Articles from April 2020

In order to assist in providing support for students and families needing internet connectivity, the Dubuque Community School District has purchased and installed outdoor wireless access points to provide free Wi-Fi access in parking lots at all 19 school buildings in the district. The district will be adding signage to these locations in the future.

These access points provide free internet access between 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. District-owned devices issued to staff and students will connect automatically to the district network as they do normally. Users with non-district devices can select the “DCSD-Public” Wif-Fi network. Those utilizing a Wi-Fi zone will be able to do so from their vehicle in order to reinforce appropriate physical distancing efforts.

Locations are as follows:

• Alta Vista Campus: Bus Lane
• Audubon Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Bryant Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Carver Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Eisenhower Elementary School: Upper Staff Parking Lot
• Fulton Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Hempstead High School: Bus Lane and Main Entrance (Flagpole) Parking Lot
• Hoover Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Irving Elementary School: Main Parking Lot
• Jefferson Middle School: Rear Parking Lot
• Kennedy Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Lincoln Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Marshall Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Prescott Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Roosevelt Middle School: Front Drop Off by Library and Rear Bus Lane
• Sageville Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Senior High School: Bus Lane and Main Parking Lot Near Dalzell Field Ticket Booth
• Table Mound Elementary School: Main Parking Lot Near Entrance
• Washington Middle School: Parking Lot Near Smokestack

Here are the latest updates from the Dubuque Community School District:

FREE WI-FI ZONES NOW AVAILABLE
In order to assist in providing support for students and families needing internet connectivity, the district has purchased and installed outdoor wireless access points to provide free Wi-Fi access in parking lots at all 19 school buildings in the district. The district will be adding signage to these locations in the future.

These access points provide free internet access between 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Users can select the “DCSD-Public” Wif-Fi network. Those utilizing a Wi-Fi zone will be able to do so from their vehicle in order to reinforce appropriate physical distancing efforts.

Locations are as follows:

• Alta Vista Campus: Bus Lane
• Audubon Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Bryant Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Carver Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Eisenhower Elementary School: Upper Staff Parking Lot
• Fulton Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Hempstead High School: Bus Lane and Main Entrance (Flagpole) Parking Lot
• Hoover Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Irving Elementary School: Main Parking Lot
• Jefferson Middle School: Rear Parking Lot
• Kennedy Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Lincoln Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Marshall Elementary School: Staff Parking Lot
• Prescott Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Roosevelt Middle School: Front Drop Off by Library and Rear Bus Lane
• Sageville Elementary School: Bus Lane
• Senior High School: Bus Lane and Main Parking Lot Near Dalzell Field Ticket Booth
• Table Mound Elementary School: Main Parking Lot Near Entrance
• Washington Middle School: Parking Lot Near Smokestack

WEEK 6 ELEMENTARY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES NOW POSTED
Week 6 of educational materials developed by the district’s Educational Support Team are now available on our EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES WEBPAGE. This week’s resources again include Suggested Learning Resources + Activities, a Social Emotional Learning Guide, and a variety of Student Handouts and Worksheets.

As a reminder, the district’s team has worked to be sure these resources meet the needs of learners across grade levels and of all abilities. Activities not marked with a specific grade level can be used by a wide range of students – look in the accommodations section of the resources for tips on making the learning accessible to your student!

If you are having difficulty with the resources or have questions about how to accommodate the activities for your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher(s) by email or Seesaw for assistance.

Printed copies of these packets will be available at meal delivery sites on Friday, May 1.

TESTIOWA WEBSITE NOW AVAILABLE
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds recently announced the TestIowa initiative, designed to increase testing across the state and increase data collection and contact tracing related to COVID-19. As part of the initiative, all Iowa residents are encouraged to complete a short online assessment to assist in prioritizing testing. Learn more about this initiative and take the assessment at www.testiowa.com.

GRADUATION UPDATE
Yesterday, Superintendent Stan Rheingans shared plans with the Class of 2020 to hold graduation on Saturday, June 27, with a backup date of Saturday, July 25, if we are unable to gather in June. The ceremony will be held outdoors at Dalzell Field with social distancing measures in place. READ THE FULL GRADUATION UPDATE.

Here are the latest updates from the Dubuque Community School District:

LEARNING AT ALL LEVELS CONTINUES
As you know, the district continues to provide learning opportunities for all students. These learning opportunities will continue through the remainder of the scheduled school year. While voluntary and not graded, we strongly encourage students to continue engaging in these opportunities as much as possible.

At the elementary school level, resource and handout packets, Seesaw learning activities and even classroom Zoom meetings are keeping students connected to learning.

At the middle school and high school levels, teacher-guided learning continues with students receiving lessons from teachers in many ways, including through Canvas, video lessons, and teachers and students connecting via Zoom.

We encourage our students to keep up the great work and stay connected to learning in whatever ways their individual circumstances allow.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADING
With the Governor’s announcement to close schools for the remainder of the school year, we have also been working to determine next steps with grading, particularly at the high school level.

Second semester grades for ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS were frozen as of Friday, March 13, before spring break. Students will have the following options regarding grades in these courses:

GRADING FOR SENIORS
Graduating seniors are an important consideration with grading and we remain committed to ensuring that all students on track to graduate will do so. Schools will be reaching out to students and families to discuss any barriers to graduation that may exist.

Seniors may choose to:

• • Keep the grade earned as of March 13
    • If this option is chosen, there is no action required by the student.
  • Work to improve the grade
    • To do this, students will work directly with the course instructor to turn in late work, resubmit work collected and graded prior to the closure, or retake exams.
    • Students with grades lower than they aspire to (for example, a student with a B wishing to improve to an A) may work to improve grades by re-submitting work completed prior to March 13.
    • Seniors will have until May 15 to improve grades.
    • Seniors with non-passing grades will have until May 15 to remediate to 60% or greater and receive a passing (D-) grade or higher.
  • Choose to take the class with a Credit/No Credit option
    • Students may request to change their class to a credit (C)/no credit (NC) option by May 15. Schools will be sending additional guidance on the process for selecting this option.
    • C/NC courses are not included in a student’s grade-point-average, but they will receive credit for the class if a grade of 60% or higher is earned.
    • IMPORTANT NOTE: Students planning to move on to post-secondary education should consult the institution they plan to attend to determine which grading option will be best for their individual circumstances. Students planning to play intercollegiate athletics may also wish to review guidance from the NCAA Clearninghouse or the NAIA Eligibility Center.

GRADING FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 9-11
Students in grades 9-11 may choose to:

• • Keep the grade earned as of March 13
    • If this option is chosen, there is no action required by the student.
  • Work to improve the grade
    • To do this, students will work directly with the course instructor to turn in late work, resubmit work collected and graded prior to the closure, or retake exams.
    • Students with grades lower than they aspire to (for example, a student with a B wishing to improve to an A) may work to improve grades by re-submitting work completed prior to March 13.
    • Students in grades 9-11 will have until June 1 to improve grades.
    • Students in grades 9-11 with non-passing grades will have until June 1 to remediate to 60% or greater and receive a passing (D-) grade or higher.
    • Incomplete (INC) marks may be given for students in grades 9-11, if warranted based on individual student circumstances. INC marks must be given by June 1, with further extensions given as warranted.
    • The incomplete option will allow students, including those with Individualized Education Programs, ELL services, or internet connectivity barriers, to work to improve that grade in the Fall 2020.
  • Choose to take the class with a Credit/No Credit option
    • Students may request to change their class to a credit (C)/no credit (NC) option by June 1. Schools will be sending additional guidance on the process for selecting this option.
    • C/NC courses are not included in a student’s grade-point-average, but they will receive credit for the class if a grade of 60% or higher is earned.
    • IMPORTANT NOTE: Students planning to move on to post-secondary education should consult the institution they plan to attend to determine which grading option will be best for their individual circumstances. Students planning to play intercollegiate athletics may also wish to review guidance from the NCAA Clearninghouse or the NAIA Eligibility Center.

WEEK 5 ELEMENTARY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES NOW POSTED
Week 5 of educational materials developed by the district’s Educational Support Team are now available on our EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES WEBPAGE. This week’s resources again include Suggested Learning Resources + Activities, a Social Emotional Learning Guide, and a variety of Student Handouts and Worksheets.

As a reminder, the district’s team has worked to be sure these resources meet the needs of learners across grade levels and of all abilities. Activities not marked with a specific grade level can be used by a wide range of students – look in the accommodations section of the resources for tips on making the learning accessible to your student!

If you are having difficulty with the resources or have questions about how to accommodate the activities for your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher(s) by email or Seesaw for assistance.

Printed copies of these packets will be available at meal delivery sites on Friday, April 24.

Here are the latest updates from the Dubuque Community School District:

RETRIEVING ITEMS FROM BUILDINGS
With the school-year closure announced by the Governor on Friday, we have received many questions about how families can retrieve student items that remain in schools. We are working on plans that would allow for pickup of these items while also following state and federal guidelines for social distancing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We will share these plans as they are finalized. If you need to collect an urgent item from school, such as a needed medication, please contact your school’s principal.

CLASS OF 2020 YARD SIGNS
As you know, we are committed to honoring members of the historic Class of 2020. There are many independent companies currently promoting and selling yard signs to recognize seniors. The district is in the process of ordering yard signs to celebrate the Class of 2020 at NO COST TO FAMILIES. We are working on a plan to distribute these signs to each student/family wanting one and will share those details with families as soon as plans and timelines are finalized.

GRADUATION CEREMONY
It continues to be our desire to celebrate graduation in some form with the Class of 2020. Knowing that there are many variables as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, we are working on various scenarios for holding a celebration. These scenarios are being developed over the next few weeks, and our plan is to provide an update to families on May 1.

Dear Families and Staff,

This afternoon, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa schools will remain closed through the remainder of this 2019-2020 school year. In addition to no school during this time, all sports, activities and events are also cancelled. The district learned of this news today as the Governor announced it during her daily press conference.

To our students, staff and families: Know that we are tremendously grateful for the sacrifices you continue to make during these trying times – not only regarding education, but in so many areas of your daily life. While a closure for the remainder of the school year is most certainly not what any of us hoped for, the past few weeks have shown us that together, we are capable of tremendous things.

Thank you to our amazing students and families who are working hard to continue learning during this trying time. Since last week, almost approximately 4,300 of our secondary students (over 75 percent!) have logged in to Canvas, the district’s learning management system. At the elementary level, the district is averaging 19,266 daily interactions and 7,690 daily parent interactions.

Our students and teachers are amazing!

Through the remainder of the scheduled school year, we will be here to support this continuous learning and we will continue to actively develop our plans for a return to school next year with a focus on addressing any learning gaps that occur as a result of COVID-19.

For the Class of 2020, we can only imagine the heartbreak that comes with this announcement. We are committed to honoring them and, while we know it will be in untraditional ways, it is our hope that we can provide an opportunity for them to celebrate together as soon as we are able.

Be assured that as a district, we are also 100 percent committed to ensuring that all students on track to graduate will do so. We will share more details next week with seniors regarding course grading options and graduation requirements.

During the remainder of the school year, we will also continue our work to remove barriers to student learning:

• We will continue serving meals each weekday to students who need them, and will continue providing printed elementary educational resources at those sites on Fridays.
• We will work to expand options for internet connectivity and student devices at the secondary level for students needing them.
• We will continue providing educational resources and teacher outreach at the elementary level through Seesaw, email and phone.
• We will regularly reach out to our students and families with special education and English Language Learner needs.
• We will continue checking on the well-being of our students and families, and offer assistance when possible as well as connecting them to community resources.

We will continue to provide regular updates to families and staff as we move forward – and together, we will overcome the challenges we are facing. We are #DbqSchoolsProud and our commitment to our students and families will remain unwavering.

Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Stan Rheingans
Superintendent of Schools

Here are the latest updates from the Dubuque Community School District:

WEEK 4 ELEMENTARY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES NOW POSTED
Week 4 of educational materials developed by the district’s Educational Support Team are now available on our EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES WEBPAGE. This week’s resources again include Suggested Learning Resources + Activities, a Social Emotional Learning Guide, and a variety of Student Handouts and Worksheets.

As a reminder, the district’s team has worked to be sure these resources meet the needs of learners across grade levels and of all abilities. Activities not marked with a specific grade level can be used by a wide range of students – look in the accommodations section of the resources for tips on making the learning accessible to your student!

If you are having difficulty with the resources or have questions about how to accommodate the activities for your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher(s) by email or Seesaw for assistance.

Printed copies of these packets will be available at meal delivery sites on Friday, April 17.

STATE OF IOWA LAUNCHES NEW CORONAVIRUS DASHBOARD
The State of Iowa recently launched a new Coronavirus Dashboard webpage that includes the most up-to-date information on cases of COVID-19 in the state. The webpage also includes links to state programs that may benefit families, such as food assistance programs through the Department of Human Services and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) through the Department of Public Health. You can also find this information and resources on the district’s COMMUNITY RESOURCES WEBPAGE.

Yesterday, as a district, we launched teacher-guided learning with middle and high school students. While this learning remains optional at this time, we were thrilled that in the first 24 hours, over 3,200 middle and high school students logged into Canvas, the district’s learning management platform, to connect with teachers and participate in a variety of learning opportunities.

At the elementary level, teachers have also continued to interact with students and families while supporting student learning. In the past two weeks, Seesaw (the classroom sharing platform used at the elementary level) shows we have had 9,688 parent interactions and 12,121 student/teacher interactions.

We are thankful for the effort students and families have made to continue learning at home – a remarkable accomplishment in these unprecedented times. We are also proud of the commitment and hard work of teachers and administrators as they have re-imagined learning with students in a matter of weeks.

We continue to actively explore the possibility of meeting the requirements from the state to provide required continuous learning. As we do so, we will continue to focus on offering high-quality, voluntary learning opportunities for students.

The requirements from the state pose significant challenges to public schools given the great complexity in the services we provide to the various student populations of all backgrounds, learning needs and experiences.

Please review EACH OF THE 14 ASSURANCES LISTED BELOW, which are required of public districts choosing to provide required continuous learning. These assurances are not required for private, non-public schools.

We fully embrace our mission as a public school district to proudly and unconditionally serve every single student who walks through our doors, and know that in this broad diversity of our district, we find great richness.

In addition to providing educational services, we also remain committed to supporting basic student needs – helping provide meals for students and bridging the connectivity gap for those needing internet access. While we are providing internet hotspots for families needing them, disruptions in the supply chain globally are presenting challenges to obtaining the quantity needed. We will continue to work through these challenges to best meet the needs of our students.

Regardless of the pressures placed upon us all in these challenging times, we remain inspired by our students, families and staff and will continue moving forward together – we are truly #DbqSchoolsProud.

Stay safe and healthy!

Assurances from the Iowa Department of Education to Provide Required Continuous Learning

1. FEDERAL OR STATE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS: Applicant acknowledges the responsibility to uphold all pertinent federal or state law, rules, or regulations in the delivery of its continuous learning courses or programs, including but not limited to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Titles I and III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA), and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. [ADA, Section 504, IDEA, ESSA]

2. EQUITABLE ACCESS AND SERVICES: Applicant assures that:

a. (A) All students with disabilities receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will continue to be provided with a Free, Appropriate, Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Meetings with Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams will be reconvened as necessary to determine placement and delivery of services.
b. (B) All English learners receiving services under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) will continue to receive equitable services.
c. All students living in poverty will receive equitable access to educational services.
d. All students qualifying as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act will receive equitable access to educational services.

3. TEACHER REQUIREMENTS: All instruction delivered online by the applicant to Iowa students will be delivered by Iowa-licensed and properly endorsed teachers who are assigned to instruct courses in a manner which meets the requirements set forth in Iowa Code 256.41. [Iowa Code 256.41]

4. STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: Applicant’s course content is aligned with the current applicable grade/subject area Iowa academic standards. For courses with content that is not included in state standards, the applicant’s courses are aligned with nationally accepted content standards set for the relevant subjects. [Iowa Code 256.7 subsection 26]

5. CREDIT/CONTENT REQUIREMENTS: Applicant’s current courses meet (and future courses will meet) the credit/content requirements in Iowa Code 256.7(26)(a) and if/when any gaps exist, the gap will be remediated by the district. [Iowa Code 256.7 subsection 26]

6. ADVANCED PLACEMENT: Applicant’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses have been approved via the College Board AP Course Audit.

7. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION: Applicant’s current and future Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses are aligned to Iowa Code 256.11 and taught by an Iowa-licensed teacher who is also CTE-authorized in the subject area of the course, or has 6,000 hours of hands-on work experience or a BA degree and 4,000 hours of hands-on work experience.

8. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT: Applicant’s data management systems ensure all student information remains confidential, as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

9. ACCESSIBILITY: Applicant’s web systems must be 508 compliant and conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)2.0 levels A and AA for website accessibility. (See World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) website for definition of terms)

10. RESPONSIBILITY: Applicant retains responsibility for the quality of courses, web systems, and content offered, regardless of any third-party contractual arrangements.

11. ASSESSMENT: Applicant agrees to comply with state assessment requirements, as applicable. Iowa Code 256.7(21)

12. REPORTING: Applicant agrees to provide all information as directed or as requested by the Iowa Department of Education and other federal officials for audit, program evaluation compliance, monitoring, and other purposes and to maintain all records for the current year and five previous years.

13. NOTICE OF CHANGES: Applicant agrees to inform, in writing, the Iowa Department of Education of any significant changes to its program including, but not limited to, changes in assurances, fiscal status or ownership.

14. ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES: Applicant agrees to abide by any additional assurances required by the Iowa Department of Education.

Here are the latest updates from the Dubuque Community School District:

WEEK 3 ELEMENTARY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES NOW POSTED
Week 3 of educational materials developed by the district’s Educational Support Team are now available on our EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES WEBPAGE. This week’s resources again include Suggested Learning Resources + Activities, a Social Emotional Learning Guide, and a variety of Student Handouts and Worksheets.

Printed copies of these packets will be available at meal delivery sites TOMORROW, Thursday, April 9.

FRIDAY MEAL SERVICE CLARIFICATION
Following is a list of meal site options/modifications for Friday, April 10:

Audubon Elementary School (Host: Boys and Girls Club)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. One meal served Thursday, April 9.

Boys and Girls Club (Host: Boys and Girls Club)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. One meal served Thursday, April 9.

Comiskey Park (Host: Boys and Girls Club)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. One meal served Thursday, April 9.

Convivium (Host: Project Rooted)
MEALS SERVED AS SCHEDULED ON FRIDAY, APRIL 10.

DREAM Center (Host: DREAM Center)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. Meals for Thursday AND Friday served Thursday, April 9.

Hempstead High School (Host: Dubuque Community Schools)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. Meals for Thursday AND Friday served Thursday, April 9.

Hoover Elementary School (Host: Boys and Girls Club)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. One meal served Thursday, April 9.

Lincoln Elementary School (Host: Boys and Girls Club)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. One meal served Thursday, April 9.

Marshall Elementary School (Host: Boys and Girls Club)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. One meal served Thursday, April 9.

Prescott Elementary School (Host: Dubuque Community Schools)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. Meals for Thursday AND Friday served Thursday, April 9.

Resources Unite (Host: Project Rooted)
MEALS SERVED AS SCHEDULED ON FRIDAY, APRIL 10.

Super 20 Mobile Home Park: WALK-UP ONLY (Host: Dubuque Community Schools)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. Meals for Thursday AND Friday served Thursday, April 9.

Table Mound Mobile Home Parks (both drop-off locations): WALK-UP ONLY (Host: Dubuque Community Schools)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. Meals for Thursday AND Friday served Thursday, April 9.

Terrace Heights (Host: Boys and Girls Club)
NO MEAL SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 10. One meal served Thursday, April 9.

Here are the latest updates from the Dubuque Community School District:

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER-GUIDED LEARNING BEGINS TOMORROW
As a reminder, middle and high school students will begin teacher-guided learning tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8. Students should login to their district email account after 8 a.m. on Wednesday for information from their teachers on how to access lessons. These optional lessons will be offered in an on-demand format, allowing students to complete the new learning tasks as they are able. Students will communicate with and receive feedback from their teachers during this learning. Students and families should connect with their teachers and principals via email with questions about their learning activities.

NO MEAL SERVICE THIS FRIDAY; EDUCATIONAL HANDOUTS AVAILABLE THURSDAY
Because it was a scheduled no-school day, there will be NO MEALS SERVED this Friday, April 10. Meals for both Thursday and Friday will be available for pick-up this Thursday, April 9. Week 3 printed educational resources will also be available at meal sites on Thursday.

TIMING OF DISTRICT UPDATES
The district’s first update to families regarding COVID-19 was sent on March 9 and since March 12, a daily update has been sent each weekday. As information continues to be fluid and regularly changing, the district will continue to provide regular updates to families and staff as we move through these challenging times, although it may not be on a daily basis if there are no significant updates to share. As always, all of the most recent information regarding our COVID-19 response efforts can be found on our website at www.dbqschools.org and on our official district Facebook or Twitter pages.

Dear Dubuque Community Schools Families,

I recently shared with our teachers that I saw a social media post recently commenting on how the past week has felt like the longest year ever. I’m sure that you can relate – the coronavirus situation is evolving daily, information is constant and shifting, and the uncertainty has brought new pressures and challenges to our everyday life.

As families, we know that you are now faced with juggling work, lack of work, or working from home, in addition to providing childcare, continuing social distancing efforts – and now, helping your student continue learning.

We will make it through this together.

Our teachers are longing for connections with students. They miss the energy that comes with the classroom and are working hard to navigate the new territory of keeping students engaged and learning remotely.

We are all striving for some sense of normalcy in times that are anything but normal.

As we receive and work to understand the constantly evolving guidance from the state in order to finalize our learning offerings for students in upcoming days, we will continue to put students and families first in our decision-making.

And, while we can’t promise that the upcoming months will be without bumps, we can promise you the following:

• We will be flexible – understanding that families will do as much as they can and what is best for them during this time. We ask for that flexibility and understanding in return as the situation continues to evolve.
• We will work to provide educational opportunities as equitably as possible, working to recognize and reduce barriers to learning exacerbated by this situation – knowing that for many families, their first focus will be on maintaining basic human needs during this pandemic.
• We will continue communicating regularly and transparently. We won’t always have all the answers. Information will change and evolve, and tomorrow’s answer may be different than today’s due to changing circumstances. But we will always communicate and listen.
• We will approach all of our work with empathy, realizing that this global situation presents pressures that challenge our emotional wellbeing and can enhance feelings of anxiety, fear and uncertainty. We ask that you remember that our teachers and staff are dealing with these same pressures while working to put our students and families first.

As you know first-hand, our staff are amazing – and they continue to do astounding work with students and families under arguably the most challenging circumstances we have faced in our lifetime. Families, it’s important that you know the same goes for you – we know that you are under immense pressure, are making immense sacrifices and are doing incredible work to support your family.

We will make it through this together.

On behalf of the Dubuque Community School District, we are proud to be part of the bedrock of this community. We are proud of how our families, district and community have stepped up to serve the most vulnerable among us.

We are #DbqSchoolsProud and we are in this together.

Sincerely,
Stan Rheingans
Superintendent