Distance-Learning, The Cardigan Way

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

By Cameron McCusker ’10, Sixth Grade Teacher

Are we all here?
Can I get a thumbs up from everyone who can hear me?

Over the course of recent weeks, Cardigan’s academic curriculum has been completely reimagined and redesigned. Gone are the science labs in Bronfmann and hands-on group projects in the Gates I.D.E.A. Shop; gone are rocket launches across Marrion Field and art openings in Needham Gallery.  Virtual classes, breakout rooms, and online surveys have become—for the time being—the new normal. This model is one that is not foreign to most places of learning during the time of COVID-19, and while these innovative tools will never take the place of programs like Cardigan’s, they do connect students with their teachers, advisors, coaches, and—perhaps most importantly—other students.

And while Cardigan is not alone in adopting a distance-learning model, community members have come together to maintain the Cardigan Way and what makes Cardigan unique. Among the things that make the Cardigan experience so special are first and foremost the people. Though the ability to physically occupy the same space has been taken away from the Cardigan community, the ability to connect has not. At a time when most emails and news flashes are focussed on scheduling changes and safety bulletins, it was a delight last week to receive the latest issue of Cardigan’s student newspaper Verbatim and watch a video put together by the Athletics Department that shows students passing a virtual ball from one screen to the next, all over the world. Fortunately, for all who call Cardigan home—either year-round or just when class is in session–every effort is being made to keep the Cardigan spirit alive.

As they do when the boys are on campus, faculty members have gone, and continue to go, above and beyond to meet students “where they are,” though this can mean different things with distance learning. Office hours are routinely offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening, to ensure that no student falls behind due to a lack of availability. Whether it is to help a student with a difficult assignment, assist him in locating a copy of a novel for a reading assignment, or catching him up on missed assignments, Cardigan’s faculty continue to reach out and check in with their students daily.  When not making themselves available for extra help and review of class material during Office Hours, Cardigan faculty members can be found—via Zoom, that is—meeting with their advisories (four times per week), chatting with their student-athletes, and participating in numerous online challenges.

And finally…the faculty are teaching their classes as well. Ms. Kidder is using breakout rooms in Zoom to form Literature Circles with the sixth graders during which they are discussing novels with a coming-of-age theme. Ms. Escalante’s Biology class is debating the nature vs. nurture theories in genetics through online discussions. And the seventh graders in Ms. Lloyd's English class are embarking on a study of genres–including dystopian, fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction, mystery, and many more. 

“The great thing about the distance learning experience is that it has allowed students the ability to work with students from other sections,” says Ms. Lloyd. “It has also enriched the in-class discussions for the same reason; all of the students are working with different groups of students in each class or discussion, allowing for more robust discussions and investigations of genre.” 

While the most basic of duties for a teacher would be identified as “teaching,” actual instruction is but a fraction of the duties that Cardigan faculty members continue to fulfill. Need to pack up your dorm room and have it shipped to you at home? Mr. Kreuzburg is ready to schedule a Zoom meeting to facilitate the packing, and Ms. Garland is ready to handle the shipping. Need a quick lesson on using GarageBand to record a new tune? Mr. Franco is ready with quick tips that will improve the quality of your recording. Need a note of encouragement to keep motivated? Mrs. Silitch has a whole collection!

While the aforementioned responsibilities and commitments comprise what many might consider “a full plate,” the dedication of the Cardigan community to upholding the traditions that make it “home” doesn’t end just because of social distancing. Weekly Chapel services bring the entire community together to be introspective, to listen to the wisdom of community members, and to share in music that brightens the weeks for so many. And don’t forget the Polar Bear Swim. Even without the long line of excited, dreary-eyed students that for so long has served as both a symbolic and literal start to a typical spring day on The Point, Polar Bear endures, come rain, and even snow. Friday Night Coffeehouses are still on as well with Mr. Burritt, Mr. Franco, and Ms. Kidder leading the band. Want to do something to celebrate Earth Day but can’t leave your home? Ms. Silitch has a creative challenge to get you motivated.

It is this dedication to doing more, to providing and indulging in special experiences, to being of service, and to just being there, that continues to make Cardigan a special place for its students…even from a distance. 

If the grace and dedication with which Cardigan has adapted to difference and transition are any indication of the strength of this community, no obstacle exists that could overpower the commitment of Cardigan.