Distance Learning Extended until Summer
On Mar. 31, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced to his fellow Superintendents that students will most likely not be able to return to school campuses by the end of the year. Resulting difficulties for students, families and educators with continued distance learning is being considered, but Thurmond strongly expressed the importance of “a safety first approach out of an abundance of caution.”
Chief Communications Officer of Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Ryan Burris notified the students and staff of CUSD’s 37 elementary schools, 14 middle schools and 9 high schools, including Dana Hills, on the evening of Mar. 31. At this time, Ryan Burris only suggested that distance learning may continue past May 1. On Apr. 16, the hopes of a May 1 return were shut down, as Burris announced that this date would no longer be official, and distance learning was extended to June 4.
Dr. Baker, wrapping up his first year as Dana Hills’s principal, is certainly disappointed in the way it must come to an end. To the student body, Baker announces, “our campus is closed for the school year, which means we’ll continue distance learning rather than returning to our traditional classrooms. Of course we’re all disappointed about our current reality, but take comfort that all of us at Dana Hills High School will continue to work hard to give you the best personal connection and learning experience possible.”
In spite of the difficulty tied to being away from campus, school activities and loved ones, Baker urges students and staff to find a way to continue showing each other grace, empathy, and strength.
If nothing else, this is an opportunity to show that DHHS is “special in so many ways.” The goal for Principal Baker is Dana Hills being remembered as the school who took a “negative situation and turned it into a positive!”
Members of the Dana Hills Community are encouraged by Baker to use “this experience, better yourself, and really share the love with others!” Aside from improving methods of distance learning and staying connected, the staff’s priority is finding ways to celebrate students’ contributions and accomplishments.
Baker simply asks the student body to “stay hopeful, stay connected, and stay Dolphin Strong!”