Message to the WCDS Community
Dear Westchester Community,
We write to acknowledge the solemn moment we are in as a nation and the continued challenges we must face head-on as Americans and as a school community. We at Westchester grieve the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many other black Americans. Clearly for many in our country, justice remains elusive. At Westchester, our mission and Code of Conduct guide us to stand in solidarity with everyone who seeks to make our country’s aspirations for justice, equity, and inclusion real to all.
In reflecting on the past school year, the leadership team has given much thought to the value of community at our school, how it is integral to the way we interact with our students and work together as a faculty. Our mission charges us to build “a nurturing, family environment where students, teachers, and parents support one another.” We commit ourselves each day to building this community together, to lifting each other up, especially in difficult times.
Thinking about that in the context of current events has illuminated the need for our school to examine whether or not we are falling short in our mission’s aspiration for community and moral excellence. Although we seek to meet each individual where he or she is every day, we recognize there are instances where we have fallen short, particularly for people of color in our school family. All Wildcats -- students, parents, faculty, and staff -- should feel fully at home in our school community. We remain committed to critical self-examination and ongoing growth and improvement, and this commitment sits at the heart of who we are as a school community. This summer, the administration and the Board of Trustees will begin conversations to consider these challenges and how we can address them as a school family.
In the midst of an already challenging spring impacted by health and economic challenges, we recognize that emotions are stretched. Parents and teachers may be wondering how they can best support students during this time and equip them to approach the difficult conversations they undoubtedly will face as they grow. We have posted resources shared by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) on our website.
We appreciate your support as we work together to strengthen our community.
Sincerely,
Cobb Atkinson, Head of School
Jamie Collins, President, Board of Trustees
