Greetings DPS Families,
Last Friday, a couple of school board members and I had the chance to stop by one of our elementary schools for their weekly before-school dance party. The joy on that playground was almost overwhelming. Students were jumping, laughing, and singing at the top of their lungs. What stood out even more was how our staff showed up right alongside them. They danced, they sang, and they loved every minute with those students. It was a clear reminder of the love and energy that fill our schools every day.
With Thanksgiving approaching, I find myself grateful for that sense of community and for the people who make it possible. Last week, we celebrated American Education Week, and as part of that celebration, I encourage you to send a thank you card to a teacher or staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life.
We also recognized National Family Engagement Day on Thursday. You may have seen Stacy Kilwein from the West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center and Rhinestone Rhonda out in our schools celebrating our AWESOME parents. As a father, I sometimes forget the tremendous impact I have on my daughter’s education. The questions we ask our children, the encouragement we give, and even the attitude we show toward their education have an impact greater than we sometimes realize. Thank you for supporting your child, our teachers, and our schools.
District Updates:
Dickinson High School Construction: If you have driven by lately, you will see that the project has really come to life. Construction is moving along well. Precast concrete is complete, structural steel in the cafeteria area is nearly finished, and crews are currently pouring concrete floors. Soon, a roof will enclose the kitchen and cafeteria. We are grateful for the workers who will soon be braving North Dakota weather to keep this project on schedule for our students.
Snow Days: Last year’s survey showed strong support for using “grace days” whenever possible. A “grace day” is a day the district does not have to make up because we are above the required number of minutes dictated by the state of ND. Because we do not have many extra instructional minutes, we must use these days carefully. Using them too early, especially if we experience a harsh winter, could push the school year beyond Memorial Day, and I don’t think anyone is eager for Saturday school.
We will continue to use virtual days when appropriate early in the year, though North Dakota weather doesn’t always cooperate with our planning. We will also consider using a grace day when we anticipate multiple closures, as we know two virtual days in a row can be challenging for families and staff. Based on your feedback, we have adjusted our virtual schedule as well, recognizing that live sessions are not always easy for families and that teaching 20 kindergarteners math online comes with its own set of challenges. You can find that information on our Weather Procedures page on our website. Thank you for your input and patience as we adapt.
Wishing you and your family a warm, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving.
Marcus Lewton
Superintendent