The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is ready to have your child Rise Up with DPSCD when the new school year begins on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 which will include an effective safety mitigation plan, expanded programming options as well as plans to enact one-time COVID funding into facilities improvements and technology infrastructure.
District-wide safety measures aligned with CDC and local health guidance
DPSCD’s procedures for safe in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year will be extensive. Mask wearing will be required for all students, teachers and staff; class sizes will be smaller; social distancing will be the norm (desks being three feet apart); school buildings will be deeply cleaned and checked as will school buses; all students, teachers and staff will receive daily symptom screening and temperature checks; and mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing will be in place for all employees and students (parental consent required) with non-invasive saliva testing. Handwashing and other hygiene-based measures will be practiced. Your child’s health and safety will be of utmost importance to DPSCD as they return to school on September 7.
Bringing students and families back to DPSCD schools
Preparation for the return of students for the fall has been in the works throughout the summer. It has included making direct connections with all students and families through a home-visits initiative, led by the District’s Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE). The home visits provide an opportunity for families to learn how DPSCD will prepare their students to be career and college ready through expanded programming and services.
Meeting the academic needs of students
To help your child Rise Up with DPSCD for the 2021-22 school year, the District will ensure access to grade level learning and academic intervention. This will be done with scheduling and instructional materials that provide access to meaningful on-grade-level work while systematically addressing unfinished learning from the pandemic, through intervention and credit recovery work during the school day.
DPSCD will also provide your student with academic support beyond the normal school day which will include after school sessions as well as Saturday tutoring.
Expanded mental health and medical supports
On the heels of the pandemic, meeting the social-emotional needs of your student will be at the forefront of having them Rise Up with DPSCD in the 2021-22 school year. Working with trusted partners, the District will offer students and families holistic services to address the trauma of the past year which will include support for depression and anxiety along with cognitive therapy services. DPSCD will continue to place a nurse at each school to attend to the medical needs of students.
Enhancing infrastructure now, while planning improvements for the future
Managing and deploying District resources responsibly, transparently and equitably to support student success is one of DPSCD’s priorities. The District will receive $1.2 billion in one-time COVID relief funding.
For the current fiscal year (FY 22), DPSCD will make significant enhancements to infrastructure such as HVAC, roofs, masonry and window repairs as well as building interiors and systems electrical, mechanical and plumbing. Meanwhile, the District is working on a 20-year facilities master plan to drive strategic investments in real estate and facilities to modernize DPSCD schools.
Enrollment options abound
DPSCD has many options for you to enroll your child for the 2021-22 school year. In addition to the District’s brick and mortar schools, starting this year, DPSCD will offer a new K-12 Virtual School.
To read more about the criteria to apply for the District’s Virtual School, please visit detroitk12.org/enroll. Students who are new to DPSCD and interested in applying to the Virtual School are asked to please visit bit.ly/21-22NewStudent.
With expanded programming options, nurturing school environments staffed by caring teachers and staff, DPSCD is the place for your child this fall. Be sure to attend the Back-to-School Expo on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 to get more information and enroll your child. DPSCD is saving a seat for you and can’t wait to have your child Rise Up with DPSCD this fall.
Content brought to you by Detroit Public Schools Community District. Learn more at the DPSCD website.
