Student Programs, Parent Support, and Reopening Plans March 16, 2021

Student Programs, Parent Support, and Reopening Plans

The February and March 2021 Dover School District updates highlighted the district’s efforts to support students, engage parents, and navigate the transition back to in-person learning. Key programs and initiatives reflect the district’s dedication to fostering a connected and supportive learning community.

Tiger RAP Student Programs

The Tiger RAP program continues to partner with the high school guidance department to deliver essential presentations on:

• Conflict resolution

• Harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB)

• Substance abuse

In February, Tiger RAP staff, alongside Ms. Lynn Tucci, focused on the topic of healthy relationships. Future presentations will feature staff from Prevention is Key, a Morris County nonprofit dedicated to addressing substance abuse, addiction, and violence through education and advocacy. Upcoming topics include The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, offering students tools for personal and academic success.

Parent Workshops: Connecting During Distance Learning

To support parents navigating virtual learning, Inspired Instruction is offering a series of workshops titled Connecting and Communicating with Your Child During Distance Learning. These sessions are designed for parents of students in grades 7–12 and will be held on:

• February 18

• February 25

• March 4

Workshops are bilingual, ensuring accessibility for all families.

Reopening Plans and Teacher Collaboration

As the district prepares to welcome students back into classrooms, significant efforts have been made to collaborate with teachers:

• Dr. McLaughlin and district leadership held 28 meetings with staff to discuss reopening plans, gather feedback, and address concerns.

• Teachers were encouraged to maintain open lines of communication to ensure a smooth transition. As noted, “No one person can whistle a symphony; it takes a whole orchestra to play it.”

Additional meetings are being scheduled to continue supporting teachers during this critical time.

State Testing and Data Collection

While the state’s waiver request for the 2021 administration of standardized tests remains pending, the district is participating in the Spring Assessment Data Collection Initiative. This process requires teachers to evaluate student performance as a group, categorizing students as above, on, or below grade level in key subjects:

• English Language Arts (K–10)

• Mathematics (K–8, Algebra I & II, Geometry)

• Science (K–11, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth & Space Science)

The district must submit this data by April 16, and internal processes are being developed to meet the deadline efficiently.

Looking Ahead

Dover School District remains committed to providing robust support for students, parents, and staff as it navigates the challenges of pandemic learning and the transition back to in-person instruction. With student programs, parent engagement workshops, and careful planning for reopening, the district continues to prioritize the well-being and success of its community.