DIXON, CA (MPG) - Can’t remember when spring break is going to be? Want to know what to do if your child is getting bullied? You have three children at three different schools, and you’re having difficulty keeping track of schedules? 

The new Dixon Unified School District website is now live and, although not completely finished yet, offers the answers to these questions and more for parents and students. Even teachers will be able to post their assignments, and the District Superintendent and Principals can post weekly updates.

And, in a simple dropdown menu, there is every language anyone local might think of that will instantly change every bit of information into Spanish, Taiwanese, Dutch, or any other language.

The news was presented by Shawntel McCammon, Coordinator of Outreach, Engagement and Innovation, who has been working on the project for several months and was proud to present it to the school board at last week’s meeting. 

When some of the board was a bit skeptical about staying current, McCammon was quick to report that the website offers the ability for scheduling posts and having drop off dates as well that will help keep the new site current. They also have simple training for all teachers and staff.

The site looks clean and light with pictures of the six mascots of the various schools that anyone can easily see and go directly to their desired school’s information. This includes Anderson, Gretchen Higgins, and Tremont Elementary Schools, John Knight Middle School, Dixon High School and Maine Prairie High School.

“Dixon Montessori is a separate entity,” said DUSD Superintendent Brian Dolan, “so was not included but they have their own website,” he added. Board members commented that they had waited six to nine years for this to happen and all seemed pleased.

In another Board discussion, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Nick Girimonte reported on the Two-way Bilingual Immersion Program which started in one class at Gretchen Higgins this year.

“If you don’t want your Kindergarten student in the program next year, you will have to change to Anderson or Tremont. Students will not get to enter the program after kindergarten,” he said. When asked about costs, he reported that they were in the process of writing a grant, and that the “District feels they’ll get funding to offset any costs.” 

The District has been working with consultants who are convinced Dixon is ready to move ahead and get started, but there is much more to do to promote the program to parents. As of two weeks ago, there were 27 enrolled.

“Keep in perspective that we are only talking one grade, not the whole school, so there is only one group of teachers to be trained,” Girimonte said.

At the end of the meeting, Board President Caitlin O’Halloran reminded that March 17 is the next School Board Meeting, Spring Break is April 4 through 8, and that April 21 is the next School Board Meeting after that.