Focus On: Back to School 2026-2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2026

Almost immediately after Independence Day, stores and commercials began reminding us that back-to-school is right around the corner. Perhaps a little early for my preference, as these long, sunny, hot days have made for a beautiful Pittsburgh summer. I hope the summer has been a time for your families to reconnect while enjoying a less frantic pace than during the school year. It is hard to believe that it is already August and in less than 2 weeks, we will be back together to begin another year. 

While many believe schools become sleepy places in the summer, WT has been anything but that. For many years, summers have been filled with work related to our campus expansion and renovation plan, beginning with the Joan Clark Davis Center for Interdisciplinary Learning and now, finally, wrapping up with the exciting updates to Molloy Posner Hall. And all of this has been in the midst of our robust summer programming. The Campus was buzzing with hundreds of youngsters who confirmed that yes, WT Summer Camp Rocks. And the WT and Pittsburgh Public School students engaged in Access:Innovation put "Think also" into action when learning about human-centered design and developing solutions to help others facing challenges.  

As summer break concludes and opening day approaches, I want to share a few important updates. 

Molloy Posner Hall Renovations

Once again, our renovation crews have been working diligently throughout the summer. The transformation of Molloy Posner Hall is truly remarkable. As of the latest update from our construction team, the new Dining Hall and Middle School Learning Commons will be ready for students on the first day of school. While the newly renovated spaces will be ready for use in late August, we ask our community to pardon the dust in the beginning weeks of school as we complete our final punch list. We cannot wait to share these reimagined spaces with you and will provide students with an orientation and tour upon their return.

None of these renovations could have been accomplished without the generosity of so many people who have already committed to our Be Boundless campaign. This fall, we will be inviting all families to join us in crossing the finish line of our $21.5 million campaign. I hope you will thoughtfully consider a gift to WT, supporting the best-in-class experience our students receive every day. As I have noted in my annual State of the School, previous generations made WT a philanthropic priority, which has solidified our foundation for today. It is now our turn to ensure WT is here for another 140 years.

Final Thoughts...for now

As I shared over the summer, I will be concluding my time at WT at the end of December. It’s a bittersweet transition. I leave this incredible school to return home to be closer to family, but I am truly honored to be here to mark the opening of our 140th year. I remain fully committed to the work we’re doing and, most importantly, the students we serve. My focus between now and then is ensuring a seamless year for our students, faculty, staff, and families. The transition will not slow the momentum of this community.

None of this is possible without each of you. Thank you for the trust you place in us every day, and for the partnership that makes WT what it is. I’m looking forward to a wonderful start to the year. Enjoy these last days of summer!

Best, Scott D. Fech Head of School