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3 return options await Dysart district students

In-person, iSchool, hybrid programs will be available

Posted 7/8/20

With school districts across the state beginning to release reopening plans, the Dysart Unified School District has developed a unique approach, ensuring the right fit for each student and family when school begins Tuesday, Aug. 4.

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3 return options await Dysart district students

In-person, iSchool, hybrid programs will be available

Posted

With school districts across the state beginning to release reopening plans, the Dysart Unified School District has developed a unique approach, ensuring the right fit for each student and family when school begins Tuesday, Aug. 4. 

DUSD Superintendent Dr. Quin Kellis said the district is one of a few offering three options for students this fall. Those are full-time classroom for grades K-12, full-time online through Dysart iSchool for grades K-12 and split-time hybrid for grades K-8 only.

In a video posted to DUSD’s social media platforms, Mr. Kellis said the decision was not made lightly as the district understands the remote learning that took place in the spring was extremely challenging for students, parents and even teachers. But said that was emergency schooling.

He explained the date of Monday, Aug. 17 is a moving target, issued by Gov. Doug Ducey for school to begin meeting in person. 

“We don’t know if that date will hold or be moved,” Mr. Kellis said. “We do know we have 24,000 students we have to educate and keep safe. We felt it was imperative to begin school on time and start the important work of engaging students in learning.”

Mr. Kellis said district officials understand concerns exist with the remote learning format, but assured staff has been working over the summer to make sure the remote learning plan has been enhanced.

“This year’s plan will be more structured and take place during the regular school day and operate with our online iSchool curriculum that has been in place since 2012 and highly successful,” he said. “We are confident it will be a much better experience for everyone.” 

Remote learning through the initial transition period will be held during regular school hours using Schoology and teachers will teach from the classroom. Mr. Kellis said a consistent learning platform will also be used in each school model so at any point DUSD can seamlessly transition back to remote learning should school closures become necessary again.

The district wrapped up surveys available to stakeholders June 25, with nearly half of parents responding. Mr. Kellis said. About 75% of people indicated in-person classes as the preferred way. With 22% of the responses preferring full-time online. There were 40% of the responses showing interest in the hybrid model and 28% of the responses were uncertain about a choice. 

“This told us we needed to seriously consider offering all three options to meet the needs of our entire community,” Mr. Kellis said. “While it is certainly a challenge to offer so many options especially from a staffing perspective, we knew that in the best interest of students and the community we needed to figure out how to make it happen.”

Full-time on-campus learning will practice health, safety and social distancing protocols. Face covering are required when it is not possible to be six feet apart, but Mr. Kellis said will not be required during lunch or recess. DUSD Director of Communications and Public Relations Renee Ryon said the district administration has put new health, safety and cleaning measures in place for all sites. 

“Our human relations department has been in close communication with our staff, and is individually addressing concerns as they arise,” Ms. Ryon said.

Bethany Mohaupt posted on the distict Facebook page, writing, “Thank you Dr. Kellis. I can’t imagine how hard this has been for you and all of the other district employees trying to make the best out of a very difficult situation.”

In the full-time online iSchool program students take online classes through the fully credited learning platform. Mr. Kellis explained it’s been used at the high school level since 2012 and has been highly effective.

While Danielle Cruikshank posted in part on the district’s Facebook page, “What does a working parent with a deployed spouse and no family within 2,000 miles do? When school went virtual before spring break it worked for us cause we were able to work at our own pace after I got off of work and picked kids up from daycare. But if you expect kids to now only work virtually during ‘school hours’.. that’s not gonna work for us and a lot of other families as well.”

With the split-time hybrid K-8 in-person and remote education, students can take classes two days a week in-person and remotely for two days with Mondays a day for teachers to provide assistance. 

Moving forward, district officials are asking for parents to indicate program preference by Wednesday, July 15 in order to adequately staff within the various models. Laptop distribution will also be available for students who do not have a device. 

Check social media platforms for a question and answer document and informational videos, which the district said will be available July 8.  

Additionally, parents can visit dysart.org for updated plans as conditions warrant. 

Editor’s Note: Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@newszap.com or follow her on Twitter @SCW_Independent.