Rebuilding a culture
The pandemic was not just a health crisis it was also a social crisis. Like most other schools The Sharon Academy had to resort to remote teaching and learning. But successful schools provide more than just classroom time. More than most schools TSA cultivates and celebrates our engaged and supportive community that enables our students to learn better and to mature better.
Thursday Night Cafes are one of the most powerful community-building experiences at The Sharon Academy. The four cafes per year take place at the high school but middle school students are encouraged to participate and attend. The energy and community-building magic of these events is derived from the live performances and live audience; both suffered during the pandemic.
The cafes give students an opportunity to showcase their talents and interests as well as to demonstrate their support and appreciation of their peers. Those who perform or present are often sharing an aspect of themselves not usually apparent in the context of school. It may be a musical performance, poetry reading, entertaining skill, or a unique and unpredictable experience. The audience’s consistently supportive and encouraging response creates a culture in which students feel safe to step out of their comfort zones and are encouraged to be part of future cafes.
While TSA tried to continue the cafe culture through the pandemic, the Zoom format could not replace the impact of the live format. This was especially apparent when students returned to campus in the Spring of 2022 and the weakened culture diminished both the participation and attendance of the first few live events. But time has rebuilt the cafe culture and its mojo finally returned with the 2022 All-School Holiday Cafe.
More than a dozen acts entertained the packed house on Wednesday, December 21, as the Middle and High School students celebrated their final day of school before their winter break. The energy and enthusiasm was palpable as the audience responded to the diverse acts. Comedy, poetry, music, dance, magic, and more were performed by students and staff from both campuses. The Cafe culture has returned!