Weekly Message from Head of School
March 27, 2020
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” –-Victor Borge
The laughter coming from the living room here at Borland hall helped me find my way to this message. Having recently filled our empty nest with our three 20-something children, my wife Melissa and I have both remarked at how much joy we have found in the sounds of laughter.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the distance between us, between our faculty and our students, our peers and their loved ones and the wider community that is the midcoast region of Maine. Our physical distance-that principle underlying social distancing-seems at times much greater than it should be. Digital connections are now our only connections, and they do provide some comfort, reminding my generation of a time before email and cell phones; a time where, when we could not connect face to face, we relied on written words and an occasional collect or long distance call to express love and support.
Many generations have found community and connection in a far less connected world than we occupy now. In these first two weeks I have seen myriad examples of communication: spontaneous ukulele jams on the couch, Zoom sessions with extended family, letters, emails and texts of support and gratitude have woven a new fabric of support that wraps around my family, friends, colleagues, and me.
Our first full week of remote learning is nearly done. Thanks to our faculty, staff, students, and parents for the investment, patience and constructive comments and questions. We are doing all we can to get students connected and engaged in learning activities. We all need to remember that this transition to a new mode of education happened over the course of just a few days, and forgive ourselves and each other as we sort through the inevitable hiccups and updates. As I have seen my cousins and siblings work with their children at home, I thought a few reminders would be helpful:
Assume good will and good intent.
LA faculty and staff have an incredible can-do attitude and they are doing all they can to make things better. Many of them are also parents with children at home so have dual roles.
We are in an asynchronous environment.
Immediate response to each email is unlikely. Responses will be made within 24hrs. Office hours for students and discussion boards are ways to get information quickly.
Develop a schedule for your family in terms of work, play, exercise and relaxation.
To the greatest extent possible, support your students’ learning by letting them lead the way.
I continue to find courage in the face of incredibly challenging times from the voices, actions and evidence of support firmly in evidence in our community. While empty parking lots and quiet buildings may indicate a closed school, we are anything but closed. Our learning community is alive and well outside the school walls, and the virtual community is keeping all that we hold dear here at Lincoln Academy in our hearts.
If you need assistance or know of a student or family that may be struggling to connect, please reach out. LA is closely involved with the Lincoln County Relief Initiative that is helping provide food and other essential needs during this difficult time, and we can help connect local families-whether they have a current student or not-with needed services.
Jeffrey S. Burroughs
Head of School