joe Gauld who are in it for the money and the fact that they can't succeed in anything else.  Give us some names of some morally correct and emotionally stable staff at Hyde who have been there for years.  PLEASE!!"


There's a big difference between "devoted their lives to Hyde" and "emotionally stable."  Based on my extensive involvement with Hyde, I'd say that there are a number of people who have devoted their lives to the school and aren't married into the Gauld family (examples: Pam Bertschy, Donna Dubinsky, Bob Felt, Charles Fraser, Pete Gregory, Tom Lord, Mickey McGuire, Rose Mulligan, Dan Murphy, Pete Neal, John Rigney, Rich Truluck, Jason Warnick).  A few seem like fairly reasonable people.  Quite a few, however, seem to use Hyde as a crutch as a way to deal with their own major demons and challenges in life.  I'm not sure some of these people could make it outside of Hyde.  Hyde tells them how to think, how to talk, how to behave.  All they have to do is fill in the blanks.  I like a few of the Hyde people who have devoted their lives to the place.  But I find many of the staff to be fairly stunted emotionally, immature, power hungry, glib, and very insecure. Hyde gives them the fuel they need to function.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 11, 2006, 11:31:00 PM
i am not alone
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 12, 2006, 12:22:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-09 17:54:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-09 16:30:00, Anonymous wrote:


"I would like to see a list of staff who have "devoted their lives" to the kids?  I would like to see some of these names other than the close knit family and extended family of Joe Gauld who are in it for the money and the fact that they can't succeed in anything else.  Give us some names of some morally correct and emotionally stable staff at Hyde who have been there for years.  PLEASE!!"




There's a big difference between "devoted their lives to Hyde" and "emotionally stable."  Based on my extensive involvement with Hyde, I'd say that there are a number of people who have devoted their lives to the school and aren't married into the Gauld family (examples: Pam Bertschy, Donna Dubinsky, Bob Felt, Charles Fraser, Pete Gregory, Tom Lord, Mickey McGuire, Rose Mulligan, Dan Murphy, Pete Neal, John Rigney, Rich Truluck, Jason Warnick).  A few seem like fairly reasonable people.  Quite a few, however, seem to use Hyde as a crutch as a way to deal with their own major demons and challenges in life.  I'm not sure some of these people could make it outside of Hyde.  Hyde tells them how to think, how to talk, how to behave.  All they have to do is fill in the blanks.  I like a few of the Hyde people who have devoted their lives to the place.  But I find many of the staff to be fairly stunted emotionally, immature, power hungry, glib, and very insecure. Hyde gives them the fuel they need to function.  "


Wow, mentioning all these names is opening a big can of worms.  Hate to mention what I know about some of these names, but lets just say that you have listed many who are there only because they need heavy psychological counseling themselves. You have someone on this list who slides through Hyde only because he needs a job and needs to support a big family. Why does his family not participate at Hyde?  Ever ask yourself that?

You have another couple of staff who went to Hyde themselves yet after 30 or more years are emotionally stuck back in time. They even dress alike, wear their hair the same and are all overweight. You also have a couple of kids on the list whose lives have been messed up since the day they went to Hyde themselves. They can't seem to move on after all those years of Hyde seminars.  I see one family on the list whose son went to Hyde and now teaches at Hyde.  The parents were on the Hyde staff then moved away to try to make a go of the career they were educated in, yet now they are all back. It is a form of therapy for them. Do you really think they came back because of a calling in life or more that they can't get along in a normal environment.  Very sad.  They are nice people but definitely need the type of therapy that Hyde can't provide.

For those of you who question what a normal environment is, Hyde is definitely not it.  It is a communal environment with a lot of dysfunctional staff, teachers, and alumni parents.  I do not know all of the people on this list as I was only there for 2 years, but don't kid yourself about these people being there to help.  I like some of them and they are decent people, but the truth is they are there because they need the therapy.

The most important question is, DO YOU WANT TO PAY $35,000++ to be taught by these role models?  It isn't as though your children are getting good educations from Hyde because the school itself is very lax in education.

This is one persons opinion.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 13, 2006, 12:15:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-12 09:22:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-09 17:54:00, Anonymous wrote:


"
Quote


On 2006-04-09 16:30:00, Anonymous wrote:



"I would like to see a list of staff who have "devoted their lives" to the kids?  I would like to see some of these names other than the close knit family and extended family of Joe Gauld who are in it for the money and the fact that they can't succeed in anything else.  Give us some names of some morally correct and emotionally stable staff at Hyde who have been there for years.  PLEASE!!"







There's a big difference between "devoted their lives to Hyde" and "emotionally stable."  Based on my extensive involvement with Hyde, I'd say that there are a number of people who have devoted their lives to the school and aren't married into the Gauld family (examples: Pam Bertschy, Donna Dubinsky, Bob Felt, Charles Fraser, Pete Gregory, Tom Lord, Mickey McGuire, Rose Mulligan, Dan Murphy, Pete Neal, John Rigney, Rich Truluck, Jason Warnick).  A few seem like fairly reasonable people.  Quite a few, however, seem to use Hyde as a crutch as a way to deal with their own major demons and challenges in life.  I'm not sure some of these people could make it outside of Hyde.  Hyde tells them how to think, how to talk, how to behave.  All they have to do is fill in the blanks.  I like a few of the Hyde people who have devoted their lives to the place.  But I find many of the staff to be fairly stunted emotionally, immature, power hungry, glib, and very insecure. Hyde gives them the fuel they need to function.  "




Wow, mentioning all these names is opening a big can of worms.  Hate to mention what I know about some of these names, but lets just say that you have listed many who are there only because they need heavy psychological counseling themselves. You have someone on this list who slides through Hyde only because he needs a job and needs to support a big family. Why does his family not participate at Hyde?  Ever ask yourself that?



You have another couple of staff who went to Hyde themselves yet after 30 or more years are emotionally stuck back in time. They even dress alike, wear their hair the same and are all overweight. You also have a couple of kids on the list whose lives have been messed up since the day they went to Hyde themselves. They can't seem to move on after all those years of Hyde seminars.  I see one family on the list whose son went to Hyde and now teaches at Hyde.  The parents were on the Hyde staff then moved away to try to make a go of the career they were educated in, yet now they are all back. It is a form of therapy for them. Do you really think they came back because of a calling in life or more that they can't get along in a normal environment.  Very sad.  They are nice people but definitely need the type of therapy that Hyde can't provide.



For those of you who question what a normal environment is, Hyde is definitely not it.  It is a communal environment with a lot of dysfunctional staff, teachers, and alumni parents.  I do not know all of the people on this list as I was only there for 2 years, but don't kid yourself about these people being there to help.  I like some of them and they are decent people, but the truth is they are there because they need the therapy.



The most important question is, DO YOU WANT TO PAY $35,000++ to be taught by these role models?  It isn't as though your children are getting good educations from Hyde because the school itself is very lax in education.



This is one persons opinion. "


Sounds like you have a lot of insight into the staff at Hyde School. Sure doesn't sound like they have good role models teaching there.  I have previously seen other boarding schools recommended on this site.  Probably best to look into those rather than Hyde School. Thanks for sharing.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 13, 2006, 08:32:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-12 21:15:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-12 09:22:00, Anonymous wrote:


"
Quote


On 2006-04-09 17:54:00, Anonymous wrote:



"
Quote



On 2006-04-09 16:30:00, Anonymous wrote:




"I would like to see a list of staff who have "devoted their lives" to the kids?  I would like to see some of these names other than the close knit family and extended family of Joe Gauld who are in it for the money and the fact that they can't succeed in anything else.  Give us some names of some morally correct and emotionally stable staff at Hyde who have been there for years.  PLEASE!!"










There's a big difference between "devoted their lives to Hyde" and "emotionally stable."  Based on my extensive involvement with Hyde, I'd say that there are a number of people who have devoted their lives to the school and aren't married into the Gauld family (examples: Pam Bertschy, Donna Dubinsky, Bob Felt, Charles Fraser, Pete Gregory, Tom Lord, Mickey McGuire, Rose Mulligan, Dan Murphy, Pete Neal, John Rigney, Rich Truluck, Jason Warnick).  A few seem like fairly reasonable people.  Quite a few, however, seem to use Hyde as a crutch as a way to deal with their own major demons and challenges in life.  I'm not sure some of these people could make it outside of Hyde.  Hyde tells them how to think, how to talk, how to behave.  All they have to do is fill in the blanks.  I like a few of the Hyde people who have devoted their lives to the place.  But I find many of the staff to be fairly stunted emotionally, immature, power hungry, glib, and very insecure. Hyde gives them the fuel they need to function.  "







Wow, mentioning all these names is opening a big can of worms.  Hate to mention what I know about some of these names, but lets just say that you have listed many who are there only because they need heavy psychological counseling themselves. You have someone on this list who slides through Hyde only because he needs a job and needs to support a big family. Why does his family not participate at Hyde?  Ever ask yourself that?





You have another couple of staff who went to Hyde themselves yet after 30 or more years are emotionally stuck back in time. They even dress alike, wear their hair the same and are all overweight. You also have a couple of kids on the list whose lives have been messed up since the day they went to Hyde themselves. They can't seem to move on after all those years of Hyde seminars.  I see one family on the list whose son went to Hyde and now teaches at Hyde.  The parents were on the Hyde staff then moved away to try to make a go of the career they were educated in, yet now they are all back. It is a form of therapy for them. Do you really think they came back because of a calling in life or more that they can't get along in a normal environment.  Very sad.  They are nice people but definitely need the type of therapy that Hyde can't provide.





For those of you who question what a normal environment is, Hyde is definitely not it.  It is a communal environment with a lot of dysfunctional staff, teachers, and alumni parents.  I do not know all of the people on this list as I was only there for 2 years, but don't kid yourself about these people being there to help.  I like some of them and they are decent people, but the truth is they are there because they need the therapy.





The most important question is, DO YOU WANT TO PAY $35,000++ to be taught by these role models?  It isn't as though your children are getting good educations from Hyde because the school itself is very lax in education.





This is one persons opinion. "




Sounds like you have a lot of insight into the staff at Hyde School. Sure doesn't sound like they have good role models teaching there.  I have previously seen other boarding schools recommended on this site.  Probably best to look into those rather than Hyde School. Thanks for sharing."


There are quite a few Hyde staff who definitely are not good role models.  I've found a few staff who are decent, kind, caring people, but too many of the Hyde staff do not set good examples.  I no longer want my child exposed to the hypocrisy I see at Hyde.  You're right to point parents to other schools.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 02:33:00 PM
Hi Could you tell me what school you found for your daughter, I was considering Hyde, but after reading this I am rethinking, and looking for something else for my daughter.  Thanks.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 05:31:00 PM
I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.
Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Troll Control on April 18, 2006, 05:35:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:31:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.

Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls."


Just out of curiousity, do you have the word "SUCKER" tattooed on your forehead?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 05:38:00 PM
http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/Counse ... grams.aspx (http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/CounselingPrograms.aspx)
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 05:39:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:38:00, Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/CounselingPrograms.aspx"


just kidding
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Troll Control on April 18, 2006, 05:42:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:38:00, Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/CounselingPrograms.aspx"


Why would you post this, The Who?  What is your motivation for promoting an abusive facility on a thread that has nothing to do with HLA?

For anyone who doesn't know this person, he is The Who, supporter of all programs, especially abusive ones.

Who, you're behavior is deplorable.  Don't think you can hide behind the bag either.  Remember your idea of "tagging" anon posts?  Well, you're the test case.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: TheWho on April 18, 2006, 06:48:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:42:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-18 14:38:00, Anonymous wrote:


"http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/CounselingPrograms.aspx"




Why would you post this, The Who?  What is your motivation for promoting an abusive facility on a thread that has nothing to do with HLA?



For anyone who doesn't know this person, he is The Who, supporter of all programs, especially abusive ones.



Who, you're behavior is deplorable.  Don't think you can hide behind the bag either.  Remember your idea of "tagging" anon posts?  Well, you're the test case."


Too funny, Dysfunction Junction don?t be so insecure, I am not attacking you!!  If you really think it was my post, and it will help you sleep, ask Ginger to check it out and send you a Private Message.  

p.s. whoops, you forgot to login again, those tags would be nice I agree.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 08:59:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:31:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.

Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls."


Good luck, I hope it works out for you.  We were also impressed at the beginning and our child had a good summer experience.  Only after that did we discover the REAL Hyde.  Summer Challenge is Hyde "lite."  The real bad stuff started in september.  Get ready to be confronted if you don't spill lots of personal details about your family dysfunction.  Get ready for staff to fill your heads with lots of Hyde terminology.  Get ready to meet kids who have big struggles that Hyde won't address.  Get ready for the Joe Gauld sermons.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 10:15:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:42:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-18 14:38:00, Anonymous wrote:


"http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/CounselingPrograms.aspx"




Why would you post this, The Who?  What is your motivation for promoting an abusive facility on a thread that has nothing to do with HLA?



For anyone who doesn't know this person, he is The Who, supporter of all programs, especially abusive ones.



Who, you're behavior is deplorable.  Don't think you can hide behind the bag either.  Remember your idea of "tagging" anon posts?  Well, you're the test case."


They asked what school I was sending my child to.  Hidden lake seems so much nicer that hyde. I like the in house electro shock.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 10:17:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:35:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-18 14:31:00, Anonymous wrote:


"I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.


Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls."




Just out of curiousity, do you have the word "SUCKER" tattooed on your forehead?"


 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 18, 2006, 11:35:00 PM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:31:00, Anonymous wrote:

"I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.

Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls."


Yes, Hyde is very good at reeling em in!!  Just wait until you are in the "real program."  You will not only be confronted on your own problems in your family, you will be pressured into attacking other kids and parents.  If you don't attack these other parents you will then be told that you are not honest.  The whole place is messed up!  You will see.  Give it time!  

If you don't mind me asking, why in the world would you enroll your twins at Hyde?  Who recommended Hyde School to you?
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 19, 2006, 05:55:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 11:33:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Hi Could you tell me what school you found for your daughter, I was considering Hyde, but after reading this I am rethinking, and looking for something else for my daughter.  Thanks."


It's hard to recommend specific schools without knowing more about what your daughter needs specifically.  There are so many different kinds of schools that specialize and do better with certain kinds of kids.  Some schools are good with kids with learning disabilities, ADD, drug/alcohol problems, psychiatric issues, defiance.  Hyde's major problem is that it accepts almost everyone who applies and treats them all the same.  Hyde doesn't have special services or programs and many kids have trouble there and leave.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 19, 2006, 07:44:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 17:59:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-18 14:31:00, Anonymous wrote:


"I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.


Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls."




Good luck, I hope it works out for you.  We were also impressed at the beginning and our child had a good summer experience.  Only after that did we discover the REAL Hyde.  Summer Challenge is Hyde "lite."  The real bad stuff started in september.  Get ready to be confronted if you don't spill lots of personal details about your family dysfunction.  Get ready for staff to fill your heads with lots of Hyde terminology.  Get ready to meet kids who have big struggles that Hyde won't address.  Get ready for the Joe Gauld sermons.  "


I want you to be very careful when you go to Summer Challenge.  On the surface it makes Hyde look pretty good-some good discussions, performance, etc.  But I'll never forget what I witnessed at the end of Summer Challenge when parents visited.  A girl's dad figured out that Hyde was the wrong place for his daughter.  It was obvious to everyone, and I mean everyone, that she had some mental illness problems.  Her behavior was often out of control and she took lots of meds.  She had lots of problems during Summer Challenge obeying the rules and staying out of trouble.  Anyway, on the last day her dad announced in seminar that he had decided to send her to a different program for kids like her.  He was worried that Hyde didn't have the professionals his daughter needed to help her.  Later that afternoon I was standing about 10 feet from a bench outside the dorm at Woodstock.  I heard an entire conversation between Mr. Felt and the dad.  Mr. Felt was going on and on about how the dad was making a mistake sending his kid to another school.  Mr. Felt tried hard to convince the dad to keep his daughter at Hyde.  He sounded like a salesman.  Everything in that conversation told me that the priority at Hyde is keeping kids enrolled at Hyde even when another school is what the child needs.  I got to know that student well.  There's no way in the world that Hyde was the right place for her.  But Mr. Felt did everything possible to keep her there.  Was he more concerned about how many Summer Challenge kids would stay at Hyde than he was about what was best for this child who was in pain?  It sure seemed that way to me.  That's when I began to realize what Hyde is all about. And it's not good.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Troll Control on April 19, 2006, 09:16:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-18 14:42:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-18 14:38:00, Anonymous wrote:


"http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/CounselingPrograms.aspx"




Why would you post this, The Who?  What is your motivation for promoting an abusive facility on a thread that has nothing to do with HLA?



For anyone who doesn't know this person, he is The Who, supporter of all programs, especially abusive ones.



Who, you're behavior is deplorable.  Don't think you can hide behind the bag either.  Remember your idea of "tagging" anon posts?  Well, you're the test case."


yeah this guy the who is real loser.  he only comes on to argue about stuff that he has no clue about.  i hope he doesn't pollute this thread like the other ones he posts on.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Joey Shakes -Moitoza on April 19, 2006, 09:24:00 AM
I was almost sent to HLA i kindve wish i was now being at hyde at least they physically abuse me not mentally hyde bombards your brain with stupid relentless rhetoric as chris anter would say there all fascist. The people that know whats up are always shut down
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 19, 2006, 09:41:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-19 06:24:00, Joey Shakes -Moitoza wrote:

"I was almost sent to HLA i kindve wish i was now being at hyde at least they physically abuse me not mentally hyde bombards your brain with stupid relentless rhetoric as chris anter would say there all fascist. The people that know whats up are always shut down"


It is a great preperation for life.  Society bombards you will effemeral drivel, "some man comes on the radio with some useless infomation try'n to fire may imagination"  Truer words never passed Mick's lips.
"I can't get me no .. no no no yah yah yah"

Remember the words of Sir Paul:
"Boy your gonna carry that weight, carry that weight along time."
cheer up. hve fun at lacross practice this after,

Love

Sue
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 19, 2006, 10:39:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-19 04:44:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-18 17:59:00, Anonymous wrote:


"
Quote


On 2006-04-18 14:31:00, Anonymous wrote:



"I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.



Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls."







Good luck, I hope it works out for you.  We were also impressed at the beginning and our child had a good summer experience.  Only after that did we discover the REAL Hyde.  Summer Challenge is Hyde "lite."  The real bad stuff started in september.  Get ready to be confronted if you don't spill lots of personal details about your family dysfunction.  Get ready for staff to fill your heads with lots of Hyde terminology.  Get ready to meet kids who have big struggles that Hyde won't address.  Get ready for the Joe Gauld sermons.  "



I want you to be very careful when you go to Summer Challenge.  On the surface it makes Hyde look pretty good-some good discussions, performance, etc.  But I'll never forget what I witnessed at the end of Summer Challenge when parents visited.  A girl's dad figured out that Hyde was the wrong place for his daughter.  It was obvious to everyone, and I mean everyone, that she had some mental illness problems.  Her behavior was often out of control and she took lots of meds.  She had lots of problems during Summer Challenge obeying the rules and staying out of trouble.  Anyway, on the last day her dad announced in seminar that he had decided to send her to a different program for kids like her.  He was worried that Hyde didn't have the professionals his daughter needed to help her.  Later that afternoon I was standing about 10 feet from a bench outside the dorm at Woodstock.  I heard an entire conversation between Mr. Felt and the dad.  Mr. Felt was going on and on about how the dad was making a mistake sending his kid to another school.  Mr. Felt tried hard to convince the dad to keep his daughter at Hyde.  He sounded like a salesman.  Everything in that conversation told me that the priority at Hyde is keeping kids enrolled at Hyde even when another school is what the child needs.  I got to know that student well.  There's no way in the world that Hyde was the right place for her.  But Mr. Felt did everything possible to keep her there.  Was he more concerned about how many Summer Challenge kids would stay at Hyde than he was about what was best for this child who was in pain?  It sure seemed that way to me.  That's when I began to realize what Hyde is all about. And it's not good.   "


I once stood on the sidelines on the field at a Hyde varsity game at Woodstock.  It was during spring family weekend.  I was standing near Malcolm Gauld and Duncan McCrann (and the McCrann dog).  I overheard Gauld and McCrann talking about enrollment concerns.  The 2 of them talked about the percentage of parents who at this time of year have committed to returning to Hyde for the fall and that the percentage was lower than usual.  Right after that I heard Gauld talk about the heavy competition from other boarding schools for the kinds of kids Hyde usually takes.  He said something about how many other schools have started taking Hyde-type kids and this is an issue.  It's all beginning to make sense to me now.  I think Hyde is taking many students that aren't the right fit for Hyde because they have enrollment problems.  No wonder there are so many complaints about Hyde not meeting students' needs. I get the STRONG feeling that there are Hyde enrollment problems and concerns.
Title: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on April 19, 2006, 11:48:00 AM
Quote
On 2006-04-19 07:39:00, Anonymous wrote:

"
Quote

On 2006-04-19 04:44:00, Anonymous wrote:


"
Quote


On 2006-04-18 17:59:00, Anonymous wrote:



"
Quote



On 2006-04-18 14:31:00, Anonymous wrote:




"I've been reading all these posts and I truly appreciate everyone's insight.




Even though there are "Tons" of negative comments, our family decided to schedule an interview, we chose Woodstock.  Our experience was incredibly enlightening, our interviewer really was able to grasp where we were as a family and what steps needed to be taken.  our twin daughters plan to attend the summer program.  We are very, very excited.  And so are our girls."










Good luck, I hope it works out for you.  We were also impressed at the beginning and our child had a good summer experience.  Only after that did we discover the REAL Hyde.  Summer Challenge is Hyde "lite."  The real bad stuff started in september.  Get ready to be confronted if you don't spill lots of personal details about your family dysfunction.  Get ready for staff to fill your heads with lots of Hyde terminology.  Get ready to meet kids who have big struggles that Hyde won't address.  Get ready for the Joe Gauld sermons.  "






I want you to be very careful when you go to Summer Challenge.  On the surface it makes Hyde look pretty good-some good discussions, performance, etc.  But I'll never forget what I witnessed at the end of Summer Challenge when parents visited.  A girl's dad figured out that Hyde was the wrong place for his daughter.  It was obvious to everyone, and I mean everyone, that she had some mental illness problems.  Her behavior was often out of control and she took lots of meds.  She had lots of problems during Summer Challenge obeying the rules and staying out of trouble.  Anyway, on the last day her dad announced in seminar that he had decided to send her to a different program for kids like her.  He was worried that Hyde didn't have the professionals his daughter needed to help her.  Later that afternoon I was standing about 10 feet from a bench outside the dorm at Woodstock.  I heard an entire conversation between Mr. Felt and the dad.  Mr. Felt was going on and on about how the dad was making a mistake sending his kid to another school.  Mr. Felt tried hard to convince the dad to keep his daughter at Hyde.  He sounded like a salesman.  Everything in that conversation told me that the priority at Hyde is keeping kids enrolled at Hyde even when another school is what the child needs.  I got to know that student well.  There's no way in the world that Hyde was the right place for her.  But Mr. Felt did everything possible to keep her there.  Was he more concerned about how many Summer Challenge kids would stay at Hyde than he was about what was best for this child who was in pain?  It sure seemed that way to me.  That's when I began to realize what Hyde is all about. And it's not good.   "




I once stood on the sidelines on the field at a Hyde varsity game at Woodstock.  It was during spring family weekend.  I was standing near Malcolm Gauld and Duncan McCrann (and the McCrann dog).  I overheard Gauld and McCrann talking about enrollment concerns.  The 2 of them talked about the percentage of parents who at this time of year have committed to returning to Hyde for the fall and that the percentage was lower than usual.  Right after that I heard Gauld talk about the heavy competition from other boarding schools for the kinds of kids Hyde usually takes.  He said something about how many other schools have started taking Hyde-type kids and this is an issue.  It's all beginning to make sense to me now.  I think Hyde is taking many students that aren't the right fit for Hyde because they have enrollment problems.  No wonder there are so many complaints about Hyde not meeting students' needs. I get the STRONG feeling that there are Hyde enrollment problems and concerns.  "


Oh sure kick a man when he is down.  You must have been one of those leadership seniors.  What do they call them now "SLA" ?

sue doenym
Title: Re: A Negative Experience
Post by: Ursus on September 27, 2011, 10:10:34 AM
Quote from: "Guest"
Quote
On 2006-04-09 17:54:00, Anonymous wrote:
Quote
On 2006-04-09 16:30:00, Anonymous wrote:

I would like to see a list of staff who have "devoted their lives" to the kids?  I would like to see some of these names other than the close knit family and extended family of Joe Gauld who are in it for the money and the fact that they can't succeed in anything else.  Give us some names of some morally correct and emotionally stable staff at Hyde who have been there for years.  PLEASE!!
There's a big difference between "devoted their lives to Hyde" and "emotionally stable."  Based on my extensive involvement with Hyde, I'd say that there are a number of people who have devoted their lives to the school and aren't married into the Gauld family (examples: Pam Bertschy, Donna Dubinsky, Bob Felt, Charles Fraser, Pete Gregory, Tom Lord, Mickey McGuire, Rose Mulligan, Dan Murphy, Pete Neal, John Rigney, Rich Truluck, Jason Warnick).  A few seem like fairly reasonable people.  Quite a few, however, seem to use Hyde as a crutch as a way to deal with their own major demons and challenges in life.  I'm not sure some of these people could make it outside of Hyde.  Hyde tells them how to think, how to talk, how to behave.  All they have to do is fill in the blanks.  I like a few of the Hyde people who have devoted their lives to the place.  But I find many of the staff to be fairly stunted emotionally, immature, power hungry, glib, and very insecure. Hyde gives them the fuel they need to function.
Wow, mentioning all these names is opening a big can of worms.  Hate to mention what I know about some of these names, but lets just say that you have listed many who are there only because they need heavy psychological counseling themselves. You have someone on this list who slides through Hyde only because he needs a job and needs to support a big family. Why does his family not participate at Hyde?  Ever ask yourself that?

You have another couple of staff who went to Hyde themselves yet after 30 or more years are emotionally stuck back in time. They even dress alike, wear their hair the same and are all overweight. You also have a couple of kids on the list whose lives have been messed up since the day they went to Hyde themselves. They can't seem to move on after all those years of Hyde seminars.  I see one family on the list whose son went to Hyde and now teaches at Hyde.  The parents were on the Hyde staff then moved away to try to make a go of the career they were educated in, yet now they are all back. It is a form of therapy for them. Do you really think they came back because of a calling in life or more that they can't get along in a normal environment.  Very sad.  They are nice people but definitely need the type of therapy that Hyde can't provide.

For those of you who question what a normal environment is, Hyde is definitely not it.  It is a communal environment with a lot of dysfunctional staff, teachers, and alumni parents.  I do not know all of the people on this list as I was only there for 2 years, but don't kid yourself about these people being there to help.  I like some of them and they are decent people, but the truth is they are there because they need the therapy.

The most important question is, DO YOU WANT TO PAY $35,000++ to be taught by these role models?  It isn't as though your children are getting good educations from Hyde because the school itself is very lax in education.

This is one persons opinion.
Perhaps underscoring some of the above observations, perhaps not, is Kirstie Truluck's blog post "Teacher's Prayer for Today"...

Tell me, is this in any way even remotely reflective of what actually goes on at Hyde School these days? Or, is this the result of some well intentioned but clearly delusional koolaid consumption? Or is this, possibly, simply yet more public relations and marketing?

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Teacher's Prayer for Today (http://http://www.hyde.edu/2011/09/21/blogs/a-teachers-prayer-for-today/)
September 21, 2011 | By Kirstie Truluck | Bath Blogs, Blogs, Kirstie Truluck

(http://http://www.hyde.edu/wp-content/uploads/category-images-ii/22.original.jpg)

It is a sacred thing we do here  – working with the minds, hearts and souls of young men and women.

I must take a quiet moment each day to be thankful for my gifts and shortcomings as I strive to wake them from the slumber of mediocrity and pull them from the chaos of the youth culture.

Thank you God for the work I do each day.  May I be up to the task tomorrow and the next day.

Help me remember to love them.  Remind me to hold my tongue sometimes when my mind drifts to criticism.  Give me the sight to see their beauty.

Thank you for giving me a heart that breaks just a little when they hold themselves back from their greatness – especially the so small greatness that comes from small acts of courage, concern, integrity and humility each day.  And finally thank you for the gift of wisdom concerning the ways I can coach them to do what they believed they could not.

Amen.


# #
Title: Re: A Negative Experience
Post by: Anonymous on December 16, 2011, 01:53:34 AM
Experience is experience weather it is positive or negative. If you had negative experience then it is effective for you as through that you will definitely learn something. To gain success and to achieve your goal then it is necessary for a person to except the negative experience as a challenge.
Title: Re: A Negative Experience
Post by: survivorami on August 11, 2021, 05:11:05 AM
Some things you don’t forget until your dying day.. or dementia, whichever comes first…