mactrunk
This great small city of Northampton has some beautiful diversity and lovely qualities that make it special and meaningful to those of us who live and work here.
In some ways, Northampton has been a more progressive place to live than other places in the state and in the country. One area that still needs to be addressed and worked on is the subtle and sometimes overt classism in our city. I believe this is one of the harder things for people to see in themselves, and much like racism, people have a hard time owning up to shortcomings in how we view, and treat, one another.
The incredible devotion and tremendous efforts being made by the teachers and the principal at Bridge Street School has to be supported by the people of Northampton. These young students are the responsibility of all of us. Their well-being, their safety, sense-of-self, and yes, their education, is our communal responsibility.
The financial investment now is far more effective and fruitful and can only make a stronger city down the line. This city has to stop being so divided with the haves and have-nots.
Let’s look at ourselves and start improving how we treat each other. And we must invest in this school, we must be there for each other.
Nora DeJasu
Easthampton
The writer is a teacher at the Bridge Street School.
