March 27, 2020
Dear Families,
The rapid and intense changes of the past few weeks have been overwhelming for many. As we move into Distance Learning next week, we want to remind you that we are here to support you and your family however we can at this time.
First, we want to affirm you in your role as a parent. Your family’s well-being is of primary importance right now. One of the gifts of distance learning is that in many ways you can adapt the educational schedule to work for you and your child, and we encourage you to do that. If your child needs to go play outside, or nap, or cuddle instead of finishing an assignment at any given moment, please feel free to do what best meets their needs. As educator Erin Atwell DeMartini says, “If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during those 4 weeks is long gone. So keep that in mind, every day.”
We want to remind you to take care of yourselves, as well. We know that there are new demands on you right now. Please be gentle and patient with yourselves and with our whole community as we adapt to the unfamiliar. Just as we invite you to pay attention to and prioritize your child’s needs, we invite you to do the same for yourself.
That said, our students have shown so much resilience already in the past few weeks, and we know that they will shine in unexpected ways during this time. Indeed, they may even light the way for us at times.
As we move forward, know that we are all accessible quickly by email during normal school hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). If you have questions or concerns regarding your family’s emotional or spiritual health, no matter how “minor” it may feel, please reach out. We will also be providing community supports through your child’s homeroom and/or advisory group, as well as through school communications and the
C
haplain at WES
Facebook page. We’re excited to gather the community online for a weekly live Chapel through Facebook each Wednesday at 2:00. Please keep an eye on the NeWES, communications from teachers, and our Facebook pages (if you use Facebook) to stay abreast of these offerings.
Additionally, know that we will be reaching out to check in with families throughout distance learning. We look forward to connecting with you and offering support however we can. We are here for you and your child, and we hope that you will find this community a source of both comfort and joy in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Kristen Pitts, Chaplain
Allison Klothe, Counselor to Elementary and Middle School
Debbie Weinberger, Counselor to Early Childhood
