Distance learning began March 31. WES’s COVID-19 response is available by clicking Here.
The wellness of our community is our highest priority. The administration is having daily conversations about the many facets of our school program that may be impacted by COVID-19, and we have assembled a task force to address the situation from multiple angles. We are continuously monitoring news and recommendations from the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). We are also in frequent contact with independent school associations―such as NAIS, AIMS, AISGW―as well as our colleagues at other local independent schools.
Updated March 26, 2020, 8 p.m.
WES’s Distance Learning Program will begin on Tuesday, March 31 and continue through Friday, April 24, in accordance with Governor Hogan’s decision to keep Maryland public schools closed through the same date. At this time, we think it would be unwise to project further about when on-site classes will resume. New information is being released daily, and public health experts and government officials have not yet reached consensus on the best course of action.
At this time, we have no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 within the WES community. Our actions are meant to protect the health of the WES family, to promote public health at large, and to do our part to flatten the curve of the disease.
We respectfully request that families who are traveling to an area with a warning level of 2 or 3 by the CDC email Ann Freniere, afreniere@w-e-s.org, and Stacey Bailey, WES’s school nurse, sbailey@w-e-s.org. You may be asked to stay home for 14 days, the maximum incubation period of the virus. We rely on the cooperation of our community to maintain a healthy environment for everyone.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser held a brief press conference on March 9 in which she encouraged anyone who attended Christ Church Georgetown on O Street NW on Feb. 24 or between Feb. 28 and March 3 to self-quarantine for 14 days and to call their health care provider immediately. If you are affected by this self-quarantine, please email Ann Freniere, afreniere@w-e-s.org, and Stacey Bailey, WES’s school nurse, sbailey@w-e-s.org, as soon as possible.
We have made the difficult decision to also cancel the Utah, France, and Spain Study trips, as well as our Spain and France exchange programs. We know this is disappointing news, and we are exploring alternatives. We will continue to be in touch with the families directly impacted by these cancellations.
All on-campus events are postponed until further notice.
The CDC and the WHO continue to promote good hygiene in efforts to help prevent the spread of the disease.
A few tips to limit the spread of any illness:
As we prepare a plan to promote learning continuity and protect the health of our community, we’d also like to reflect on the importance of inclusion. No bullying, harassment, or exclusion of any kind will be tolerated, especially any based on national origin, recent travel, race, or ethnicity. Relying on our community values of inclusion, kindness, and mutual respect will strengthen us in the face of challenges.
We understand that unknown viruses can create worry and anxiety for families. If your child is feeling anxious, here are a few helpful resources:
What Kids Want To Know About Coronavirus: An Original Comic
These videos may prove useful as you have discussions with your children.
Here you can find the archive of Head of School Danny Vogelman’s communications to the community.
