Closing a Unique School Year and Preparing for the Future - June 16, 2020.

Dover School District Update: Closing a Unique School Year and Preparing for the Future

In a sincere address, the Dover School District leadership acknowledged the incredible resilience of its staff, the challenges of closing out a very different school year, and the forward-thinking initiatives being planned for the future. The updates highlighted gratitude, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards for education and safety.

A Heartfelt Acknowledgment of Staff Dedication

From custodians and cafeteria workers to teachers and administrators, every member of the Dover School District staff was praised for their patience, understanding, and steadfast commitment to students. Special recognition was given to staff who, under normal circumstances, would have spent these final days of the school year saying heartfelt goodbyes to their students.

“This is a very different close to a school year,” the report acknowledged. “It doesn’t feel right, but hold on—we will get through this and return to those long-held traditions that mark the end of a school year.”

E-Rate Infrastructure Upgrades

The district shared updates on two major infrastructure projects funded through the federal E-Rate program:

• Category 1: A fiber network rebuild in partnership with Altice/Optimum.

• Category 2: New switches and access points to complete the district’s infrastructure upgrade.

While the district will receive substantial reimbursements for these projects, some costs will still be incurred to complete the work. These upgrades are crucial for ensuring a more reliable and modern infrastructure for the next school year.

Curriculum Development and Atlas Integration

Plans for summer curriculum writing were also shared, with teachers set to begin working on updating course content using the newly adopted Atlas curriculum platform. Supervisors and administrators have already undergone training on the system and are building a shared understanding of what constitutes a strong core curriculum. This work will begin virtually in July, bringing new tools and streamlined planning to the district.

Reopening Plans for Fall 2020

The district is proactively planning for the 2020-2021 school year by forming a reopening committee that includes various stakeholders. The committee is tasked with developing scenarios for:

• Full reopening

• Partial reopening

• Total virtual reopening

The plans will address concerns across athletics, special education, human resources, facilities, and more, with teacher representation from all grade levels. Parent feedback will also be gathered via surveys. However, the district emphasized the fluidity of these plans, which will evolve based on guidance from the Governor and the New Jersey Commissioner of Education. Ensuring the health and safety of students and staff remains the top priority.

Program Adjustments Due to COVID-19

The district has made several adjustments to programs in response to the pandemic:

• Gifted and Talented Program: Due to the absence of 2019-2020 testing data, eligibility is being determined using 2019 scores.

• AP Capstone Program: The lack of NJSLA student data will have an impact on the program next year.

• Music Instruction: Vertical teaching (staff traveling between schools) has been suspended, and students will be introduced to lower-risk instruments. Virtual platforms are being explored to allow students to continue practicing safely. Instrument sterilization and disinfection procedures are also being developed.

Safety Measures for Shared Equipment

The district is working on protocols for the deep disinfection of shared items, including musical instruments and athletic equipment, to ensure the safety of students. These measures are part of the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19, the Dover School District remains dedicated to adapting, planning, and ensuring a bright future for its students and staff. As plans evolve and new information becomes available, the district will continue to keep its community informed and engaged.