Church Farm School turned 102 on April 1, 2020. On that day, the Rev. Edmund K. (Ned) Sherrill II, Head of School, regretfully announced the closing of the campus for the remainder of the school year. Consequently, while the school’s 180 students from near and far have returned to their homes, teachers and administrators pull together to continue its critical mission, albeit in new ways.

“Distance Learning” is the new watchword. Every student has a laptop computer, Internet access, and software programs allowing them to “attend” daily classes. Faculty ingenuity knows no bounds. Art Department Chair Dina Schmidt said, “In our color theory unit, students can’t paint so we asked them to arrange household items in a color wheel order and submit a photo.” In music, Nicole Campbell’s class participates in a “self-distancing symphony” by recording themselves using body percussion, kitchen items, or “beatboxing” to compose songs. “We are here to help support our students in their artistic journey, and now more than ever, they need a creative outlet to express themselves,” said Schmidt.

Science is equally tricky because of the “hands-on” nature of lab experiments. Science teacher and Class of 2020 parent Vernice Veranga-Mulcahy incorporates experimentation through online lab simulations. She said, “It’s not quite the same, but they are still learning the essential skills.” She makes use of recorded videos, live demonstrations, virtual whiteboards and anything else that mimics an “in-person” experience.

Tiffany Scott, Director of College Guidance, recently announced that all seniors have been accepted at competitive colleges and universities. She will work remotely with each around scholarships and matriculation, and is helping to plan special celebrations for the Class of 2020, including a Virtual College Draft Day and Commencement. Knowing how important faculty relationships are to students, Scott spearheaded an upbeat video (see above) of faculty members with homemade signs expressing their support and encouraging each student to persist.

Others take part. Athletic Director Greg Thompson provides tips on health and fitness. The Infirmary Director, School Counselor and Chaplain share tips for managing health, stress and spirituality during uncertain times. Director of Residential Life Chet Blair gets the whole school together on Zoom every week — the joy of seeing each other is palatable. To keep spirits up, he runs contests, some light and some serious, asking students to send photos and stories of their lives in quarantine.

According to Sherrill, “Many students’ families face tough new realities, and we hold each in our hearts, particularly our New York City students and others who live in urban areas with strained medical facilities. Knowing that many students are isolated, often caring for younger siblings and worried about their parents who may work in risky jobs, all staff members want students to know that they are only a phone call away for help.” Sherrill and Music Director Gary Gress have offered weekly video chapel services for all those who find the school’s Chapel a place of hope and consolation.

“We know Church Farm School will emerge even stronger from this crisis. But as we look beyond this pandemic, the need for scholarships during the 2020-2021 school year will be greater than ever. Working parents who have been furloughed will struggle to catch up with the most basic needs. Our Board and staff, determined that no one will be forced to choose between caring for their families and their son’s education, are already planning to raise additional scholarships for the coming year,” said Sherrill.

He concludes, “We remember that our founder The Rev. Dr. Charles Wesley Shreiner once said, ‘If God gives us a vision of something He wants done, He also gives us the ability to do it.’”

Learn more about Church Farm School and its exemplary boarding and day school program for boys in grades 9-12 here.

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