The following message is excerpted from a Head of School Update to families on June 7, 2020.

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Last year, we chose the name Wellan to highlight our pedagogical approach. We strive to create a safe space that will allow students’ talents and motivation “to bubble up from deep inside.” We chose this year’s professional development focus—“Teaching Is A Work of Heart”—to highlight our passion

for connecting with students and supporting their individual interests.

Teaching from the heart and honoring what is uniquely special about each individual seem even more important today in the context of the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others. As educators, we stand together against racism in our society. However, speaking out as individuals or as a school community is not enough. Dismantling systemic racism in society requires taking action to effect change within our own institution. Wellan does not currently have a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) curriculum that addresses racial injustice. We were in the early stages of planning a multi-year DEI and anti-bias curriculum development initiative when COVID-19 spread. The Board of Trustees also formed a DEI Committee this past year. Though work at Wellan has begun, we have much more work to do.

We need to acknowledge that each of us has internal work to do to root out deeply internalized racial biases. We need to act on the knowledge that, on a daily basis in our society, students of color, in particular Black students—and family members they love—live with the fear they may experience direct threats to their physical safety due to the color of their skin. We need to recognize that any work which empowers students to feel safe and comfortable in their own skin is the most important work there is. Breaking the chains of systemic racism will take courage and tenacity. It must be undertaken by us all. Wellan is committed to this vital work. I look forward to sharing information about our efforts and announcing opportunities for the school community to engage in conversation and action.

—Beth Black, Head of School