Students, Employees, and Families

 I am trusting that you and your families are safe and healthy.  As we continue to combat the COVID-19 health crisis, it is necessary to make tough decisions that are in the best interest of our students and staff.  One of those tough decisions was announced during Governor Kemp's April 1st, 4:00 pm news conference.  The Governor presented a new executive order that includes the closure of Georgia K-12 schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  

Thank you for your continued support of the DeKalb County School District!    As a district, we recognize that we must remain flexible as the COVID-19 pandemic is ever changing.  In an effort to continue serving our students while simultaneously considering the safety, health and well-being of our employees, we are making adjustments to our current operational plan.  These changes are outlined below and subject to change or be amended.

Beginning Monday, April 13th, 2020, we will transition to a modified meal service plan. Under the new plan, meals will be distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Meals will no longer be delivered daily.  Students will receive a two-day meal package on each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as shown in the chart below:

The 21 meal distribution sites will remain operational and the bus meal delivery will continue following the amended plan of meal service on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

DIGITAL LEARNING UPDATE

Parents, students and staff are encouraged to use the resources available in the DCSD Cares ... Take Care of YOU.

The District will not issue progress reports at this time.  Students will have an opportunity to submit assignments now and when school resumes and will not receive "zeroes" for any missed assignments during the digital learning window.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY/TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Software Platforms:

• There are no IT or technological restrictions for staff accessing or using Zoom and similar free video conferencing tools.
• The district standard video and audio conferencing platform is Microsoft Teams.  This solution is tentatively scheduled to be available for teachers after spring break with full support and training from technology, tutorials and integration into the district’s instructional and technical support model.
• IT recommends teachers and staff exercise caution when using free online resources and should feel empowered to do what is in the best interest of serving students and families.  

Chromebook Repairs:

• All students, staff and families should contact the IT Help Desk at 678-676-1188 for support regarding Virtual Learning or assistance with a district issued Chromebook for middle and high school students.  
• William Bradley Bryant Center (WBBC) is closed to the public except by appointments which are made when a family or student calls the IT Help Desk.
• Help Desk tickets and appointments are required to assist with receiving and replacing a broken or damaged Chromebook; or issuing a new Chromebook to a middle or high school student.

Note:  Students’ Chromebook cameras are disabled for two-way video use.  Cameras will be enabled and the video feature activated when the Microsoft Teams teachers’ licenses are configured.  Through the Google Management Console, IT can enable the Teams App to control the Chromebook’s camera when the teacher schedules a conference or course with a student(s).  

Camera/Video Risk:

Activating a student Chromebook camera is either an on or off feature. We are able to control how the camera is used by the teacher initiating a session through Teams.  If we were to change our current practice and enable the student Chromebook video camera, students would have the ability to video with other students at any time and unfortunately possibly doing anything appropriate or not.

Please visit the DCSD website (www.dekalbschoolsga.org) frequently for up to date information.

The Superintendent reserves the right to modify all aforementioned guidance based upon current information from public health agencies.

DCSD COVID-19 UPDATE 3.27.2020FINAL.pdf 

This is a major shift from all previous announcements.  However, the nature of our current public health crisis requires that we take extreme measures.  The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff continues to be a top priority.

This executive order will have major implications on our school district.  In the coming weeks, I will share more information with you as to the specific impact on the DeKalb County School District.  I commit to you that we will continue working for our students and staff and will do right by them.