wcs homecoming 2020-2021 final

Homecoming Plan
2020-2021

Welcome Home!
Westlake’s Homecoming Plan 2020-2021
Providing a safe and nurturing sanctuary in an unpredictable time.
Dear Westlake Community--
In the last few weeks, the idea of Westlake truly as a home, a place of refuge and safety for our
children, families, faculty, and staff, have been on our mind and in the comments from you, our beloved
families. For those families who have enjoyed Westlake for one year or many, we recognize you’ve missed
the experience of our outstanding, tightly-knit community. For those families who will join us this year,
we desire your first days, weeks, and months at Westlake to be ones where you understand the spirit of our
school, driven by our core values of excellence in all areas: the integration of faith and learning;
well-roundedness in faith formation, academics, arts, and athletics; relationships; professionalism; safety
and security; and adaptability.
These days have been trying ones, yet we are reminded of our theme from the last year of Eirene,
that is, Peace. God granted us peace as we walked through the last 40 days of school and as we continued
our excellence in education.
In the last weeks of school and during the summer, the Westlake faculty and administration have
worked tirelessly (and continue to do so) for readiness to say, “Welcome home!” to our families on August
19th. Our work has been guided by the safety and well-being of all members of our community coupled
with our goal of excellence in all areas. The direction of our decisions has been informed by best practices
in the field; guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control; recommendations from The American
Academy of Pediatrics; guidance from the Florida Council of Independent Schools; the Association of
Christian Schools International; and lots of prayer.
We wholly believe in the benefits of children of all ages coming together for a commonality in the
narrative of the school experience. We understand that social-emotional learning happens when children
are physically present with peers learning to negotiate, share, manage conflict, and more. We also
recognize that for some of our Westlake families, beginning school in August will stretch people beyond that
with which they feel comfortable or can achieve due to underlying health concerns. As such, we will
accommodate both an on-campus and a blended learning approach to our robust education.
We acknowledge that a global pandemic requires all of us to be more thoughtful and intentional
about how we interact to evidence respect and care for each other. The Westlake community is a unique
and dynamic learning environment, and the reality of a pandemic reminds us that in- person and
on-campus education comes with opportunities and risks. These challenges are inherent to our
environment, yet Westlake is positioned to adapt while exhibiting our core values and remaining
accountable to one another.
With these thoughts in mind, we want to remind you of a couple of items.
1. First, there is no way to remove all risk from the on campus experience. This fact is even more true
during a pandemic. We simply cannot ensure that the campus will stay free of COVID-19. However,
we can work together to mitigate risk, and your family will play a critical role in that effort.

Welcome Home!
Westlake’s Homecoming Plan 2020-2021
2. The current data seems to suggest that COVID-19 is more dangerous--in terms of death and
long-term illness--to older people and/or those with underlying health conditions. As such, the
steps we will be asking your family to take are as much for other members of the campus community
as they are for your children and your family. By wearing some sort of face covering if and when
expected, assessing the health of your children and their ability to be in school, and complying with
our guidelines, your family will demonstrate the care for other children, other families, and the
faculty, staff, and administrators. We know we can count on our community to care for one another
because we have demonstrated a commitment to each other for years.
The pages ahead outline our current plans for the days ahead. Given the ongoing fluid nature of
COVID-19, the outline is not intended as an exhaustive, finalized plan but representative of our overall
intentions. We will continue to work closely with local and state health officials to adapt to rapidly
changing safety guidance. Our Westlake Homecoming plans will remain flexible, adaptable, and nimble as
new information becomes available, findings from studies are released, and the incidence of COVID-19
infections change. This information is the first of several pieces of information you will receive in the
coming days. We will continue to provide updates to our plans when necessary.
As always, we appreciate your questions for clarification.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Roggenbaum

Westlake Homecoming 2020-2021
Our Commitment to Overall Excellence
Westlake strives for excellence in all aspects of our school functioning and
programming. We believe that pursuing excellence brings God glory, and we endeavor
to establish an excellent, effective and distinctive Homecoming Plan that we execute with
aplomb.
Our Homecoming Plans evidence our commitment to our other Blue Ribbon Core Values:
Integration of Faith and Learning
Safety and Security
Relationships
Our Well-roundedness in faith, academics, fine arts, and athletics
Professionalism
Adaptability
We are guided by several principles:
Protection of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators
Compliance with federal, state, and local government recommendations
Adherence to best practices and recommendations in education, the Centers for
Disease Control, and the Florida Department of Health
Optimal use of spaces and places
Familiarity of learning routines

Westlake Homecoming 2020-2021
Our Integration of Faith and Learning in Planning
We assembled three task forces who are developing our plans and remaining confident
that God will provide wisdom and knowledge to those who ask.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
-Psalm 91:1-2
Classroom Space Task Force
Kris Dam, First Grade Teacher
Angela Don, Kindergarten Teacher
Jenny Gemmill, Math Department Head
Amy Gross, Third Grade Teacher
Kathy Leone, Assistant Head of School
Karen Walsh, Fourth Grade Teacher
Paul Weaver, Director of Technology
Campus Space Task Force
George Agisotelis, Director of Maintenance,
PHUMC
Susan Aljian, First Grade Teacher
Laura Hanis, Middle School Division Leader
Scott Johnson, Social Studies Teacher
Kathy Leone, Assistant Head of School
Jill Miller, Second Grade Teacher
Dana Roeling, Business Administrator/
Director of Education, PHUMC
Paul Weaver, Director of Technology
Academics and Technology Task Force
Yvonne Frazier, Technology Teacher
Jenny Gemmill, Math Department Head
Michaela Keats, Third Grade Teacher and Upper Elementary School Division Leader
Jennifer Pinder, Technology Teacher
Kathan Steinorth, Director of Chapel and Lower Elementary School Division Leader
Amy Stewart, Science Teacher
Beverly Wakefield, Director of Academics
Paul Weaver, Director of Technology

Westlake Homecoming 2020-2021
Our Safety and Security in Health and Wellness
The health and safety of our students, the faculty, staff, and administration are
paramount. The key word in this planning focuses on:
Mitigation
the process of making something less severe, dangerous, painful, harsh, or damaging
Westlake has consulted with a variety of professionals in determining these mitigation
strategies. While below represent the strategies at this time, Westlake may make revisions
depending upon the state of our locale and new science that emerges. We would like to go
back to more “normal” functioning when the situation allows, such as more campus
visitation, etc. We will continue to monitor our protocols to make sure they are in the best
interest of our community.
Arrival and dismissal in family groups (more information later)
Additional hand-washing stations available on campus
Additional hand sanitizer stations available on campus
Hand sanitizer usage in all classrooms
Water fountains not in use
Bathroom monitoring (common facilities) for two to three students at a time
Face coverings to be determined as school draws closer
Campus traffic patterns to promote one-way traffic at any given time
Campus movement limited (1st semester and until we see how virus might be evolving/spreading)
Single-user supplies
Outdoor playtime, physical education class, activity time throughout the day with limited numbers
Classroom desks for usage in all grade levels, facing same direction, with no clustering
Disinfectant for use on desks after any change in usage
Lunch program in classroom (1st semester and until we see how virus might be evolving/spreading)
Limited campus visitors (1st semester and until we see how virus might be evolving/spreading)
Additional cleaning, disinfection, sanitization in all campus areas
Use of the Clorox Total 360 electrostatic sprayer, an EPA-approved product providing disinfection
to all items sprayed

Westlake Homecoming 2020-2021
Our Well-roundedness in a Challenging Time
Westlake encourages students to be well-rounded and participatory in all
aspects of school life. We will continue our preparedness through offering our students
continued in the following ways.
Extracurricular Activities--We are planning for our regular sports and fine arts programming with
modifications to account for suggested practices related to the COVID-19.
Schedule--We are planning for a similar schedules as we have experienced in the past.
Chapel--We intend to hold Chapel, using suggested practices related to COVID-19.

Westlake Homecoming 2020-2021
Our Relationships in Koinonia
Westlake’s community is built upon relationships. The day-to-day interactions among
students and teachers; the chats between parents and administrators; the visits among
parents, their children, and each other; and more make Westlake a dynamic, interactive,
supportive community with the goal of educating young minds for high school and the future
as well as a helping them understand themselves and the world within the context of
the Biblical worldview.
We will be engaged with each other through:
Personalized support in all areas, spiritual, academic and social-emotional
Koinonia groups
Parent groups
Community building experiences

Westlake Homecoming 2020-2021
Our Professionalism in Meeting our Goals
Westlake’s use of knowledge of the field, use of best practices, competency and
accountability are all vital components of our culture. We endeavor to do what we say
and are dedicated to quality improvement. Despite the fact that we operate now in the
midst of a global pandemic, we are devoted to providing an adaptable school
environment that focuses on the best for our students, families, faculty, and staff.
Enhancements--We include methodology with improvements from last year.
Interruptions--We embrace methods that include planning for interruptions.
Communications--We use well-thought, carefully crafted communications.
Leadership--We endeavor toward flexibility and nimbleness in reaching our goals.

Westlake Homecoming 2020-2021
Adaptability in Optimizing our Intentional Learning Environment
Westlake understands the unique needs of our learning environment. Given the global
pandemic, Westlake’s opportunities will be provided to meet the needs of our talented and
high-achieving study body. We will continue our 25-year commitment to provide a
superior educational experience of academic excellence within the context of the Biblical
worldview for every student. This excellence is achieved through the integration of faith
and learning as well as rigorous and innovative curriculum with Biblical integration
combined with individual attention from our talented faculty.
On-Campus Learning
Westlake students on-campus will experience in-person instruction and interaction with teachers and
classmates. Instructional materials will be provided in print and online and will vary by subject area.
Blended Learning
Westlake students who need to be off-campus will have an intentionally engaging learning experience that
includes synchronous (live) and asynchronous (accessible anytime) instruction.
Digital Platforms
Westlake will continue its long-standing goal for students to become confident and competent using
technology to pursue learning more completely, creatively and efficiently; and to use their technology skills
responsibly, safely and with the highest integrity. Students in both On-Campus and Blended Learning
models will utilize a variety of digital tools.
Preparing for Interruptions
While we hope we will not need to employ this strategy, there may be times during the school year when a
class, a division, or the entire school will need to move to remote learning. During times of Distance
Learning, students will receive synchronous (live) and asynchronous (accessible anytime) instruction.
Students, parents, and teachers will receive additional information and training on technology and
resources used during Distance Learning. These tools and resources will be incorporated into both
On-Campus and Blended Learning models to prepare everyone for the potential of Distance Learning.
Continuity of learning and engagement of students will continue during Distance Learning.
Westlake Christian School would move to entire school Distance Learning if the Governor signs an
executive order or if the Centers for Disease Control or Florida Department of Health mandates this plan
in some way.
Candidacy for Blended Learning
Westlake is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community in addressing the concerns related to the
virus. As such, we understand some families may be uncomfortable beginning school on campus.
Families wanting the remote learning experience must be a good candidate for this model. It requires
some at-home support, a commitment to a schedule, and daily communication with the school. Approval
will be on a case-by-case basis.
Families who begin school in the on-campus model may move to blended learning due to an extended
COVID-19-related absence. This model is not available for short-term absences due to common childhood
illnesses or travel.