April 16, 2020
Dear WES Families,
When I first joined the WES Family five years ago, everyone told me that the community is what makes WES so special. I learned about families who provided food and care for children with sick parents. I was told about the women and men who walked the Capital Crescent Trail ensuring it was safe for students to come to school during the time of the D.C. sniper shootings. And, when facing the sudden and tragic loss of beloved faculty member Deighton Alleyne, the community united to establish a financial aid fund in his memory, a cause about which he cared deeply.
We are living in unprecedented times, and we must continue to take care of one another. The novel coronavirus that is spreading throughout the world has created new needs.
We know some of our families are hurting right now, and the current crisis has impacted their current and future financial realities. If your family has concerns about your tuition obligations for next year, please contact Business Officer Wendy Tasin,
wtasin@w-e-s.org
. We know each situation is unique, and we will explore ways to be of assistance, whether it be restructuring the tuition payment timelines or reevaluating your financial aid needs. Of course, these will be confidential discussions.
Many of you have reached out and asked how you can help. While WES has always prioritized a substantial financial aid budget, we are facing higher levels of need. Therefore, we are establishing the WES Family Fund to provide an opportunity for us to take care of one another.
This fund will provide tuition support for the 2020-2021 school year for those who have been hit hard by the pandemic. If your family is able, we ask that you consider helping a WES family who is in need. By making a gift
HERE
, your generosity and kindness will keep our community strong.
Our entire community is here to support you, with whatever needs you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the division directors or me if we can be of assistance. In addition, Chaplain
Kristen Pitts
and our counseling team,
Debbie Weinberger
and
Allison Klothe
, are available to offer social and emotional support. They also host a weekly webinar on Thursdays at 8 p.m. to enable our community to “figure it out together.” These webinars are recorded and are archived at the bottom of the Distance Learning Homepage each week.
The tenacity, courage, and creativity of our community inspire me every day. Together, we will get through these challenging times.
Sincerely,
