April 9, 2020

Message from the Head of School

Fishing and Reflection

Driving up route 131 on my way to Union and Searsmont I was struck by the beauty of the rolling hills in this part of Maine. I was heading out to fly fish on the St. George River with a mix of nerves and excitement. I stepped out from the well-worn routine of my life over the past three weeks after Governor Mills–apparently an avid angler herself–listed fishing as an acceptable activity. I arrived at the pullout, suited up, and found a piece of water to fish.

There is something about fly fishing: the rush of the water, the constant mending to get the drift right in the current, and of course having the line go tight then landing a fish. It all happened for me on Sunday, and after a couple of hours in some very cold water, I got into the car to drive back to Borland Hall.

This week we have learned that we will not have a sports season this spring and that we will continue remote learning through Memorial Day. School, a place intended to play an integral role in how students grow up, feels to some like it has been reduced to just homework. As I reflect on my time on the river this weekend, that simple act of normalcy, I realized how much we have all sacrificed through this isolating yet strangely bonding act of social distancing in effort to flatten the curve. I can only imagine how difficult it is for students, parents, faculty and staff to have so many human interactions replaced by the screen of their phone or computer.

Today I want you all to know how proud I am of each of you. How thankful I am for the effort you are putting into your courses, no matter how large or small. How much I appreciate what you are living through and the burdens you are carrying at a moment when all of us are a bit uncomfortable most of the time.

I, too, long to return to LA: the halls, my Algebra II classroom, speaking from the floor of the gym. For now, those thoughts keep me moving forward, continually mending my doubts toward optimism and waiting for that moment when I see you all in person once again.

Please know all of us here at Lincoln Academy want to help any way we can. No ask is too small: we are committed to making the best of this situation and helping our school community. Please reach out to your teachers, to me, or to Ms. Brinkler if you need help or you know someone who does.

We will get through this and we will be stronger for it. Be well and stay safe.

Jeffrey S. Burroughs
Head of School