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DPS Updates Restart Plan: virtual learning to begin September 8th

Alexandra KincaidNews

In an effort to protect students and staff from the worsening COVID-19 situation in Montgomery County, the Dayton Public School District will now begin the school year virtually rather than immediately resuming in-person classes. 

This plan, announced the last week of July, will involve students learning from home from a live DPS teacher for at least the first 9 weeks of the school year. Teachers will be based in their DPS classrooms and will begin the school year teaching material from the fourth quarter of last year. This will ensure students fully understand the content taught at the end of last school year — when classes abruptly went online — before new content is introduced. 

After the initial 9 weeks, the county’s COVID-19 situation will be reevaluated. Virtual learning may be extended for an additional 9 weeks, or in-person classes with the option for totally remote learning may begin. The district will keep families updated on this decision. 

Day-to-Day Virtual Learning

During virtual learning, students will begin each day by watching a pre-recorded from a DPS teacher and then meet virtually with their classroom teacher in small groups. During these group sessions, the teacher will offer further instruction, answer student questions and ensure all students are completing their assignments. 

These small groups will provide students with the individualized attention they would typically receive from a classroom teacher, as well as the opportunity to interact with their fellow classmates. Students with IEPs and English Language Learners will receive the support they need during these small group sessions. 

Chromebook and WiFi Hotspot Distribution 

To ensure equitable access to virtual learning, students in need of a device will receive a Chromebook, and families that need access to the internet will receive a WiFi hotspot. Distribution of these items will begin the week of August 24th. 

All students will receive a “ready pack” containing supplies needed for virtual learning, including a dry erase board and marker, a pack of pencils, a notebook, crayons or colored pencils, and paper math manipulatives, depending on the student’s grade level. All items must be returned to school once in-person classes resume. 

Attendance and Grading Practices 

All standard attendance and grading practices set forth by the Ohio Department of Education will continue as usual during virtual learning. Attendance will be taken daily, and students are expected to participate in their virtual classes and complete all assignments. At this time, all state testing will continue as usual.

Extracurricular Activities Suspended

All extracurricular activities in the Dayton Public Schools, including football, soccer and band, have been suspended due to a recommendation from the Montgomery County Department of Health. 

The district plans to resume extracurricular activities as soon as it is safe to do so. Although this decision was a difficult one, and many students, families and staff are disheartened by the news, it was a necessary step for the district to take. Extracurricular activities pose a high risk of potentially spreading COVID-19, according to the Montgomery County Department of Health. The decision to suspend all extracurriculars is crucial to protecting the health and wellbeing of all students and staff at this time. 

Visit DPSRestart.com for more information, or call the district’s COVID-19 hotline at 937-542-5427.

 

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