Welcome
September Update
Dear Parents,
On behalf of the Dimensions team, I welcome you to the 2020-21 school year. We hope your year is off to a great start. We look forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure your child(ren) can achieve their highest potential. Our staff have been preparing all summer and are very excited to work with you and your family.
I would like to take this opportunity to share some important upcoming dates:
- Virtual classes begin Monday, September 21st. If you should have any questions regarding classes please consult with your Educational Facilitator.
- Assuming the County guidelines remain the same, Learning Center classes will begin on September 28th. Please review the Learning Center Reopening Plan should you have any questions regarding safety and procedures.
Moving forward, our staff will continue to make the adjustments needed to meet the challenges of these unprecedented times.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you should have any questions or concerns.
Tony Drown
School Director
Charter Renewal and Material Revision Support: A Sincere Thank you!
We would like to thank the DCS learning community for their show of support for SDCOE Public Hearing last Wednesday evening. Your dedication is testimony to your commitment as parents to support your students in their educational journey. Thank you for being our partners in education!
Looking ahead, action will be taken on November 4th. Save the date, again your “attendance” will be important. In the meantime, please take the opportunity to send an email in support of renewal (renewing the DCS charter with the County) and material revision (the addition of a facility in South Bay) to the County Board members. A map of their representative regions and email addresses can be found here.
Fall Enrollment Survey
Representatives Needed to Serve on the 2020-2021 Parent Advisory Council and Nominating Committee
The purpose of the Advisory Council is to inform, encourage and provide opportunities for parents, staff and community members to be involved in the planning and evaluation of the school’s instructional program and improvement processes. By definition, the Advisory Council is an advisory body. Membership shall consist of up to five parents each representing a different region. Other members shall be two high school students and two Educational Facilitators, representing two different regions.
The Parent Advisory Council Meeting Schedule for 2020-21 School Year
Meetings will be hosted virtually.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
October 9th
February 5th
May 14th
If you are interested in serving on the PAC. Please complete and return the Advisory Council Application by Friday, September 25th to Susan Michaels at smichaels@myelement.org.
About the Element Education Nominating Committee
In accordance with our charters “All Board members shall be designated by a nominating committee and, where feasible, reflect the make-up of the corporation community. Each term of office shall be for two (2) years and shall expire at the end of the annual meeting in the year of expiration. Board members may serve for consecutive terms if nominated by the Nominating Committee.”
We are seeking one parent from each school to serve on the 20-21 Nominating Committee. If you are interested in reviewing the candidates and discussing their re-election, or suggesting other candidates for governance, please complete the application below.
Attendance at the nominating committee meeting can be virtual. Elections are held in December. Meeting date and time TBA.
Please return the application to Susan Michaels at smichaels@myelement.org by Friday, September 25th.
Thank you for your consideration.
Student Support
Do you have an English Learner Student?
If your child is designated as an English Learner (EL student) they need to be receiving specific support for language development. Depending on age/need, we will be using Learning Ally, Reading Horizon (TK-3), iReady (4-12), and virtual/LC class support. We support English Language Development (ELD) standards in various ways as outlined in our English Learner Service and Support information.
Do you know your student’s Learning Success Power Traits? Do they?
All K-12 students have access to a Power Traits assessment. TK-3 has an observational form, and 4-12 receive an online assessment. This assessment is not only used to guide curriculum selection, but it gives insights to a student’s strengths, interests, environmental needs, and favored modalities. This allows for a personalized learning and communication approach to successful learning. Please contact your EF or me if you have any questions. Student Support
We Are Pleased to Introduce You to the Newest Members of Our Team
Education Technology Manager
Mr. Benoni Pantoja has worked in education for approximately 20 years as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Vice President of Schools. Most of his career has been in the charter education world. He has experience with home school, traditional K-12, alternative education, and online learning platforms. Recently, he was a COO for Dream Catcher Program, an online career-readiness curriculum. His love for purpose-driven education, technology, and student-centric learning led him to Dimensions Collaborative.
Mr. Pantoja is a graduate from UC San Diego with a BA in United States History and a double minor in Spanish Literature and Ethnic Studies. He also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Loyola Marymount University along with his Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential.
Mr. Pantoja enjoys hanging out with his family, creating podcasts, staying active, and learning about new innovative technologies.
Academic Counselor
Mr.Greg Hawkins has worked in K-14 education for eight years, as well as working in the private sector for several years. Mr. Hawkins has served as a teacher in northern California, a College and Career Specialist, and an Adjunct Professor at The College of Southern Nevada.
Mr. Hawkins holds a B.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University, and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Mr. Hawkins also holds a Pupil Personnel Services credential in California, as well as being an NCC (National Certified Counselor) through NBCC.
Mr. Hawkins enjoys hiking with his wife and dog, mountain biking, traveling, and being a foodie.
Staying Connected!
DCS Homesite and Parent Portal
By now you should have logged on to the DCS Homesite and Parent Portal with your student school email. There you will find a calendar, news, and other important forms and documents.
Facebook DCS Parent Group
- We recently created a private DCS Parent Group. If you have not joined, please take a moment to do so. We will be posting news and information about upcoming parent workshops and events. Please use the link below to join the Dimensions Collaborative Parent Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcsparent/
Contact Us:
Website: www.dimensions.org
Location: 1441 Montiel Road, Escondido, CA, USA
Phone: (877) 300-8299
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dimensionscollaborative/