October 22, 2020
Dear WRA Community,
I write today with an announcement about our schedule this year between Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks. During these 2.5 weeks, we will move to a temporary distance learning model for all students at Western Reserve Academy. This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one for optimizing our ability to learn in person for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.
Statistics demonstrate that COVID rates are on the rise. And yet here at WRA we have been fortunate. As you know, our cases have been limited to two individuals to date, who are now, gratefully, feeling well and back on campus. By going online for the brief period of time between school vacations, we mitigate risk for our students, their families, faculty and staff. By implementing this proactive measure, a short term investment, we best ensure the wellness of our community members and our ability to offer an outstanding in-person experience in the new year.
During our temporary distance learning model, live, synchronous instruction will be delivered. Students will remain in their existing courses but all will engage through virtual means. I applaud both our faculty and students for embracing this protocol with vigor, positivity and the now-honed ability to pivot between teaching and learning styles. If there is anything to be said for 2020, it is that we proved our nimbleness, grit and grace.
All students are encouraged to return home between November 17 and January 4. We understand that this may not be possible for some and are here to support student learning and living needs. We ask these students and their families to contact the Student Life Office. Please note that only those authorized by the Student Life Office will be permitted on campus. We look forward to welcoming our community back to campus in January and resuming classes on January 5.
Between now and the Thanksgiving break and upon return in January, Varsity athletes will practice and engage in interscholastic competition. Junior Varsity teams and participants in other athletic department offerings will practice and have intra squad competition. During the period of temporary distance learning, all practices and competition will be suspended. Again, we approach this decision with an abundance of caution and paramount commitment to our community's health and safety.
As we plan, shift schedules and work hard to continue to follow preventative protocols, I am joyful that our temporary distance learning model, combined with the holiday breaks, will afford families additional time together and eliminate the exposure and challenges posed by travel back and forth to campus. This is a silver lining in a year when so many have been stressed and stretched in unimaginable ways.
Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks as we proceed boldly and prepare to enter 2021 without hesitation. In the meantime, I send wishes of health and happiness.