Dear Washington Market School Community,

In this time of unparalleled crisis and isolation, we remain strong and together. While we all desire a return to normalcy, we cannot pretend that things will resemble last year’s school year, but we write to let you know that we plan, based on everything we know right now, to physically open our school in September (in addition to continuing an enhanced online program for those who chose to enroll in that form).

We have thought, discussed, reflected on this re-opening, and agree that it would have been simpler if we just resigned ourselves to opening only online. But we believe intensely and passionately that children in the age group we serve need to be with other children and with their teachers. We learn through relationships and the precious relationships we instill are the essence of development.

At the same time, it is critical, as never before, to take stringent, positive actions to protect the health of the whole WMS community — children, teachers, staff and families. Our entire community is responsible for one another and we enter this school year understanding that we are focusing on the “we” not the “I”.

We, the staff, have spent uncountable hours, carefully reviewing local, state and federal guidelines for opening school physically and adapting them to best serve our WMS community. Our plans also include criteria for possible shutdowns of individual classes or an entire site, if necessary, and continue online during the shutdown period. We will never sacrifice health considerations to keep the school physically open.

We know that each of us is committed to the WMS community and its health, safety and success. To allow our children to thrive and our staff to remain safe, we all need to work diligently to follow the procedures described in our Re-opening Plan. Working together, we will have a strong and successful school year, one of great learning and growth for all of us.

Ronnie Moskowitz, Head of School