I am writing to share with you an update on 
how our team is supporting young families throughout this crisis. But let me begin with some much-needed good news: two of our Microcollege students have been accepted to Mount Holyoke to complete their bachelor’s degrees next fall! We are so immensely proud of these women (and of all of our students.) Their focus and dedication through life’s many challenges – even while homebound with small children – remains strong. Wow.
As you can imagine, the young families we support are vulnerable right now. Our goal is not only to continue our academic programming but also to provide young mothers with the resources and emotional support they need to safely shelter in place and slow the spread of COVID-19. Based on Governor Baker’s guidance, we will be closed until at least May 4th.
But despite our physical distance, let me tell you about some of the ways we remain connected. Care Center counselors and HiSET teachers communicate daily with students through Google classroom, phone calls and texts. Teachers are posting daily assignments that are simple and effective and that can be completed on a phone. (Internet access is not available to many students.) For example, students are journaling about the experience of living through a pandemic. In addition to being therapeutic, this exercise allows students to view themselves as a recorder of history.
Bard Microcollege Holyoke classes are continuing through Google Meet. Mary Anne Myers, who directs the program reports that students and professors have responded to the new format with a spirit of community, kindness, patience and generosity. Guest appearances by babies, children, and pets have added to everyone’s experience. Professors have made themselves even more available to their students and the Microcollege staff is doing everything possible to ensure students receive full credit. This is especially important to the students on track to graduate this year.
Our part-time college offerings including the Clemente Course in the Humanities and Reading for Writers course are meeting virtually via Zoom. They are exploring ways to write about the pandemic by examining phrases such as “flattening the curve” and “social distancing.” They are also reading Sula by Toni Morrison.
As I shared in my last email, canceling our annual fundraising event has left us in a financially challenging position. We hope you will support us by making a donation here. You can also mail a check to Jane Slater’s attention at The Care Center, 247 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.
Thank you to everyone who has donated already and sent words of kindness. It means so much. Be safe.
Sincerely,
Anne Teschner
Executive Director
P.S. We will be posting updates and useful resources for families on our Facebook page. Join us there!
