What is DCD's hybrid learning plan?

This plan will be used for students who are away from DCD due to the pandemic while we are open for in-person school.

DCD's hybrid learning plan combines a developmentally appropriate combination of synchronous, asynchronous, and small-group experiences that are designed to maintain community connections and support our curriculum. During the school day, students could see some synchronous sessions where new content is being delivered or students are working collaboratively, combined with asynchronous materials for independent work, and opportunities for 1:1 check-ins with teachers.

Students will have access to their school devices and assignments will be posted by teachers on classroom sites for easy access. In addition, we will host Virtual Fridays this fall to practice distance learning and help our students learn best practices and routines. More information about device access and Virtual Fridays will come from division heads.

What happens if my child cannot attend school due to the pandemic?

If a student cannot be on campus for reasons related to the pandemic, the Health Office will notify homeroom teachers and advisors. Homeroom teachers and advisors will help gather materials and the student’s device and leave them with Laura Martinez in the front office. Families will pick up the supplies and device and are instructed to visit the DCD Staying Connected page.

To assist families with technology at home, please visit the 2020-21 Tech Tips for Families. Families can then email support@dcds.net with any questions not answered in that resource.

Teachers will post their hybrid lesson plans by 9 pm the night before so that any students who are unable to attend school the next day due to the pandemic can easily access the resources they need.

What is DCD's distance learning plan?

DCD's distance learning plan will be used in the event that our full school is teaching and learning remotely with no in-person classes occurring on campus. Should the school close for reasons related to the pandemic, students and faculty would shift into DCD's distance learning plan until they can return to campus in person.

Just as they do on campus, students will engage their curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm as they explore new topics and ideas through projects and hands-on activities. Distance learning is an opportunity for DCD to fulfill its same mission and values, while using methods that work when we are away from campus. The purpose of our virtual interactions are threefold: to continue your learning in arts, academics, and athletics; to find ways to participate in, build and celebrate our community; and to support each other in these uncertain times.

At each grade level, the DCD distance learning plan combines a developmentally appropriate combination of synchronous, asynchronous, and small-group experiences that are designed to maintain community connections and support our curriculum.

Specific to grades PreK to 5, our distance learning plan will include a regular and predictable daily schedule that incorporates small academic classes with enrichment opportunities, such as lunch bunch, service learning, and extended day. Students will also engage in experiential and project-based learning during Fridays' special Hawk's Nests schedules.

Specific to the middle school, you will see some new elements to the distance learning plan this fall, such as extended hours to the day, frequent breaks, daily study hall for 1:1 support, enrichment opportunities, and longer experiential learning blocks on Fridays.

Students will have access to their school devices and assignments will be posted by teachers on classroom sites for easy access. In addition, we will host Virtual Fridays this fall to practice distance learning and help our students learn best practices and routines. More information about device access and Virtual Fridays will come from division heads.

How did DCD form our hybrid learning plan and distance learning plan?

Our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly this summer to think through the many possible scenarios of school or pod closings. We engaged a three-pronged summer professional development program that included:

• attending courses and conducting research to understand best practices and global education models and responses to the pandemic;

• engaging in in-house professional development opportunities that featured presentations by our own teachers and staff; and

• collaborating with colleagues to plan curriculum and to prepare for our three possible learning plans: in-person, hybrid, and distance learning models.

The features of our hybrid and distance plans are supported by this extensive professional development that our faculty and staff engaged in this summer and reflect the spring feedback from families and faculty.

What is a Practice Virtual Day?

Throughout the year, DCD will host Practice Virtual Days in order to help us prepare for any potential school closure due to the pandemic. It is an opportunity to test our distance learning supports, troubleshoot using our school technology at home, and help our community build confidence in our distance learning program.

Practice Virtual Days will run remotely during regular school hours. Schedules and resources will be posted on the DCD Staying Connected site by 9 pm the evening before, and teachers will also send home information and devices with students on the afternoon before. We ask families to use a slightly damp (not very wet) disinfecting wipe before returning devices to school.