August 12, 2021

Friends,

I'm writing to share the 2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan. While this will no doubt evolve throughout the coming months, this document outlines how we expect to begin the year together. As I noted in July, Westtown's 2021-2022 mitigation measures will generally follow the guidance of the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) which we have found reflects a sophisticated understanding of the big picture, is specifically informed by local pandemic trends and indicators, and emphasizes the thoughtful layering of various mitigation strategies.

As you read the 2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan–and as we travel this year together–know that all of our decisions are and will be guided by our dual priorities of community health and in-person learning. For your convenience, here are a few specifics of note:

Layered mitigation is essential (fresh air and ample air exchange, physical distancing when practical and pedagogically appropriate, masking, vaccination, etc.);
Face coverings are generally required indoors and optional outdoors;
Vaccinations are required of residential students and strongly encouraged for other eligible individuals;
Any positive case in our community will prompt contact tracing, and quarantine will be required for those deemed close contacts.
In accordance with CCHD/CDC guidance, there are two close contact quarantine exceptions:
- Fully vaccinated individuals;
- In the case of student contact three feet or more apart when both the COVID positive student and the potential close contact student were both fully masked for the entirety of their interaction.

Just as the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, our 2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan is not a static document. As our three divisional policies and practices evolve, we will share those as updates to this document. Additionally, you may receive other details specific to your child's division from their Principal. 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