This post was originally published as the Superintendent's Corner column in the Winter 2021 edition of the Shrewsbury School Journal
As I write this in mid-March, just after the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe that our school communities are characterized by a mix of exhaustion, worry, pride, and hope.
Exhaustion, because our students, parents, educators, and support staff have expended tremendous time and energy to adapt to constantly changing circumstances over the past year.
Worry, because of very real concerns regarding the negative effects of this pandemic on too many students’ mental health and well-being, and/or their academic progress.
Pride, because of the innovative ways that educational experiences have been redesigned to meet students’ needs despite many obstacles; the myriad ways in which educators and support staff have gone so far above and beyond the call of duty; and the numerous ways in which families have been flexible and supportive of so much of their children’s learning happening in their homes.
Hope, because of the recent reduction in COVID-19 case counts, the significant increase in vaccinations, and the imminent reopening of our schools to full, five-day per week instruction.
As your superintendent, as I reflect on this past year, I am humbled by what I have witnessed. From my vantage point, I have the benefit of seeing the ways in which so many have risen to the occasion to make things work, including:
The incredible efforts staff members have made to support students’ well-being, and the innovative solutions they’ve devised to teach them well.
The deep dedication of support staff who have efficiently and effectively managed our offices and operations, maintained our technology, fed our students, cleaned our buildings, and transported our students.
The significant sacrifices made and the support given by parents to help their children adapt to a new educational model that required learning remotely from home.
The amazing academic, artistic, musical, and athletic achievements of our students, which they have accomplished through alternative, non-traditional approaches made possible by their educators and families.
The intensive and skillful efforts that our district’s leaders have tirelessly given to manage the enormous volume of complicated work necessary to navigate the unprecedented demands placed upon our schools.
The supportive contributions of our partners in other town departments that keep our students and staff safe, our buildings clean and well-maintained, and our operations functioning.
The strong support and advocacy provided by the School Committee on behalf of our students and staff.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has made a difference for our schools during these difficult times. While imperfect, I believe that these efforts have provided our students with an educational experience that has been as safe, stable, and effective as possible.
Our students, staff, and families are understandably exhausted by what has been required of them, and they are justifiably worried by the realities we face in recovering from the effects of the pandemic. At the same time, they should rightfully be proud of what they have accomplished under extremely challenging circumstances, and have good reason to be hopeful as we all look with anticipation to better days ahead.
