by Dr. Gladys I. Cruz
District Superintendent, Questar III BOCES
Author Anamika Mishra wrote, “I love March as it gives me hope that new beginnings are always beautiful.” Her quote perfectly captures the essence of this transitional month and its bridge between winter’s slumber and spring’s reawakening.
March is more than just a seasonal shift; it is also a powerful metaphor for the human spirit. In the early Roman calendar, March (known as Martius) was the first month of the calendar and the start of the military campaign season. While this may seem contradictory to renewal today, it also coincided with the spring equinox and the restoration of equilibrium in both nature and within us.
The month of March serves as a reminder that while we may go through difficult winters, periods of stagnation, or even times when hope seems to wane, these moments can be temporary. Just as the dormant bulb has the potential to bloom brightly, we too possess the capacity for new beginnings. This can range from taking walks and getting fresh air to reconnecting with friends and family, pursuing new hobbies or starting a new job or relationship.
Our public schools also hold profound symbolic value within our communities. They represent much more than just places of learning. They embody considerable hope and promise. Our schools are places where students can discover a passion or talent or meet lifelong friends. They are also a place where a teacher’s or other school staff person’s encouragement can transform a once hesitant student into a confident learner, or a quiet observer into a powerful voice.
Public education has long been the cornerstone of our country’s democracy and a great equalizer – a means for every child, regardless of their background, to reach their fullest potential. For some students, this may be overcoming poverty or other challenges outside their control.
Schools are also gathering places, where the community comes together for various activities and programs. In many areas, especially rural ones, our schools are the heart of the community and a source of considerable pride. We wear our school’s or district’s branded apparel, donate money to help a team or club, share social media posts, and brag about our children, neighbors and others.
While our schools can symbolize a commitment to progress and the belief that the future can be better than the present or past, this promise can only be realized through the investment of time and resources. Hope, like a precious seedling, requires nurturing and the right environment to grow and flourish. It requires the dedication of many individuals working towards a shared purpose and the appropriate ingredients in the right amount.
As we navigate local, state, and national discussions about our schools and education in the months ahead, please think about what is at stakes and the why we exist as public schools. It is about the future of our children, grandchildren, and communities.
The hope that March embodies is a call to action. It is a reminder that we have the power and responsibility to protect the mission and integrity of public institutions like our public schools. While we may not always agree on how to achieve this, we can model civility and respect of different opinions for our children and others.
The same can be said of the community organizations and non-profits serving our communities. They too represent hope, and a means for helping others achieve – and they also need our help and support. We can achieve so much more together.
So, let’s shake off the winter blues and embrace the promise of spring’s renewal. Let’s celebrate the transformative power of our schools and ensure that we continue to change lives, realize dreams, and do together what can’t be done alone. Attend a school event, volunteer if you can, or just strike up a conversation with a teacher, school official, parent or student. You can make a difference by investing in the hope and promise of our students, schools, and communities. As policymakers are preparing to develop a state budget, connect with your schools to learn about its priorities and advocate for your schools with your legislators.
This column will appear in the Register Star and The Daily Mail newspapers.
