As we enter into the second half of April, we know that Governor DeWine and our health officials are constantly reviewing the current situation and making the best decisions they can. The current shelter-in-place orders remain through May 1st. However, I anticipate that more information will be coming from the Governor early next week with specific information for schools. 

I will continue to monitor data and recommendations in order to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students, families, and staff. As I learn more, I will share that information with you. In the meantime, our DACC leadership team is considering all options in order to make sure that no matter what the timeline for returning to school looks like, we have a well thought-out plan for everyone involved.

 

One item that has been on our minds and part of many conversations is our DACC Completion Ceremony. This is an important event for our seniors, their families, and our staff. We have considered and researched many options. At this time, we are rescheduling our Completion Ceremony for July 8th, 2020. Please mark your calendars, but know that this new date is dependent on future mandates from our state leaders and what is in the best interest for the health and well-being of our community. It is my hope that I will be able to congratulate each and every one of our seniors at Mershon Auditorium on July 8th. More information will be forthcoming about this event.

 

As learning continues remotely, I want you to know that what you are doing is noticed among our community. The Columbus Dispatch recently ran this article about how career and technical education is impacted by remote learning and how we are adapting. Some of our very own DACC students were featured in photos and interviewed for the article.

 

Our State Superintendent featured one of our Food Service students cooking at home in his latest video message here.

 

I know that everyone is working hard and that remote learning can be a challenge. I am proud of our students for stepping up to this challenge and staying in communication with our DACC teachers; I am  proud of our families for the support you are giving your children, even as you are adjusting to these changes right alongside them; and I am proud of our staff for doing everything possible to continue providing a quality education and positive experience for our students.

 

I hope you are taking time to eat well, rest, and enjoy time with your families. I encourage you to take a look at these resources that our Student Services team is compiling to help all of us manage our stress and anxiety during this time. 

 

This is not easy, but we are in this together.