Dear Parents and Guardians,
It was just one year ago that we were thrust into a whole new approach to teaching and learning as schools across the country and the world adjusted to educating children during a pandemic. Every step of the way, WT has made adjustments in our approach as we have learned more about how to have students and teachers safely on campus. We have achieved so many successes thanks to the work of our teachers, staff, and administrators, and because of our students' and parents'/guardians' commitment to following our protocols both on and off campus.
CDC Revised School Operating Guidelines Last week, the CDC released revised guidelines for operating schools during this pandemic. These updates focus on:
This week, our Pandemic Team and Senior Leadership Team will review these updates and begin making adjustments to our approach. With the shift in physical distancing recommendations, we may be able to offer the opportunity for students in all grades to be on campus every day if they choose to be. Currently this opportunity is available to students in grades Pre-K through 7.
Regardless of any revisions to our learning models, the week of April 5–9 will continue as an all-virtual week for all students in all divisions.
These revisions are encouraging news that schools may be able to return to more normal operations in the months to come. And, with close to 150 WT employees now in some phase of vaccination–whether being fully or partially vaccinated–it feels as if we are truly rounding the corner. Mitigation efforts will, no doubt, continue and I expect that, even into next year, we will be wearing masks, completing daily health screenings, and emphasizing personal mitigation efforts like hand washing. I will be back in touch the week after Spring Break with updates to our planning with these revised guidelines.
I hope you have a wonderful Spring Break.
Scott D. Fech, Ph.D. Head of School
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