Meet me Halfway

2.03.10 By Jon-Mychal Bowman

This week marks the beginning of the third quarter of school year. As I sit at my desk next to a pile of graded notebooks, I can look back at the past five months and trace the enthusiasm and freshness that began in the fall, to the worn and withered feelings that summarize these early winter months. Even with the battle fatigue of the year so far, my happiest moments all have the overarching theme of making connections with students, families and colleagues.

Saturday marked the end of this winter’s Technology Goes Home program that we have at the Frederick School (as well as many other Boston Public Schools).  In short, Technology Goes Home (http://www.dbfboston.org/programs.html) is a program that helps parent and students come to the school, learn some new and exciting technology skills, and purchase a laptop at very affordable price. 

What sticks out the most is not the tech savvy that students or parents acquired, but the fondness and mutual understanding that was built over the six weeks together. In the beginning, we were a mix of teachers, parents, students all sitting nervously in a classroom as strangers to one another. However, by the end, we had strong bonds built by time, trust, sharing, vulnerability, laughter, challenges, and most importantly, food. Our usual classes were stocked with the typical box o’ coffee and Dunkin Donuts munchkins. To show the transformation that happened from individuals to a community, our last class seemed more like a Thanksgiving meal, with plantains, pasta salad, wings, flan, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As families presented their final projects about what they have learned during the course, I kept thinking about how many benefits that this class has had for everyone.  One student who struggles with writing in class was able to edit, revise, and read aloud a three-paragraph essay that he wrote about his experience. One parent, who had barely said a word throughout the entire six-week program, confidently presented in front of thirty other people. These rewards were not due to a low-priced computer and free food every weekend, but a common goal, shared experiences, and the cooperation of families, students and teachers.  In the middle of the year, we should remember that education is a battle that cannot be won without community.