Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden have entered uncharted territory, and we aren’t alone. Throughout the world, communities are finding new ways to work, learn and spend time together, apart. We’re being forced to abandon familiar norms and embrace ideas we might have mulled but hadn’t adopted. We’re learning how quickly we can create contingency plans, work in teams, and lift each other up. We might not be in our school buildings, but thanks to our indomitable principals, teachers and staff, and a good deal of faith, we are up and running.
On Thursday, March 12, the Office of Catholic Schools met with our elementary school teachers. The meeting was on our calendar before the start of the school year — one in a series of bimonthly gatherings dedicated to professional development, exchange of ideas, updates from the Office of Catholic Schools, review of pending legislation, etc. But that day was different, as our agenda was usurped by the rapidly changing landscape of COVID-19.
On Thursday, March 5, I had sent out a notice to our school leaders with three directives about the virus: stay informed; take preventive action; and prepare for potential disruption of school schedules. At that time the virus had made its way east, with a few cases in New York and one potential case in northern New Jersey.
By the time we met a week later, the virus was in nearly every state, had exploded in Italy, and was predicted to result in school closings in New Jersey sometime the following week. Fortunately, our principals had already given great care and attention to preparing for potential closure. With the rapid fire acceleration of the virus, we didn’t make it through the weekend before learning of the decision to close our buildings.
I wish the world could have seen the exchange among our principals on March 12 as they considered every angle of a shutdown and the implications of staying open. What about parents who work in health care and other essential businesses if we close; and what about our staff, especially our more senior members, if we don’t? How can we be sure everyone has access to remote learning materials and resources they will need? What about families with language differences? How can we best support our teachers through this quick transition, knowing it will be second nature for some and require a big shift for others?
These questions were not asked in judgment or with any expectation of influencing decisions. They were simply a reflection of the care and compassion that defines our school communities.
Our principals moved to action as they worked in groups to finalize plans for a rollout that began Monday and Tuesday of this week. They returned to their schools, worked with staff and teachers, and communicated with families via email, phone calls, videos, text apps and social media.
The response from our school families has been overwhelmingly positive. From kitchen tables, family rooms and basements they have shared photos of students watching morning video messages from their principal and working on assignments and projects. Teachers across the diocese are giving everything they have to make sure students stay engaged during this unprecedented time.
There is a novelty about this temporary approach to school. For many students, especially the younger ones, it feels like an adventure.
We know the novelty will wear off. We know that we are taking the first steps on what could be a long journey ahead. We pray that our collective social distancing and the part we are all doing to keep the learning going in these new conditions will make the journey shorter — and make what could be a steep climb a gentle slope.
Our faith teaches and assures us that we are never without God’s grace, protection and love for us. It’s impossible for me to imagine navigating this path without the faith that binds us. Our teachers and administrators are living the Gospel. They are the rock for our students. I am deeply grateful for their work and for the commitment of Catholic school families to partner with our schools in brand new ways. We will emerge from this challenge stronger because we will get through it together.
Dr. Bill Watson is superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden.
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