Dear Friends,

This fall, back-to-school looks very different all over the world. Here at Westtown, too, it's going to be an unusual year whether we are in distance learning or in an unfamiliar version of on-campus learning, modified by health and safety precautions on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we are thrilled to be back in 'Town!

It was wonderful to see your children during orientation activities last week. They are amazing. Each child in their own unique way is delightful, inspiring, and totally lovable. On this first day of a strange and challenging school year, what I want you to remember is that they are going to be just fine. Your children are inherently resilient, and this year, not only will they learn and grow at every grade level, but they will emerge stronger, more adaptable, and more compassionate.

All summer, your children's teachers, deans, advisors, and other friends at Westtown have been working incredibly hard to prepare. We have been deepening online teaching skills, exploring new ways of connecting at a distance, and redesigning courses so that we can readily and joyfully pivot to in-person learning without missing a beat. We have been reconfiguring spaces and schedules to structure days effectively at a distance and for the sake of health and safety in person. We engaged in powerful anti-bias and anti-racist trainings, and developed initiatives to support students of color. We have created new opportunities for social-emotional learning and new structures for community-building, regardless of what the year brings. We are fully prepared to help your children cultivate not only knowledge and skills, but fortitude, flexibility, patience, and kindness. I cannot imagine a better time for young people all over the world to learn to seek out and honor that of God in themselves and each other, nor a better place for them to answer that Quaker calling than Westtown.

Nevertheless, we know that this is an uncertain time, so we are stepping up communications and engagement with you, our parent community:

As always, you'll receive news at the end of each week through Just the Facts, our divisional newsletters.
In addition, this year you can access important information through divisional Resource Boards on MyWesttown, the new information system that you used during the enrollment process.
In Lower School, Back-to-School Night Zoom meetings will take place the week of September 14, when you will meet with your children's classroom and specials teachers.
The Middle School will offer grade-level Zoom meetings the same week and will host a Back-to-School night program in early October.
Throughout the fall, Upper School parents will be invited to drop in on twice-monthly Zoom Q&A sessions with T. Veda, and other administrators beginning September 15.
Starting next week, we will reach out for your feedback through regular, quick "flash surveys" as well as in-depth survey questions about Westtown Distance Learning later in the semester.
In turn, because learning and growth isn't just for young people, please come to our online Parent Speaker Series, the first of which will feature Westtown's student support teams, and subscribe to our blog, A Well-Lit Path, where you'll now find a great new piece by T. Corey Young in the Upper School Learning Center.
Finally, please reach out to me or your child's division principal if you have a question or a concern. We love your children dearly, and we are committed to ensuring their wellbeing this year, and always.

Friends, thank you for your partnership during this difficult time. We wish you good health and great joy as this new school year begins. Welcome back to 'Town!

Yours,