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T
he classrooms were empty; the hallways were quiet. But on that October day when photographer Cornell Watson and I stopped by Northside Elementary School, the cafeteria hummed with activity. Every table was lined with brown paper bags, resembling luminaries. Instead of containing a candle and sand, these bags provide hope in the form of school lunches for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools students who need them most. This is the command center for Chartwells School Dining Services Director of Dining Liz Cartano and her crew of cafeteria workers, who made quick work of filling each bag with sandwiches, carrots and cookies. Since the pandemic started and the district moved to remote learning, the program has delivered more than 600,000 meals. That’s a staggering number. And it’s just one example of educators and students adjusting, making the best of this atypical time. Read more on page 62. Across town at Mary Scroggs Elementary School, fourth grade teacher Eugenia Floyd was all smiles when we showed up to take her photo that same week (find it on page 71). I hadn’t seen Eugenia since I interviewed her six years ago for a story, but her infectiously positive attitude and wise words about giving your all each and every day – but knowing your limits – stuck with me: “You can only do all that you can. … If you keep asking yourself, what more can I do, you’re going to get a little frustrated, tired and burnt out.” Now in her eighth year of teaching, she was honored as the district’s teacher of the year and has more sage advice for families who are navigating through virtual learning (though I think it applies to just about everyone): “Be sure to amplify success when it occurs, as we all need this now more than ever.” CHM
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chapelhillmagazine.com
November 2020
T HE COVER P h o to by Cornell Wat son
