Distance Learning DCD Staying Connected During the Pandemic
A
s the COVID-19 pandemic took us into the world of distance learning and virtual schooling, our connected community has taken on another dimension. Having reconfigured our learning community to function in this temporary state of physical separation, the power of connectedness continues to drive everything we do. Collectively and creatively, while prioritizing well-being, we have built a successful distancelearning program to meet the needs of our students and families from pre-kindergarten to grade 8. Teachers have used a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning models to keep our students engaged in every aspect of our curriculum, from academics to arts, to athletics and service-learning. During the spring, we continued to adjust our programming based on student and family feedback as well as our growing knowledge as teachers. The excellence we’ve come to associate with a DCD education still defines our program. With these new methods and approaches, we have continued to deliver an education that is challenging, inclusive, and engaging and reflects our mission and priorities. Our community is resilient, flexible, and creative and remains committed to the power of connected learning, whether in person or remotely via computer.
A Sampling of Projects by Grade PRE-K
Insect Study
Pre-K ended the year with a study of insects. They made insects from clay, paper shapes, watercolors, and even from junk. One of the highlights was when Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Swan delivered two caterpillar containers and a butterfly box to each Pre- K student’s home on May 6. The students made daily observations of their caterpillars, named them, drew pictures of them, and studied the butterfly life cycle. They watched as they changed to chrysalids and then finally to butterflies. The butterflies stayed in their butterfly boxes for several days before being released into the wild. KINDERGARTEN
Eric Carle Author Study
In Mrs. Price’s Kindergarten class, students studied the author Eric Carle, using art, science, and making food in the kitchen to enhance their enjoyment of the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The Invisible String
Mrs. Maloney delivered a “Snuggle Bag” of goodies to her students, containing their artwork and items from the classroom. The bag included two gifts from her: an art set and a book The Invisible String. She explained how even though we have been apart, we will always be connected by a string of love. FIRST GRADE
US Symbols and Landmarks
Spring sports took place remotely, as did the year-end celebration with coaches and players. 18
First graders in Mrs. Senese’s class studied United States Symbols and Landmarks in Social Studies, their final project of the year. Because it had such a strong independent project component, it worked
