UPDATE: July 25, 2020
Dear Woodcrest Christian Families,
Thank you for your patience and your prayers as we have been working through what returning to school in the fall looks like amidst the constantly changing landscape of the pandemic. I know you have been praying for us and those prayers have truly been effective over the last several weeks and months.
After much prayer, reviewing information from government and professional organizations, and receiving both medical and legal counsel, I am excited to announce that we will indeed return to on campus instruction in the fall!
There are many factors involved in this decision including making sure that we were not defying authorities to whom we are subject. God has placed multiple authorities over our school and based on the specific language of recently released state documents, federal government agencies, and even our President, we believe that we are acting in accordance with Scripture.
We also firmly believe, that having students physically present on campus is best for them spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and academically. That view is supported both by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control. In fact, CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield recently released new guidance for schools and students stating, “It is critically important for our public health to open schools this fall.” Having watched our students struggle with being away from campus last spring, we agree. Our students need to be with their classmates and teachers at school.
We will, as previously stated, implement a wide range of protocols focused on coronavirus prevention efforts to keep our students, families, and staff safe. A revised set of protocols will be released soon based on the latest information from the California Department of Health and the CDC.
As part of these efforts, the new first day of school will be Tuesday, September 1st. This will allow additional time for safety training and for teachers and staff to prepare for the new school year. We understand that returning to on campus instruction may not meet every family’s needs and we support each family’s decision as it pertains to returning to school.
We are tremendously excited to return to school and to minister to our students and families. We will continue to keep you updated. Information about upcoming events, including Back to School Nights, a revised Academic Calendar, and SOS Day and Go! Day will be shortly forthcoming from each principal.
Thank you again for your continued prayers. See you on September 1st!
