Easter is about hope. 

As Fr. James Martin, S.J., reflected last Sunday, Easter suggests that:

“Love is stronger than hate, hope is stronger than despair, life is stronger than death and that nothing is impossible with God.” 

The last few weeks have been challenging ones throughout the world, and they have been especially difficult in the New York neighborhoods that Partnership Schools serve. We have many more challenging days ahead. Yet we are struck almost daily by the inspirational acts of resilience, determination and hope we see:

Our superhero parents, who have stepped up not only to manage students’ day-to-day learning in unprecedented ways, but also to give us feedback to keep doing distance learning better;

A particular subset of our parents–healthcare providers and those who work other essential front-line public service jobs–who are making tremendous sacrifices to keep our communities healthy and functioning during this challenge;

Our teachers, principals and other school leaders, who are determined that our students keep learning and have adapted so quickly to maintain both rigorous education and a strong sense of connectedness with their students;

Our students, who remain so determined to learn–at kitchen tables and on fire escapes; with greater self-reliance and new tools;

And our supporters, who are stepping forward with the generosity that is proving to be transformational for the workers who continue to be paid, the parents who do not have to make tuition payments during the crisis, and families facing new financial hardships, to whom we are able to provide direct aid.

Easter is a moment when despair becomes rejoicing. In the middle of all the challenges of this moment, there is much in the Partnership community to rejoice in. And so it is with hope fueled by our students, families, educators and supporters that we say simply: Happy Easter.

Jill Kafka is Executive Director and Kathleen Porter-Magee Superintendent of Partnership Schools.