Dear WCA Families,

A lot has happened this past week during Spring Break. As we watch the news, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread and impact many parts of our country, including South Florida. As of this morning, Broward County has reported at least eleven confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Earlier this week, Governor Ron DeSantis strongly recommended that large gatherings in Florida over 250 people be canceled or postponed for a time due to health reasons until we get a handle on the impact of the Coronavirus, and many major events and large public gatherings in Broward County, South Florida, and throughout the country have been canceled.

As most of you know, the Florida State University System and most other colleges in Florida have decided to transition to remote online instruction for two weeks due to the Coronavirus. Although Broward County schools have not canceled their regular classes as of yet, they have canceled after school activities, athletics, field trips, and most other events.

Also, during Spring Break, we’ve had many of our families traveling throughout the country and some families traveling throughout the world. With that said, our primary responsibility at WCA is always the health and safety of our students, teachers, and families. After speaking with a number of parents, physicians, and educators, we have decided it is best for us to be proactive and cancel school next week and possibly for two weeks until we know more about the Coronavirus and feel confident it is safe to have students, parents, and other people interacting on campus. Students will not return to school next week and possibly not until Monday, March 30.

Here is our plan:

• Teachers and staff will report to school on Monday, March 16, to prepare lessons and assignments for students from K3 to 8th grade for distance learning for two weeks.
• On Tuesday, March 17, students and parents (K3 through 8th grade) may come to school anytime from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a short time to get books out of their rooms or lockers (Teachers will assist students).
• On Wednesday morning at a time to be determined, teachers will begin to interact with students via distance learning in all grades through email assignments, video, and other means of communication; teachers will instruct, monitor, and assess (test) students remotely.
• Terranova testing scheduled for March 23-27 will be postponed to a later date.
• Athletics for the 4th quarter will be canceled (All money paid for athletic fees will be refunded).
• The March Open House, National Spanish Exam, Math Marathon, and MS Science Field Trips scheduled for the next two weeks in March will be canceled.
• As of now, all school activities scheduled for April and May will proceed as determined.

Here are some precautionary measures we are taking to keep our campus safe when students return:

• Elite Steam, a company owned by a family at First Baptist Church Weston, has graciously offered to sanitize and disinfect every room, chair, desk, table, and playground of our school by using a high temperature steam technology (up to 347 degrees F) that kills bacteria, viruses, and any harmful microorganisms. The focus will be on high frequency touchpoints such as doors, door handles, seats, and desks, as well as all bathrooms, in order to help reduce any risk brought on by the recent Coronavirus outbreak. The process will make use of disinfecting wipes, bacteria protection shield, and an air conditioning ozone treatment (for the library and computer lab rooms) to remove dust, dirt, and allergens from the air ducts and the ventilation system.
• We are increasing the level of daily and weekly sanitization of all classrooms, bathrooms, common areas, and children’s areas through our contractual cleaning service.
  We will be discouraging handshakes, high fives, and hugs on the school campus. This can be hard in a Christian school community and for our children, but this is an opportunity to show our love and concern for others during this time.
• We will be monitoring our students to make sure they wash their hands regularly throughout the day and providing additional hand sanitizers throughout the school campus.

Some may feel this is a drastic measure and we understand it may be an inconvenience, but we believe it is the right thing to do at this time to protect our students, teachers, and families. We don’t want to be fearful or anxious, but wise and discerning using precautionary measures. We trust the Lord Jesus Christ and know He is in control of all things. We are praying for our students and families and we ask that you please join us in prayer during this time.

“Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, give your requests to God; and the peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

If you have any questions, you may call the school office on Monday during school hours. Also, please know Dr. Kitchens, Mr. Noonan, and Mr. McCann will be glad to discuss these things with you.

Blessings to you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

The WCA Administration