Dear WES Families,
It was exciting to welcome our Dragons back from winter break, even virtually! I spent much of the week dropping in on Zoom classes, so I could say hello in the absence of our morning carpool line.
As we prepare to bring our students back to campus for on-site instruction, I have a few reminders to share with you.
Return to Campus Schedule
Early Childhood students have the option of on-site instruction beginning next week, January 11. Elementary and Middle School students will have the option of returning to campus on Tuesday, January 19, as Monday is a holiday.
Per previous communications, it is difficult for students and faculty alike when children transition back and forth between on-site and remote instruction frequently. Consequently, we ask that you commit to either on-site or at-home learning through February 26. Please take this brief survey and let us know your intentions. If you choose on-site learning, but later feel uncomfortable sending your child to campus, you can move to long-term virtual learning at any time. Early Childhood students have the option of resuming on-site instruction on either January 11 or January 19, in case any EC families prefer to wait the full two weeks since the New Year’s holiday before returning to campus. In late February, families will once again be provided the opportunity to select between on-site and at-home learning for later months.
Also, as Monday, January 18, is a holiday, there will be no “W” day for K-Grade 8 that week. Students in K-Grade 5 will have the option to be on site all four days, and Middle School students will be on site either Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday and Friday depending on their grade level. The schedule for Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten will remain the same. You will receive more information from your child’s division director about their particular schedule for that week. Please note that, moving forward, “W” day will be cut from the schedule anytime we have a holiday on Monday to maximize on-site instruction time for those weeks.
COVID-19 Testing Reminders
We will offer on-site testing on a weekly basis during January and February. Testing is mandatory for all students and staff coming onto campus for any activities and is optional for the rest of our community. Our first on-site testing this month will be tomorrow, January 8, from 2-5 p.m. We will once again offer optional testing to parents this week. Parents who wish to participate in testing should register beforehand HERE and use the code “LAUREL.” Please note that WES will not receive parents’ results.
Testing Dates and Times
Friday, January 8, 2-5 p.m.
Saturday, January 16, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, January 22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, January 29, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, February 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, February 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, February 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, February 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Reporting Travel and High-Risk Events
As we prepare to bring more of our Dragons back to campus, it is critical that families continue to report travel and high-risk event attendance via this form. Please note that travel may cause your student to delay their return to on-campus learning. You can review WES’s policy on travel and quarantining HERE.
Prioritizing the Safety of Our Community
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Montgomery County, it is increasingly imperative that we continue to follow public health guidelines both on and off campus to protect the health and well-being of our community. Health officials say that wearing a mask, maintaining 6 feet of distance from non-household members, and washing our hands frequently are some of the most important steps we can take to minimize community transmission.
We are all looking forward to the second semester- great things are ahead.
Sincerely,
