In early September, DPSCD students, teachers and staff returned to school — both face-to-face and online. In the weeks to follow, the district has been hard at work helping families get connected and finding new ways to provide support services. At the same time, the district has been working to ensure all students are in class every day.
“This pandemic has taken its toll on our families and students, and we know some of our students are experiencing hardships we can’t imagine, from the loss of loved ones, depression, financial strain and lack of support. We are making it a priority to reach each student and every household to ensure our students are supported and are in school every day online or face-to-face,” says Chrystal Wilson, spokesperson, DPSCD.
DPSCD is also recruiting community ambassadors to help get the word out that it’s time for families to get connected. To join DPSCD’s efforts, sign up by using this form or call 313-873-7490.
Parents who have not yet connected with DPSCD are encouraged to ensure their child is enrolled at Detroit Public Schools Community District by calling 313-240-4377 or visiting detroitk12.org/enrollnow.
DPSCD has a variety of tools to get families connected, whether face-to-face or online. Here is what families need to know about the return to school and some key resources for making it a successful school year.
Online learning help hotline
Families and students can begin calling DPSCD’s Online Learning Help Hotline between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding District holidays). The Online Learning Help Hotline is live at 1-833-466-3978, and DPSCD staff is prepared to provide daily assistance.
During the evening, families will continue to have access to the homework hotline and the mental health support line.
This comes as an addition to the expanded Parent Academy support for online learning until mid-October. DPSCD will host online learning sessions Monday through Thursday, and Saturday. See the schedule in Peachjar, which can be shared in a text, as a photo, and printed for safe keeping. Peachjar is the District’s e-flyer web bulletin board and anybody can sign-up to receive e-flyers for the District or specific schools.
Need support with your device or connecting to the internet? DPSCD families can use the following information for assistance:
- Text “INTERNET4CF” to 562-372-6925
- Online form: human-i-t.org/internet4cf
- Technology/Device Support: Text “HELP4CF” to 562-372-6925
- Online form: help4cf.org
Homework Hotline
To support families at all times, the district is also continuing its Homework Hotline program, which is for all K-12 students who are seeking homework help in math and English Language Arts/Literacy. The Homework Hotline is offered during the academic year (excluding holidays), Monday–Thursday from 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Call 1-833-466-3978 during operating hours and follow the prompts for assistance.
Mental Health Support Line
In addition to technology and homework assistance, DPSCD is providing a Mental Health Support Line, offering online counseling to students and parents and referrals for additional services.
The Mental Health Support Line will be offered during the academic year Monday–Thursday, from 5 p.m.–8 p.m. DPSCD families can call 1-833-466-3978 during operating hours and follow the prompts for assistance.
Please note that District hotlines will not operate on days that schools are closed for holidays. Please view the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar for dates. For more information, visit www.detroitk12.org/HomeworkHotline.
Instructional overview
Whether students are participating in learning at home, with a teacher in a classroom, or at a learning center, DPSCD is committed to raising student achievement by developing student-centric and family-focused learning pathways. Watch these videos to learn more about what instruction looks like for face-to-face and online learning across each grade band within the District:
- VIDEO: What to Expect for Elementary Instruction this Year
- VIDEO: What to Expect for Middle School Instruction this Year
- VIDEO: What to Expect for High School Instruction this Year
COVID-19 screening tool for families
DPSCD requires temperature checks and screenings daily before entering school and district buildings. Each day, families can give their children the following screening test to ensure their family is healthy. Should a child experience any of these symptoms, families are encouraged to keep them at home and call their health care provider right away.
Is your child experiencing any of the unusual symptoms below?
- A fever (temperature greater than 100.4 F)
- A new or worsening cough
- A shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing
- Runny nose and/or congestion
- Body aches and/or tiredness
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- New loss of smell or taste
These are some of the basics. There’s a lot more to learn about DPSCD’s return to school plan, including helpful FAQs and additional resources.
