Dare County School Updates: Spring EOG and EOC tests for Dare students cancelled

In a recent update to Dare County parents and families, Dare County Schools (DCS) reported a successful first week of the new “Remote Learning” protocol in Dare County Schools, as well as roughly 9,000 breakfasts and lunched provided for students. DCS also stated that there will be a Spring Break week from April 13 to 17, and that the EOG and EOC tests this spring have been canceled.

Additional updates are as follows:

State Board of Education: The North Carolina State Board of Education unanimously approved the submission of a one-year waiver of federal student assessment and accountability requirements for the 2019-2020 school year from the U.S. Department of Education, which was then submitted by DPI and later approved. Thus, there will be no EOG’s or EOC’s this spring even if we return to school during the present school calendar year. The only exception could be for online AP exams. DCS is waiting for more guidance from NCDPI.

Book Mobile: DCS is working on a “bookmobile” that would provide a new book for students (once a week) to read from home. We intend to provide K-8 students with a “surprise book” at our meal pickup sites. Many thanks to DareCASA, Participate Learning and Pierce Group Benefits for the sizable donations that support this initiative. Also, many thanks to Sherry Smalley from FFES who came up with the idea, Chelsea Brantley from NHES who is coordinating the program with Scholastic Books and Elementary Education Director Kelly Flora who is directing the project.

Webinars: The district is providing professional learning webinars every Thursday for staff members. We have also shared content from this series with local preschool teachers in Dare County. Our curriculum leaders are working on a remote learning video series for parents who may have some interest in learning more about our program platforms.

April BOE Meeting: The DCS Board of Education will hold the April business meeting on April 21. This will be a virtual meeting where the community can listen via audio and submit public comments in advance. Our website will provide more information in the coming weeks.

Spring Break: While many districts have not had the capacity to jump out with a comprehensive remote learning rollout, DCS has been at the forefront across the state. Thus, the senior central office leadership team and principals met virtually last week and are in agreement that teachers, students, and parents will need a break come mid-April. Thus, we will observe spring break during the week of April 13-17.

Meals Program: Dare County Schools served nearly 9,000 meals last week in various sites across the county! Three cheers go out to Kelleta Govan, Alex Chandler, child nutrition staff and our bus drivers for their leadership and commitment! WELL DONE! I’d also like to thank representatives from Publix who have provided school supplies and Food for Thought for providing additional meals for families! Thank you, thank you, thank you! The meal program will not be open on the April 13 holiday. However, we will provide an extra set of meals on Friday, April 10 for families. The meal program will open back up and run the rest of spring break (April 14 – 17).