Written by: Emily Foreman | Cambridge Parent
During this strange season of uncertainty, we find ourselves looking towards the places in our lives that we can rely upon. Ironically enough, even though classrooms are closed, our daughters’ school has been exactly that. It is a strange paradox: Cambridge is a school that prides itself on classical education, where modern technology takes a back-seat to a more traditional approach. And yet, our community of teachers, students, and parents have suddenly been thrust into a situation where the internet and screen time is an essential part of the educational process.
While we have had a deep trust that what is happening in the classroom is good, we have only now been able to experience it firsthand. I have needed to stay near my daughter during her zoom time. And though this demands my patience from time to time, I have truly enjoyed the sweet banter between the kids, and to hear how the teacher interacts with her students. I have been especially impressed with her ability to keep the kids attention while they are all fighting a multitude of distractions that the teacher has no control over. My daughter’s teacher always seems to find a balance, allowing online time for instruction as well as connection with classmates. When we then tackle the work, my daughter has been well prepared and more than capable of doing the task at hand. When we have hit roadblocks or needed anything additional we have gotten such a quick response.
During our interview process with Cambridge, education was always presented as a partnership: parents and teachers teaching the next generation together. We now find ourselves in a situation where that partnership has been called to task in ways we never imagined. While our quarantine has brought with it a lot of challenges, it has brought me a deeper understanding of the importance of that partnership and the responsibility that I have as the parent in the education of my daughter. I am also made aware of how grateful I am to be partnered with not only the teachers and staff at Cambridge, but also the other families. After all it truly does take a village.
In a drought, trees are forced to dig deeper as their roots grow stronger. Because of this struggle, these trees not only survive but they reach heights that would not have been possible without the hard fought season of drought. As a culture, this feels like our drought season. We parents are stretched thin— trying to figure out how to make the most of what little we have. We are needing to dig deeper with not only the hope for mere survival but for greater strength. For stronger branches. That our deep roots would allow us to reach higher than we might have dared before.
In so many ways, this has been a difficult season. I long for the day when school gets back up and running. It will be such a wonderful celebration. And yet, I want to take this time for what it is. To celebrate the small moments of beauty even in the drought. One of these celebrations has been the Cambridge community. It’s been wonderful to know that even in this strange and tumultuous time, our daughter’s education is in good hands.
Teachers, parents, staff: we love partnering with you all, keep up the good work! Here’s to the next time we can all be together!