Weston High School has recently announced its intention to proceed with Midterm examinations. I on behalf of my fellow WHS students and the parents of our community respectfully urge the administration to reconsider this decision.

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently raging throughout the Weston school system. Currently, there are 157 students who are either in quarantine or have tested positive for the virus throughout the district. This number, while alarming in its own right, likely has and will continue to increase as the rapidly contagious Omicron variant spreads. These students who are being affected by the virus are already facing an obstruction to their learning by being required to stay home from school and learn remotely. While certain students may have been able to utilize the time over break or the few days this week to study for the exams, what about the students who can't? Many students have been sick, been spending time with ill family members, and have missed out on receiving the extra help they need.

The Weston High Schools mission statement states that it strives to "empower each student" to "serve as part of a caring and supporting community". Now, more than ever, the student body urges administration to put the mental health and safety of its students first. The students of WHS are currently dealing with the health, social, and emotional effects of the pandemic. The administration should show empathy to the students and understand what we are going through as we try to simultaneously navigate the pandemic and continue to adapt to the new school year. 

Numerous high schools in the state have made the decision to cancel or alter midterms. This includes New Canaan High School, Wilton High School, and Staples High school. We respectfully request that the decision to proceed with midterms be reconsidered as the student body attempts to navigate through an already extremely stressful time in our lives. Thank you.