The District’s next steps are to have families formalize their interest by July 10

DIXON, CA (MPG) - In this great summer weather, students are hardly thinking of school, but it’s still a good time to have them mark their calendars for August 11 as thankfully, Dixon Unified School District will fully re-open at full capacity for the 2021-2022 school year and will offer hybrid learning options.

DUSD will still have to follow all CDPH guidance in regard to safety protocols required at that time which at press time includes masks and there will also be additional support for students for mental health.

Something new for students and parents who want to continue with on-line instruction, the district is exploring an Independent Learning Program model. Families have expressed interest in having their child(ren) continue to learn at home after experiencing distance learning and return to hybrid in the 2020-2021 school year. Other families shared that they have ongoing concerns about health and safety due to COVID-19. As a result, Dixon Unified wants to offer a choice and provide families with flexibility. 

An initial interest survey was sent out to all families via email to gather feedback. Nick Girimonte, Assistant Superintendent, Coordinator of Outreach, Engagement, and Innovation, Shawntel McCammon and Principal of Maine Prairie High, Yvette Ramos conducted a Zoom meeting on June 29, to facilitate an overview of the Independent Learning Program and answer the most asked questions. The meeting is available for viewing on the District website by clicking the Board Meetings tab and then Virtual Board Meeting Info.

Here are some highlights of the meeting:

DUSD is currently in the planning stages of an Independent Learning Program. Curriculum materials will be provided and aligned with District programming, but it is important to note that this program is guided, but self-directed. There will be a large amount of technology use and online learning including, but not limited to projects, accessing Google applications, etc. This program is NOT what students had in the 2020-2021 school year which included Zoom and daily interaction/instruction with teachers;

Families will be required to complete a Master Agreement which will outline the roles and responsibilities of the student, family, teacher advisor and District for the Independent Learning Program. Students will not be supervised throughout the day by a teacher advisor and encourage families to ensure that students are completing assigned work;

Student progress will be measured and monitored. Students will follow the same curricular outlines as students who are attending school in-person. This includes assessments; Students can switch back to in-person/regular program at any time;

DUSD encourages students with disabilities to return to in-person instruction to receive their legally mandated specialized services. DUSD encourages English Learners to return to in-person as well. If your child is not at grade level, Independent Learning would not best suit him or her as this program is guided, but self-directed. Any student that falls behind regular coursework will be returned to the regular program.

The District’s next steps are to have families formalize their interest by July 10, via completing the Master Agreement which is available on the District’s website. There will be an update to program development on July 15 at 6 pm to the School Board. For more information, call DUSD at (707) 678-5582.