Dear Worcester Preparatory School Community,
As we move closer to our return to campus, I would like to address the Continuous Learning (Virtual) platform that we have developed for the 2020-2021 school year. We truly believe that the on-campus experience will be the most rigorous and robust in keeping with the 50 years of tradition here at Worcester Prep. However, even with the extensive safety protocols developed by the Mallard Strong Task Force, we understand that some families may prefer a Continuous Learning approach at this time for a variety of reasons.
We have developed some guidelines for Continuous Learning that I would like to share with you to help inform your decision. First, as mentioned in the FAQ that was distributed on July 22, families that choose this option will be paying full tuition. Secondly, we have designed this platform to model as much as possible what is taking place on campus meaning that students will be required to wear their uniforms, sit at a table or desk that does not have distractions, and remain at their seat throughout the lessons as if they were on campus. The specifics of how this will look at Lower, Middle and Upper Schools will be attached to this letter.
We understand that some families may want to start the year using this platform and then return to campus, therefore those participating in Continuous Learning will have a reserved seat on campus. Because one of our biggest challenges, especially for teachers, is the logistics of who is using Continuous Learning, and for how long, we are insisting that those who commit to this do so for an entire quarter before returning. This would not apply to a student who is forced to use this platform if they, or a member of their household, tests positive and are required to quarantine.
In order to facilitate the time and planning necessary to develop this program, we are asking families who have signed contracts to inform WPS by Friday August 14th that you would like to start the year using the Continuous Learning Platform.
We realize these are difficult times, and families must do what is in the best interest of their children. Please review the specific Continuous Learning plan for each division and contact the Division Head if you have more specific questions.
