This coming week, our teachers will close the books on the 2019-2020 school year, but behind the scenes we're placing a lot of our energy on the opening of school this fall.
Last week I announced our intention to return to five-day, in-class instruction in August, and I have been pleased to see that those plans continue to align with what is being forecasted by our leaders at the state level. We are already taking important steps and making necessary investments to create the safest environment for our students, faculty, and staff.
Our personal plan may not look like that of a public school district and it may vary slightly from other private schools. The details of our plan will be our top priority over the next 13 weeks and will be communicated to our community as it becomes clearer.
I met with our leadership team today to begin this process and shared four main principles for us to keep in mind as we press on to the fall.
Let's stay positive I want us to stay positive about our future as an institution and remain true to the mission to which God has called us. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the unknown details of tomorrow or by the news that is endlessly shared with us each day.
Let's remember what we have learned I believe we've learned the importance of spending time in God's word and investing in prayer. Even prior to COVID-19, I had a strong desire for our students to hunger and thirst after Jesus. I didn't want them to develop a prayer life merely out of academic obligation, but out of a love for Christ.
We have also learned the importance of community. Time away from one another has only strengthened the bond that we have through our DC connection. Our students need one another and the discipleship they receive by doing life together.
Let's protect our financial stability I am thankful to serve with an administrative team and Board of Trustees committed to financial stability. Just before COVID-19 hit, we received one of our strongest audit reports in recent history. Every decision we make over the next two years will continue to have this underlying goal in mind.
Let's invest in the future I'm naturally an optimistic person, and I'm energized by the growth of a strong organization. This past year was one of our most exciting at DC as we experienced one of our strongest enrollment increases in years. We entered the COVID-19 period with a very strong retention rate, and we have sought to protect this growth by assisting our families who have been financially affected by this virus. We've talked a lot about The Joseph Relief Fund as one example of this.
We will invest in growth in the coming year while finding ways to remain good stewards of our financial resources. Growth in our elementary enrollment, for instance, will mean the addition of two to three more classrooms. And we will move forward on the Warrior Center locker room construction project thanks to donor money that has already been secured.
These principles will guide our steps in the coming weeks and help us keep our eyes on our goals. Let's press on to what lies ahead, and emerge from this time with great hope for tomorrow.
Together - or apart - we are, DC!
Dr. John Gredy DCS Head of School
A special video message from Dr. Gredy
A message of hope and encouragement to our DC families. Listen as Dr. Gredy explains how school leaders are pressing on and preparing for students' return to class this fall.
View video here.
The Joseph Relief Fund available for families
The Joseph Relief Fund is specifically designed for DC families whose finances have been significantly affected as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Assistance is for the 2020-21 school year.
Applications are now open.
If you feel led to help support our efforts to minister to families in this way, you can
go online to donate to The Joseph Fund. Donations will help ensure as many qualifying families can be served as possible.
continue to align with what is being forecasted by our leaders at the state level. We are already taking important steps and making necessary investments to create the safest environment for our students, faculty, and staff. 
another has only strengthened the bond that we have through our DC connection. Our students need one another and the discipleship they receive by doing life together.
COVID-19 period with a very strong retention rate, and we have sought to protect this growth by assisting our families who have been financially affected by this virus. We've talked a lot about 
The Joseph Relief Fund is specifically designed for DC families whose finances have been significantly affected as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Assistance is for the 2020-21 school year.
