Current COVID19 Updates & Planning
 
Dear WCCS Community,
 
I am writing to you today to share a weekly update on ways that we are currently dealing with the effects of COVID-19 on our school as well as our planning for the fall.
 
CURRENTLY:
  • Camp Sonshine:  WCCS opened our Camp Sonshine (daycare camp for infants through 4s) this week.  We opened following very specific recommendations set by the CDC and local and state health organizations.  Each teacher has been wearing a mask while they are in the classroom and then they are able to take them off outside.  We have been taking temperatures at the door and having all wash hands upon arrival. Teachers have done a great job at cleaning everything with bleach water and we have been cleaning the playground after each class uses it. But, most of all, the children have been learning so much about God as the theme is God's Amazing World as they studied creation. 
  • WCCS Athletic Team Summer Workouts:  The WCCS athletic teams have begun summer workouts, doing so following the recommendations of our own state of South Carolina regarding YOUTH SPORTS as well as those set forth by our athletic association in North Carolina (where our athletic teams compete) - NCISAA (North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association).  The NCISAA recommendations follow the model set forth by the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations).  If you click on the hyperlinks for each association you will note the variety of expectations, along with the desire to return gradually to maximize the health and safety of our student-athletes and families.
  • Delays/Cancellations:  While it is true that WCCS is seeking to slowly return to activities that we have done before, there are a couple that we have had to delay/cancel for now given that it was simply not possible to return slowly.  
    • For more than a decade, WCCS has taken a summer mission trip to the Dominican Republic.  It is a phenomenal trip with so many life-changing moments - for our folks as well as those in the DR.  The trip was originally scheduled for June.  Back in April, we delayed it until July in hopes that we might be able to move forward.  Well, we decided this last week that we needed to cancel this trip for THIS summer due to risks associated with international travel while still dealing with a pandemic.  The good news is that we were able to cancel soon enough that all monies donated to the trip can be held for our trip now planned for the summer of 2021.  I know that there are a number of very disappointed students, but do believe that they understand the decision.  
    • You may also remember that our WCCS Musical (BIG FISH) was scheduled for April.  We moved it to May in hopes that we could move forward.  We then moved it to late June.  Well, the cast and crew spent time praying through the options and limitations to move forward with the production (as noted in our Governor's AccelerateSC website found HERE).  After months of blood, sweat, and tears poured into the preparation for this production followed by a few more tears when they realized that it would be unwise to move forward, our Fine Arts Department leadership decided that we needed to cancel for this school year.  The issues surrounding singing, particularly singing on stage toward other actors, coupled with the limited (and spread-out) audience were too difficult to overcome.  While I am saddened that we were not able to proceed, I now anxiously await the next WCCS musical in the spring of 2021 - Lord-willing!
 
PLANNING:
  • Logistics Task Force:  Our Task Force met this week and focused specifically on the ways in which we need to make adjustments in our cleaning, our daily practices, and training.  There was much to discuss.  Here are a few takeaways from this meeting:
    • Cleaning:  We are looking into ways in which our daily cleaning that has historically happened each evening could be done throughout the day as well to ensure proper sanitation all day long.
    • Practices:  It was noted that many survey respondents commented on the need for parents to keep their children home when sick (and for faculty/staff to stay home when sick as well).  While this has always been our policy and desired practice, we are formulating ways to better monitor and enforce these expectations.  
    • Training:  There was also discussion around the need for the entire community to be trained in ways to stay safe.  This will include faculty/staff training before school begins, training of students as part of the beginning of the school year, and in doing both in partnership with our parents so that all are aware of expectations.
    • This task force meeting next week will be focusing on those activities at school where social distancing is most challenging (as noted in the survey questions) - chapels, lunch, field trips, etc.  
  • Academics Task Force:  In addition, the ACADEMICS task force is hard at work considering ways to meet the academic needs of our students in light of the likely restrictions that will come from added cleaning, social distancing, more frequent student (and teacher) absences, etc.  This team is also focusing on ways in which we can come alongside our own families who may not yet be comfortable with a full time return to the classroom and/or unable to return due to personal or family illness.  While there is much in the news these days about possible plans for schools in the fall, with everything from longer school days to extending the school calendar, it is our intent to keep both of these as planned while looking to maximize the time that we have together - a blessing that I know we have taken for granted in the past.  These details will take some more time to finalize, but we do want you to know that we desire to partner with ALL of our parents in meeting the needs of their children/families.  
 
Lastly, we do want to remind you of our summer hours through JUNE 26th.  We are closed the week of June 29th through July 3rd - and we will update hours for the month of July soon.  
  • Lower School Offices are open to STAFF ONLY.  All others should visit the Upper School Office (2650 India Hook Road).
  • Upper School Offices are OPEN for visitors from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays.
 
PLEASE keep praying for us as we plan for the fall, particularly in light of the fact that health department recommendations have already changed so much even in the last few weeks and will likely continue to morph throughout the summer!  Thank you all again for your continued support.  We really do look forward to SEEING you again soon!


Scott Dillon
Head of School