From: Mrs. Ramona Tyson, Interim Superintendent

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information for DeKalb County School District Students, Employees, and Families

March 27, 2020

DeKalb County School District is continuing to collaborate with and follow guidance received from the DeKalb County Board of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Public Health. We are also adhering to decisions and rulings made by the Georgia Department of Education and the Governor’s Office. As announced yesterday by Governor Kemp, DeKalb County School District will remain closed until April 24, 2020. 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.

SPRING BREAK
DeKalb County School District will take a traditional spring break the week of April 6-10, 2020. There will be no digital learning during this week. Also, there will be no teleworking or on-site work unless approved by the Superintendent.

On Friday, April 3, 2020, students will receive five (5) days of meals in addition to their Friday meal. This will ensure that our students have food during the week of April 6-10, 2020.

MEAL SERVICE PLAN – (Amended)
Beginning Monday, March 30, 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.

Meal Distribution Days

Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Meals & Snacks Provided

Monday & Tuesday

Wednesday & Thursday

Friday & Saturday

Number of Meals

2 Lunch Meals & 2 Snacks

2 Lunch Meals & 2 Snacks

2 Lunch Meals & 2 Snacks

DIGITAL LEARNING UPDATE
The District will implement a teacher planning day on Tuesday, March 31st. Students should use Tuesday, March 31st, as a study hall day to complete assignments, if possible, and recharge. 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 frequently for up to date information.

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