Dear Woodlands Families, Students, Faculty, and Staff, We hope that each of you is having a wonderful start to this most unusual spring break. While disconcerting to live in a world where we lack control, we hope that each of you is finding the many silver linings that are woven throughout these days. Time with loved ones and a reevaluation of what truly matters top our lists these days.
As our country continues to grapple with the global novel coronavirus pandemic, we have been weighing our options on the best course of action to protect the Woodlands community and meet our communal obligation to help slow the spread of this virus. Independent schools across the country have banded together to share resources and lessons learned as we all navigate this very unfamiliar terrain.
After much careful deliberation and prayerful contemplation, we have made two difficult, but necessary, decisions.
First, we will extend the remote learning model until at least May 4. It is our great hope that we may gather together on campus at some point to complete the 2019-2020 school year, but we must acknowledge the increasing possibility that this may not be realistic or safe. By making this decision now, we are allowing faculty and staff to fully commit themselves to delivering the same superior Woodlands education in a different mode without the uncertainty of wondering when we might "return to normal." Additionally, committing to this course allows the administration to fully shift gears towards supporting the faculty and students in learning and connecting in new ways.
The second difficult decision falls in line with the first; we are closing the residence hall for the remainder of the school year. This decision was made with the best interests of our students and residence life staff held firmly in the center. Social distancing is inherently difficult—if not impossible— in a communal living situation. Additionally, we worry about our ability to give the utmost care to the residents should one of them fall ill with COVID-19. International students will either travel home or stay locally with family or a guardian. All boarders will continue their studies remotely with consideration given to time differences and other special circumstances. Director of Residence Life, Ms. Nicole Smith, will be in touch this week with options for reuniting boarders with their belongings. Currently, all student rooms are safely locked and secure.
It is now safe to assume that all events scheduled prior to May 4 are either cancelled or will be substantially re-imagined to be delivered remotely. We are aware that this includes prom and to our juniors and seniors we hold dearly what a disappointment this presents to each of you.
Please note, we have not yet decided on June events, which include Global Odyssey classes, honors assembly, and graduation.
Though IHSA has not made a determination about the spring sports season post April 7, just as with other cocurricular activities, spring sports practices will not occur until we are back on campus. Spring athletes, please continue individual strength and conditioning.
In this turbulent time, we are reminded of our founding mother St. Rose Philippine Duchesne's journey on the Rebecca from France to the United States. She faced rough seas and an uncertain destination, but her faith in God and her Sacred Heart sisters remained steadfast. As we navigate these metaphorical rough seas together, we hope contemplating Philippine's steadfast faith may serve as a cornerstone for us all.
Thank you for the faith you have shown in Woodlands and for your ongoing partnership. Despite the physical distance, we will continue providing your daughter with a superior education, a community of care, and a sense of hope in a challenging time.
Please know of our prayers for health, safety, and many silver linings for all of you. Meg Steele Head of School Chris Schmidt Associate Head, Academics and School Life |