Dear WES Families,
I am writing to you today with an important update to our COVID-19 health protocols.
When the Omicron variant was spreading rapidly in the metro area two months ago, we temporarily increased our safeguards to protect the health and wellness of our community. Now, as we have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of cases both in the WES community and the DMV, and we have an exceptionally high vaccination rate, we believe we may enjoy more flexibility within our program.
The CDC recently relaxed its guidelines for indoor masking in schools, recommending universal masking indoors only in areas of high transmission rates or with strained health-care systems. Consequently, beginning Wednesday, March 9, we will transition to a mask-optional indoor policy for our entire school community.
As we make this transition, we will maintain several of our existing safeguards:
- Mandatory weekly testing and mandatory testing for all following Spring Break
- Merv-13 filters for our ventilation system and air purifiers in every classroom
- Immediate grade-level notification when a classmate tests positive
We will add in additional safeguards relevant to this new policy as well:
- When students and employees have a household exposure, they will be required to mask during their Test-to-Stay period.
- Masking will be required for large indoor gatherings of students, and WES will provide disposable masks.
We would also like to remind everyone of our sick policy–if your child has COVID-19 symptoms, please keep them home until an alternative diagnosis has been provided.
While we know this change in policy is welcome news for some members of our community, we also know that others may feel more cautious. Research shows that individuals who wear high-quality masks maintain a high level of protection even when those around them are unmasked.
We recognize that the decision to remain masked or to unmask is a deeply personal one, and that different families have different needs. Our teachers will be having conversations with the children early next week about showing care and respect for others’ decisions, and we invite you to have those conversations at home as well.
Reminder: Spring Break Testing
We believe that testing is an important additional safeguard as we transition to a mask-optional policy indoors. PCR testing will be required for all students and employees returning to campus after Spring Break, regardless of whether an individual has tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days. WES will offer on-site testing on Sunday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for your convenience.
If you need to test off-site, please do so between Friday, March 25, and Sunday, March 27. Negative PCR test results must be emailed to covid@w-e-s.org by 7:45 a.m. on Monday, March 28.
Once again, I would like to thank you for the grace and flexibility you have shown throughout the past two years. We’re grateful to have turned this corner, and we’re looking forward to a spring filled with exciting learning adventures, engaging study trips, and much joy and laughter.
Sincerely,
