Dear DC Community,
 
We are in the homestretch of our first semester of the 2020-2021 school year, and we have so much for which to be grateful. God’s hand has clearly been upon our community as we have been able to keep our students fully engaged in on-campus academics, athletics, and arts programs for a solid 12 weeks of school.
 
We do not take this privilege for granted nor have we sat back and expected the course to remain unaltered for the future. Our leadership team has met continuously to evaluate the current trends in COVID-19 cases in our community as well as the health of our students and faculty.
 
As we near the holidays – with expected travel and social gatherings – we want to proactively put measures in place that will ensure students finish the first semester in strong academic standing. 
 
For that reason, we will make the following modifications:
 
  • Our campus will undergo a complete shutdown during Thanksgiving break to allow additional deep cleaning of the facility. Previous plans called for only students and faculty to be off; this will include all personnel.
  • Moving our junior high and high school grades to a full block schedule on campus when we return to campus after Thanksgiving break on Nov. 30. Currently students have a block schedule two out of the five days of the week. This shift will cut in half the time students spend in hallway transitions, reduce the burden on teachers to clean between each period, and lessen the number of cohorts in which students’ engage.

We have also taken the following steps in the event of an increase in positive cases among our faculty:
 
  • We have created a flex week that could be used if needed in the quarter after returning from Christmas break. This week would serve as an additional week off for students and faculty if COVID-19 cases get to a point where staffing is not sustainable. 
  • We are looking at ways to increase our substitute teacher roster by utilizing staff members and those in administration. Even Dr. Gredy has dusted off his college transcript to be prepared to step in when needed.
 
It requires all of us to work together to successfully navigate this journey. As parents and caregivers, here is what you can do to help:
 
  • Continue to follow the guidelines regarding when to keep an ill child at home.
  • Consider if you can step up to be a substitute teacher. During this time when visitors are restricted, this is a great opportunity to be on the inside, seeing all that God is doing! You can go online today to get the process started.
  • Continue to pray for our community – that God’s hand will uphold us for the second half of the year.
 
We are so thankful for your partnership and the role you each have played in keeping our community strong. Together, we will cross this finish line. Together, We Are – DC!

In Him,
DC Leadership Team