Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well! I'm writing to share a brief overview of Westtown School's current thoughts and leanings about COVID mitigation measures for the coming school year.

While we will continue to pay close attention to emerging scientific understanding and guidance from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Westtown's 2021-2022 mitigation measures will most closely follow the guidance of the Chester County Health Department (CCHD). In addition to proving itself an excellent partner with Westtown School throughout the pandemic, the CCHD frequently offers interpretations of guidance that reflect a sophisticated understanding of the big picture and is specifically informed by local pandemic trends and indicators right here in our corner of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

In a message late last week to Chester County school leaders, CCHD Director Jeanne Franklin indicated that for the time being the CCHD remains aligned with the guidance from the CDC, which encourages schools to make institutional decisions informed by local indicators and emphasizes the layering of mitigation strategies. Such strategies could include masking, physical distancing, increased ventilation, and/or differentiated expectations based on vaccination status and eligibility. In the coming days, as we continue to monitor the local pandemic trajectory and consider any additional guidance from the CCHD, we will resolve the specific details of our approach and communicate them in early August.

We believe vaccination is a critical tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, Pennsylvania is among the more highly vaccinated states in the country, and Chester County enjoys the highest vaccination rate of all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Still, we urge, in the strongest possible terms, all eligible community members to become vaccinated as soon as possible. Furthermore, given the unavoidable, extended close contact inherent in a residential setting, we are requiring that all Upper School boarding students be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Please look for additional specifics as the opening of school draws nearer, the evolving local pandemic situation comes into clearer focus, and we receive updated guidance from the CCHD. In the meantime, if you have questions, please reach out to your divisional principal or Director of Nursing Theresa Sardella.

In partnership,

Chris Benbow '90
Interim Head of School