Preparing for the 2021-2022 School Year

Preparing for the 2021-2022 School Year

As the new school year approaches, the Dover School District is in the final stages of preparation to welcome staff and students back. With just 12 days until staff return and 14 days until students arrive, the district has been buzzing with activity to ensure a smooth and successful start to the 2021-2022 school year.

Acknowledging Hard Work Across the District

Over the summer, tremendous efforts have been made to organize programs, fill positions with qualified candidates, and prepare classrooms for learning. Several departments and individuals were recognized for their critical contributions:

• Facilities, Grounds, and Maintenance:

Preparing buildings for staff and students is a challenging task in any summer, but the expanded summer learning program added an extra layer of complexity. Now that the program has concluded, the facilities team is working tirelessly to ready buildings for September.

• Dual Language Program Team:

The Dual Language teaching staff and supporting administration have been actively collaborating with Dr. Willem and Dr. Field to finalize details for the program’s launch. Their meticulous planning ensures this new initiative will provide a strong foundation for success. Updates on the program’s progress will be shared with the board in the future.

• Registration Office:

The registration team has been busy, enrolling 148 students since June 24, with 22 more in process. Averaging four students per day, the process involves much more than data entry, as staff work to make families feel comfortable and supported.

• District Translator:

Rosa, the district’s new translator, has made a significant impact in her first month. She has completed over 25 translations, including multi-page documents and report cards, and provided interpretation during meetings and calls. Her work has been invaluable in supporting communication with families.

A Collective Effort

As the district gears up for the new school year, it’s clear that opening schools takes a dedicated team effort. From administrators to maintenance crews, teachers, and support staff, everyone is playing a vital role in ensuring Dover’s schools are ready to meet the needs of students and families.

“It truly does take a village to open a school district,” a sentiment echoed by district leadership and staff alike.

Looking Ahead

The Dover School District is ready to embark on another year of growth, innovation, and learning. With new initiatives like the dual language program and a dedicated focus on welcoming families and students, the district is poised for a successful 2021-2022 school year.