COVID-19 Response

Update: April 21, 2020

Dear BWS Family:

As you are likely aware, this past Friday, Mayor Bowser announced that all DCPS and Public Charter Schools in the city will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. To safeguard the health and well-being of our students and to provide a level of consistency for BWS families, the majority of whom reside in DC, we have made the difficult decision to continue our distance learning program for the remainder of the school year, the last day of which is scheduled for June 16.

Because the ongoing public health crisis continues to evolve and the lack of certainty about when we’ll be able to occupy our building, we are planning for a number of scenarios as we look to the future. Mr. Williams and I are in regular communication with Mr. Molina, our Head of School-elect, regarding summer programming (either in-person or virtual) aimed at helping our students make up for any academic ground they may have lost and ensuring that they are well-prepared to start the 2020-2021 year in a strong way. We will update you as soon as we have reached some firm decisions about our proposed plans and scheduling for the summer.

I have attached another copy of our BWS Distance Learning Program Expectations that has been updated to include a section on how we will be handling grading during the third trimester.

Operating BWS remotely has been challenging for all of us and I remain extremely grateful for the professional way our teachers and administrators have approached the challenge and the flexibility, resilience and commitment you have all demonstrated under less than ideal circumstances. We are continuing to refine our program and communication and appreciate your suggestions and feedback. If you have any questions or need any assistance or additional information, please contact me, Mr. Williams, or any school administrator. We’d be happy to assist you. 

Wishing you continued safety and good health!

In solidarity,
James Signature
James R. Woody