A Message from the Head of School regarding Reopening of School Next Year
Dear Foxcroft Families,
It is hard to believe we are in week seven of our distance learning model. I remain grateful to our outstanding faculty for their planning and their personalization of this learning experience and to the Learning Center teachers for providing extra support for students who might find online learning a challenge. Please reach out if we can help your daughter during a tough spell. We are all learning during these uncharted waters of the pandemic.
In fact, nothing has prepared me as an educator to lead at this moment in our history. I am grateful to have an experienced and knowledgeable administrative team and Board of Trustees to go on this journey with me. Now that we have addressed the immediate urgency of closing campus and adapted plans for concluding this School year and celebrating our seniors, we turn our attention to the future.
I am writing to share news that I have appointed a task force to develop plans for reopening school in late summer. The task force includes Foxcroft faculty, staff, and administrators who are keeping current with developments and recommendations from the CDC, our state and local health departments, other health organizations, our educational associations, higher education, and the business sector. In addition, the task force has an advisory committee of experts in their fields and includes trustees, alumnae, and current parents.
Task Force Members:
Deborah Anderson, Chief Operating Officer
Emily Johns, Assistant Head of School for Student Life
Courtney Ulmer, Assistant Head of School for Academics
Yvette McCarty, School Nurse
Alex Northrup, Chair of the History Dept., Director of the Innovation Lab
Rebecca Wise, Director of International Student Services, English teacher
Michelle Woodruff, Athletic Director
Kate Worsham, Director of Riding
Advisory Committee Members:
Carter Eskew, P’21, Founder & Partner, The Glover Park Group
Kate Hastings ’78, Vice President, Tri-State Region at Fidelity Family Office Services; Board Chair-Elect, Foxcroft School
Lisa Kelly, MD ’87 P’23, Pediatrician with Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates
Lester Levy, Jr., P’23, Co-CEO at NCH Corporation
Nicole Hilley-Munoz P’23, Capital One Vice President, Chief of Staff Risk Management
Natalie James Wiltshire ’95, Chief Operating Officer, The KIPP Schools, Philadelphia
Carter Eskew, P’21, Founder & Partner, The Glover Park Group
Kate Hastings ’78, Vice President, Tri-State Region at Fidelity Family Office Services; Board Chair-Elect, Foxcroft School
Lisa Kelly, MD ’87 P’23, Pediatrician with Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates
Lester Levy, Jr., P’23, Co-CEO at NCH Corporation
Nicole Hilley-Munoz P’23, Capital One Vice President, Chief of Staff Risk Management
Natalie James Wiltshire ’95, Chief Operating Officer, The KIPP Schools, Philadelphia
We are early in our work, and as you are aware, no one is able to definitively predict where we will be with coronavirus in late August. Much depends on what is allowed by the State of Virginia and the U.S. Department of State, and what safety and health measures and protocols must be put in place. The health of our students and our employees is our highest priority as we deliver on our educational mission. As we discuss options, we are focusing on three scenarios:
- In an ideal world, a full return to campus as planned beginning August 26 with the latest medical testing, recommended physical distancing measures, and enhanced disinfecting and hygiene practices. There is no question that our academic and residential life program will look and feel different in order to protect our community’s health.
- At the opposite extreme and a last measure, an online start to school if the government and health ordinances prevent our physical presence on campus.
- A hybrid model of on-campus/online learning that allows a great deal of flexibility for families during different points in the year. We are working to build a calendar and schedule that would include synchronous classes, additional tutorial time, team and supervised sports, and community time as well as the flexibility for students in other time zones.
As we get further along with planning and as we know more from our governor and health experts, we will share greater details. In the meantime, we know we will have to be flexible as a school in areas ranging from curriculum and assessments to residential life and sports – and everything in between. In addition, we have begun financial modeling for each scenario, which will include looking closely at our current tuition and fees schedule as well as program expenses and plant operations. I am proud that Foxcroft has already demonstrated how well we can pivot as circumstances change while still supporting families and delivering on our outstanding educational program, student leadership, student life activities, and wellness — and yes, even traditions!
This wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support and positive spirit of our entire Foxcroft community, including you! These past weeks have affirmed for me our strength when we come together to solve problems. We will take the same approach going forward, guided by the task force and advisory committee.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, and suggestions.
Catherine S. McGehee
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
