Congratulations students and parents! You have officially made it through the first week of remote learning, which is likely to be the most difficult week as we work through new technology and new ways of learning. I am sure there were challenges, but I encourage you to take time to reflect and focus on the progress you have made. Remember to count the little things because the collection of the little things adds up to be the big things.
Among other new changes in your daily routine right now, Microsoft TEAMS has become a new online platform for all of us and a way to communicate with others; you have organized a place in your home as your new classroom; and you are sharing computer time with siblings and parents. In addition, I hope that you are finding more time than ever to spend with your family.
Many of our DACC families have both high school students and younger children at home right now, so we have assembled a few resources that we hope you will find helpful. Those resources are included at the bottom of this message.
This is also a great time to talk to each other. Ask those questions that you don't normally have time to discuss, such as:
- What do you believe to be your best quality? Why?
- Talk about your favorite holiday and why it is your favorite.
- Who is someone that has influenced your life and how have they been an influence?
A person who greatly influenced my life was my 8th
grade math teacher, Mr. Bowlin. Mr. Bowlin challenged us and gave us projects (not just math problems) that made us think and apply what we were learning. He would ask guiding questions but would never give us the answer. "Why" was his favorite probing question.
I didn't realize it at the time, but he taught me so much more than math. He taught me to believe in myself, to not give up when something was difficult, and how to solve problems; all skills that have transferred to life. He wasn't my favorite teacher at the time, in fact, I couldn't wait for the bell to ring so that I could go to the next class. However, throughout my life, I realize he influenced my world more than I understood at the time.
I also want to take a moment to thank our DACC staff. Creative problem-solving is a skill we work on with our students every day and it's a skill that has become more crucial than ever right now. I knew going into this time of remote learning that our staff would step up to the challenge and continue to provide an engaging education for our students.
At every turn, I am more and more impressed with their tenacity, dedication, and creativity. As we have heard from the Governor, our remote learning may last longer than three weeks and may even last until the end of the school year. We are planning ahead for this possibility and I ask that you plan ahead as well - mentally, physically, and emotionally. We will work through this together and come out stronger for it.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
