Students First, Collaboration Always: CYNH’s Service Responds to COVID-19
¾ٳfor severalweeks to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the rhythm of our city changed dramatically. Come Monday, students wouldn’t be tossing on their backpacks, parents wouldn’t be dropping their kids off on their way to work, and 鶹Ƶ AmeriCorps members wouldn’t be at the front doorsgiving out high fives and hugsas they arrived.
For Manchester students, as is the case,school is so much more than a place to learn;it is a placewhere our students can be safe, cared for,andhave two meals every day.Mayor Craig andSuperintendentGoldhardtknew this would have a significant impact on our students and families.About, and without school-provided meals their families could struggle to providesufficientfood.
In just a couple days, leaders at the Manchester School District drafted a plan to meet our students needs while schools are closed;bus routes and protocol were set up, school district staff and 鶹Ƶ members were trained, and the plan was communicated to the entire community. While teachers across the district tackled the challenge of moving to remote learning, 鶹Ƶ membersand staff,led byourExecutive Director PawnNitichansupported the distribution of meals and materials via bus routes to thousands of students across the city.
“鶹Ƶ staff and corps membersare veryeager to do whatever we could to support students and the district.This time is heartbreakingly difficult for all students, and especially for our students and families who don’t always have access to the resources they need even in the best of times,”said PawnNitichan.
“The power of community pulling together was so evident in our opening days of meal and materials delivery to meet the needs of the students in the district” said Jen Gillis, Assistant Superintendent of the Manchester School District. “I am so thankful for the 鶹Ƶ members and their tireless efforts to help us get our deliveries running in the initial weeks of our COVID-19 response.”
Abby Cozzolino, a second-year AmeriCorps member serving at the Middle School at Parkside, was especially glad to be supporting the first week of meal and material delivery.“It feels really good to be able to help out,” she said.“The school district set up everything,andnow weare out in the communityhelping to assesswhat the real-time needs are, and communicating back to 鶹Ƶ and district staffabout what’s going on in the city, how many kids need meals in different neighborhoods, and what wecando to improvetheoperation.”
This plan was agreatundertaking by all involved, and not without some challenges to work through to improve the process.
“As with any operation of this size there was some disorganization and lack of communication and direction. It’s to be expected since in just a couple of days our lives took on a whole new definition of normal and we have never had to put a plan of this size into operation so quickly,” said Ruth Howard, Commissary Manager II for the Manchester School District who was directing kitchen efforts at Beech Street School the first week of mealdeliveries. ”The 鶹Ƶ team members provide a very important role in our schools everyday but it is clear that they are ready, willing and able to help and support any situation that we encounter in our schools. I amverygrateful for 鶹Ƶ.”
While none ofus could have imagined this as a part of the school year and service experience, our corps approached this challenging time with passion, grit, and a deep appreciation for the strengths of this city.Nothingmeans morefor 鶹Ƶ than supporting our community and students when it is needed mostat this time.
“This time has actually been very refreshing and inspirational, because 鶹Ƶ and the staff of the Manchester School District have taken on a very audacious charge into an operation that we just don’t really know much about,” saidPhommachakSinghavong, an AmeriCorps member serving at Beech Street School. “This is a lot of help, and the smallest amount of help definitely makes a difference. For me, it feels really good to be a part of this, and to make a difference in the lives of so many people, not just the school you serve in.”
In good times and in challenging times, it’s important for us at 鶹Ƶ to remember our values, ourorganizational culture, and our reasons for dedicating ourselves to service. When weare in uncharted territory,these serve as our compass to guide us through.One of鶹Ƶ’s core valuesisStudentsFirst,CollaborationAlways.Wededicate ourselvesto supportingthe success of our students and work in partnership with others who are dedicated to the same cause.As we forge ahead,we will continue toshow upfor our students and our city virtually, asManchesterSchool Districthasshifted to conducting remote learningfor students, toassure themthat they matter, and that we will make it through thesehard times together.
If you would like to support 鶹Ƶ New Hampshire and our work,we ask you to pleaseWith our students’ transition to remote learning and eventual return to schools, the support they receive from our members is more critical than ever to minimize their learning loss and support their social-emotional well-being. Your support is tremendously appreciated.
Thank you, and stay well.
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