August 21, 2020
Dear WES Community,
We hope this message finds you well. As September approaches, I wanted to update you on our plans for the 2020-2021 school year. No doubt the beginning of the school year will be unique, but one thing is certain: the faculty and I miss our students dearly and are eager to be together once again on campus.
Our extensive planning and preparation that has taken place over the summer has allowed us to create a nimble plan for the new school year, and we are prepared to pivot between on-site and at-home learning as needed. Taking into consideration emerging public health data within the community and guidance from health officials, we have decided that students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 will begin the school year learning virtually while our Dragons in Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten will have the option of coming to campus for in-person instruction during the mornings. Although we do not believe that the current health situation allows for regular on-campus instruction for the entire school, we will welcome back small groups of students to campus in small groups for brief periods of time outdoors. These meetings will be used to support social-emotional learning and to engage in community-building activities. We hope to open campus to all students for on-site instruction as soon as it is safe to do so.
An additional faculty work week in August has been included in the schedule, and students, after eight days of transition and orientation will have their first day of classes on September 8.
We have made substantial investments in both our people and our facilities to help us adapt to COVID-19:
· Added new faculty and staff positions to accommodate new regulations
· Increased professional development for faculty
· Increased the financial aid budget to help our community stay whole
· Restricted enrollment to help adhere to safety guidelines
· Replaced HVACs and added MERV-13 filters
· Increased internet bandwidth and implemented 1:1 computer devices
· Purchased thermal scanners, hand-sanitizer stations, and water bottle
filling stations
· Created outdoor spaces with tents
We at WES remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students. Our Continuous Learning Task Force has been working diligently this summer to help us build upon our remote learning model used last spring. Our capabilities for at-home instruction from both a technological and a pedagogical perspective has been expanded and
includes live, synchronous instruction as well as opportunities for independent and project-based learning.
I am confident that our teachers will bring the same creativity, dedication, and passion for educating children whether in a remote format or on campus. I know they will inspire and nurture joyful learning for all our Dragons. Please view the “The Roadmap to Reopening” webpage HERE for further information and details.
We look forward to the learning, fun, and adventure of the school year–whether remote or together on campus.
Be well and safe.
Sincerely,
