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Remote learning instruction for Dare County Schools is set to begin August 24.

The DCS Board of Education opted to follow a remote learning plan for the first nine weeks of the upcoming semester in response to COVID-19. This remote learning time period is subject to change based on state mandates and future board decisions, but in the meantime, DCS has put together a remote learning guidebook for families and staff.

Superintendent John Farrelly noted in an email to stakeholders last week that the DCS Remote Learning Guidebook was “developed with input from all district administrators and teacher leadership teams from each school.”

“During remote learning, students can expect to engage in an online community focused on core curriculum and aligned with the North Carolina Standards for Learning,” Farrelly wrote. The remote learning program set for the fall is intended to be more comprehensive than that which was put forth in the spring, however it will still offer flexibility for families given the online nature.

Also included in Farrelly’s email to parents and staff were important dates to note, which included:

August 10 through 12: Technology Distribution.

– Families in need of devices for remote learning were invited to their assigned school for device pickup. Parents were to receive an email for principals regarding schedule information. Students were required to complete the yearly school paperwork through Infosnap prior to checking out any technology from DCS, which includes payment of the $25 technology fee for grades 6 through 12. Temperature checks, health screenings and face coverings will be required of anyone who arrives on campus to pick up devices.

August 13: First required workday for teachers

August 14: Teacher preparation and training day

August 17 through 21: Student and Family Online Orientation

– All events will be online. Each school will hold a Remote Learning Open House on August 17. Teachers will schedule a time to meet with each family individually during orientation week and students and their parents will have opportunities to participate in learning management system training during orientation week. Video recordings will be available for family schedule flexibility.

August 24: First day of remote learning instruction

Parents and staff received a “Returning to Work Safely” guidebook last week, which includes health and safety protocols and requirements while on the worksite.

Farrelly indicated that the DCS school calendar is currently being modified to reflect remote learning for the first quarter of school. He also shared that individual teacher assignments for students will be sent out to parents by August 14.

In addition, the DCS Nutrition Services will continue their meal distribution for all students through August 31. Farrelly noted that the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction relayed that they have submitted a waiver request to the federal government which will determine how meal services function beyond August. Information regarding the matter will be released as it becomes available.

For more information, visit the DCS website at www.daretolearn.org.

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