Volume 5 No. 7
At Detroit Community Schools (DCS) the staff understands the power of knowledge, and that success in life begins with a high-quality education. DCS is committed to providing all students with the tools and skills necessary to thrive no matter where life takes them. They also utilize the philosophy of looking at the students’ overall well-being—from nutrition, to housing, to extra-curricular activities—in providing programs and services that address each students’ unique goals and needs while encouraging overall wellness. DCS is located in the heart of the city of Detroit, serves students in grades K-12 and offers a young 5’s program to the community.
At the elementary and middle school levels, staff have found innovative ways to continue to thrive amidst a remote learning environment. DCS K-8 Principal Felicia Jones states that since implementing a daily 15 minute ‘Morning Meetings’ with staff, “We have built a safe, nurturing, and caring environment where we are free to discuss topics of student engagement, share self-care information, express opinions on current events, celebrate birthdays, ask questions, and carve out time for humor.” Through the ‘Morning Meetings,’ DCS staff has been able to build a strong community, both professionally and personally, where teachers are supported and valued.

Despite the overwhelming consequences of the pandemic, DCS staff continues to teach students invaluable life-lessons in how to adapt to outstanding circumstances. “Staff has learned how to use virtual platforms to engage and progress student learning,” said DCS High School Principal Mrs. Pamella Carter. “Family engagement has increased over the past year due to the overwhelming need and desire to support families who are also learning to adapt to new technology.” The need that remote learning presented has allowed staff to promote a deeper understanding, relationship, and connection with the student body. “Throughout this pandemic, here at DCS we are learning how adaptable and resilient educational systems, teachers, students, and families can be.”
DCS recently introduced a Business of Sports School (BOSS) program, which began and continues to thrive since the initial pandemic shut down. The BOSS program is a unique and innovative interdisciplinary educational approach that connects students to real life work in the sports industry. “Through technology, students are afforded the opportunity to participate in virtual guest speaker series that introduces, educates, and prepares them for careers in sports management and related fields,” said Principal Carter. Through the BOSS Program, DCS has found ways to spark an interest, and then simulate that interest through mentor connections that may guide students future career decisions.
Detroit Community Schools also offers unique extracurricular activities to its entire student body to include a robust athletics program with successful football, basketball, cross-country, and cheer and dance programs. Another unique offering at DCS is free music lessons from the incredible Sphinx Organization. Only four schools in the State of Michigan were eligible for the program where teachers from Sphinx come to DCS throughout the year to teach young students to play violin.



Detroit Community Schools opened its doors to students in 1997 and was authorized by Bay Mills in 2015. 
To learn more about Detroit Community Schools, visit their website at: https://detcomschools.org/
About Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools
Bay Mills Community College began authorizing charter schools in the year 2000 and now authorizes 46 schools serving approximately 23,660 students.
 
Our Mission: To ensure a quality education for urban, minority, and/or poor children by improving and expanding educational opportunities through innovative oversight methods. To provide academy boards with the necessary support and training so that they may make educated decisions that are in the best interest of the students that attend their academies.