VALLEY, Nebraska - DC West Community Schools is added to the list of those that will close indefinitely.Those with internet service or a computer could be provided to families that do not have access.The District sent this notice to parents on Tuesday:
DC West Families,
Based on an announcement by the Nebraska Commissioner of Education, DC West Community Schools will close indefinitely with a review every two weeks.We will review again on April 3rd, the school closure may last several weeks.During the school closure there are no activities or athletics, building use or student gatherings on campus.All of this is in effort to help slow the community spread of COVID-19 to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed and protect our families.
On Monday, March 23rd, DC West will begin eLearning.Our staff has been working diligently to create online learning opportunities for students aligned with state standards and critical curriculum for their subject or grade level.This will allow student learning to continue remotely. We understand that all families may not have internet or a device.We have been making phone calls home to each family to determine if you need internet or a device and we are willing to provide both if it is needed. If we haven't reached you, please email or call the school.
As a DC West family you can expect:
Assignments emailed to you and/or your student every Sunday evening
These assignments will be for one week of learning
Families and students should check their email and/or Schoology for the week of lessons
The time needed to complete these assignments is by grade level
Preschool to Grade 5 ~ 1-2 hours
Grades 6-8 ~ 1 task per class per day (no more than 15-20 minutes per task)
Grades 9-12 ~ 1 task per class per day (no more than 15-20 minutes per task)
Dual Credit Coursework ~ Continue as usual online
**All lessons are created with a focus on grade level curriculum and state standards
Principals and teachers will be available every school day during regular school hours for questions through email or any other method the teacher shares with you
Students with IEPs for special education may receive targeted assignments from their special education teacher
You will receive your first week of eLearning by Sunday, March 22nd
eLearning will be very different than our normal school day routine, yet we are hopeful that this will create opportunities for students to continue learning throughout the closure.We understand that families may have circumstances or health issues that will prevent them from completing assignments or work, we ask that you communicate those barriers with us so we can support your family.
Many of our DC West families rely on school breakfast and lunch.We have created MEALS-TO-GO for all DC West students each school day during the closure.You can expect:
A free meal bag for every student that will include one lunch and one breakfast every day of the school week
All DC West students may have a MEAL-TO-GO bag
If there are bags left at noon, we will give them out to any parents who would like one
School vans will be parked at 5 different locations each weekday from 11:30-12:00
Platte Valley Apartments, 612 S West St, Valley
The Pines bus stop, 7516 N 286th St., Valley
DC West MS/HS building in the bus lane, 401 S Pine St., Valley
Waterloo Christian Church parking lot, 23800 Cedar Dr., Waterloo
Thrive Space parking lot, 800 N Front St, Waterloo
We are in unprecedented times.A quote we have been working from this week is, "Let the crisis push your team to think mission, not method.The methods will change.The mission does not." ~ Rich BurchWe will continue to do our best work in order to serve our students and communities.
Stay safe and healthy,
Dr. Melissa Poloncic
Superintendent