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Optimism for Next School Year...and a Fully Remote Option for Families Who Want it
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Dear Team DPS,
As I shared in last week’s Our DPS Weekly communication, we are very excited to be planning for a return to full-time in-person learning in the fall. This means students would be able to attend school in person at their assigned school every day for the 2021-22 school year. This is, of course, dependent on health conditions and guidance from our health partners, but we remain optimistic, given the encouraging rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, that we our schools will be back to full strength next year.
As we know all too well, there is no substitute for face-to-face instruction. And we’ve seen that, for most students, in-person time spent with friends, teachers and school-support staff results in a much richer learning experience.
This is true for our younger learners in particular, who thrive physically, mentally, socially and emotionally with quality in-person instruction. We believe children learn best from interactive and hands-on experiences with the support of our caring DPS educators -- which is why we recommend this option for the majority of our kids.
I’d like to reiterate that we will continue working closely with our community health partners in our preparations for the return to school in the fall. Some of the health protocols we have become accustomed to -- wearing a mask, not gathering in large groups -- may still be in place, at least to start the year.
That being said, and for a variety of reasons, a segment of our families may want to continue with remote learning next year. To best support these students, we are offering an option to enroll in full-time remote learning for students in grades K-12. (There will only be an in-person option for ECE students.)
Families who would like to enroll their student in the remote learning program for the entirety of the 2021-22 school year should complete the Learning Option Selection form on the Parent Portal between May 10 and June 4. They can also call their current school’s front office to complete a paper form or complete the process over the phone during this window.
While our individual schools and educators did amazing work this year balancing in-person and online instruction, it wasn’t an optimal or sustainable situation. Because of that, we will be offering full-time remote learning next year through a more centralized, consistent approach. For grades 6-12, we will be partnering with Denver Online High School, a long-time DPS school with a track record of success in remote instruction. We are still working out the details for grades K-5, but remote learning for these grades will also feature a single, centralized source, and not be provided through a family’s individual school. Remote learning for both elementary and secondary grades will be a combination of live remote instruction and self-paced assignments.
I want to emphasize that families will be making this decision for the 2021-22 school year only. Students at district-run schools will not lose their seat at their currently assigned school if they choose the remote learning option, and will be able to return to in-person learning at their school the following year. (Families whose students attend charter or innovation zone schools are asked to please check their school’s enrollment policy.) It is also important to note that, in many cases, remote learning may present particular challenges for students with disabilities. For students with IEPs and 504 Plans, the district will need to work with families individually to determine if the remote learning program is the right option for their student.
Families whose students will be returning to full-time, in-person learning next year do not need to take any action, and their students will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning at their assigned school.
We know this is a big decision, because we are asking our families to commit to either in-person learning at their school or remote learning for all of the 2021-22 school year. To help support our families during this time, we have put together a webpage, which includes a detailed FAQ about what next year will look like for both in-person and remote learning. For additional assistance, please call the Family And Community Engagement (FACE) Helpline at 720-423-3054, or email FACEHelpline@dpsk12.org.
As we take another step closer to the end of a trying yet memorable school year, I want to thank you all again for your patience and perseverance. Next school year will come fast, and with it a fresh start, no matter which learning option our families ultimately select.
Sincerely,
Dwight Jones
Interim Superintendent
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As you may have seen in recent media reports, COVID-19 cases among students have been growing statewide. I want to assure you that we are monitoring cases within our district closely, ensuring that all public health protocols are followed and our schools remain safe and healthy places for our students and staff. Our COVID-19 Response Team continues to support our schools in reporting known cases to the local public health authorities, executing public health orders such as quarantines, and communicating with families and staff as quickly as possible.
In the past 7 days, 133 new positive in-person COVID-19 cases were reported districtwide; 108 were among students and 25 among staff members. This is higher than in recent weeks, but still far fewer cases than when we announced our decision for all students to learn remotely in December. You can see all of our current COVID-19 case data as well as data for the city & county of Denver on our website; the data is updated every morning at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.
As we enter these final weeks of the school year, I ask that we work together to keep our schools and community safe. We thank you in advance for your vigilance and support in ensuring that your student follows the DPS 5 by completing their health screening before school each morning, wearing a mask when at school and in other public places, regularly washing their hands, keeping your student home if they exhibit any of the listed symptoms, testing regularly for COVID-19 at one of our COVIDCheck Colorado sites, reporting any positive COVID-19 test results from your student, and abiding by public health orders for isolation and quarantine when appropriate.
We also strongly encourage everyone in our DPS community -- staff, students, and family members -- to get the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible. (This video provides helpful information on student vaccines.) Vaccines are a critical tool in our efforts to maintain healthy and safe school communities. Our partners are Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado are eager to support the entire DPS community in getting vaccinated. Please visit our website for more information about how your family can access vaccines through these providers.
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Video: COVID Dashboard Update
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Participate in Bike to School Day on May 5
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Strap on your helmet and lace up your shoes -- National Bike to School Day is May 5! Bicycle Colorado education team members Mo and Chris are offering two free (and fun) interactive virtual presentations on May 3 and 4 to get families ready to bike to school.
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You and Your Bike: Monday, May 3, 5:30-6:15 p.m. -- Learn how to prepare you and your bike for a safer ride. We’ll have conversations and activities on what to wear, how to fit a helmet and how to check that your bike is ready to ride.
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On Your Ride: Tuesday, May 4, 5:30-6:15 p.m. -- Learn information and skills to help you stay safe when you’re out on your bike or other wheels. We’ll have conversations and activities on signs, signals and paint, where to ride, how to communicate with others and how to use your senses as you get around.
Note: There are limited spots available so register today. Live interpretation will be available in Spanish and Vietnamese. To learn more about Bike to School Day, visit the Walk and Bike to School website.
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Judi’s House Hosting Webinars on Supporting Grieving Families
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COVID-19 brought on a pandemic of grief that will impact our schools and community for years to come. Judi’s House counselors are hosting the Supporting Grieving Families webinar on May 19 at noon for adults who want to create understanding and connection with grieving youth. Judi’s House counselors will share information about grief and bereavement and will review children’s common grief reactions and coping. They will also offer tools for supporting children and teens. Note: The webinar will also be presented in Spanish on May 19 at 1 p.m. Learn more and register here.
COVID-19 provocó una pandemia de dolor que afectará a nuestras escuelas y comunidad en los próximos años. Este webinario es para adultos que desean crear comprensión y conexión con los jóvenes en duelo. Los consejeros de Judi’s House compartirán información sobre el duelo y el luto. Revisarán las reacciones comunes de duelo y el afrontamiento de los niños. Finalmente, ofrecerán herramientas para apoyar a niños y adolescentes. Registrar aquí.
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DPS Educator Nominated for National History Day’s Teacher of the Year
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Mr. Ed Glassman, a history teacher at Denver School of the Arts, was nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award in the junior division of the National History Day (NHD) National Contest. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.
Each of the 58 National History Day affiliates may nominate one middle school teacher for this award, and Mr Glassman is the junior division nominee from Colorado. Every nominee is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the NHD Contest. The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on June 19 at the virtual NHD National Contest Awards Ceremony. Congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Glassman!
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